Hello. My name is Dresdyn and I'm a recovering Instagram addict. It's been a week since I pulled the plug, and here's just a little bit of why:

1) The pressure is real.

Hashtag goals! Relationships, bodies, vacations, naps--whatever it is you're doing, social media can tell you how it should look. Here's a hint, you're never doing it right.

2) I was continuously distracted and dissatisfied.

Cat videos and memes are great, but sometimes I want to talk social justice or issues and solutions or anything that matters. Sadly, these things are no longer considered share-worthy or socially acceptable in within the parameters of social media.

I’m not saying social media is bad, but when do you step back from the constant stream of pictures you won’t even remember tomorrow and think about things that truly matter? After taking that step, here's what I learned.

1) The roses smell better when they’re for you.

Flowers are always pretty, but they don’t quite light up your face like when they’re meant just for you. Constant sharing makes us believe that everything is meant for someone else. We may still see the beauty and even take a whiff, but we don’t feel the awe or that tingle in our tummies. Put down the phone and forget all the double taps you may miss out on. That sunset or "share-worthy" moment is just for you!

4) I can lead by example.

Not having my head down all the time proved to be intensely freeing. When I was alone, I found myself in unexpected conversations and connections. When I met with friends, the same happened. When we do our best to banish our phones from our social time, the act is contagious.

Maybe you won't feel the need to disconnect entirely, but take it from a survivor, connections were meant to be deeper and silence sweeter than what we've come accustomed to. Do yourself a favor and give it a break, even just for a day or a week. You won't regret it!