During the last few weeks, I unintentionally started three little detoxes that had one major effect. 

First, I took the stats off my blog. I know. I know. Numbers tell a story and it's important to know what readers want. I agree and I'm sure I'll add them back someday. But, for the last five years, I've checked my blog stats at least once (sometimes hourly) every weekday. Those numbers - your approval - are addicting.

But, the truth is, while the numbers might tell a story, I think my heart tells a better one. So if I am yearning to talk to you about body image and dating, but my stats are telling me to blog a recipe, I want to trust my gut and hope that someone out there could use the heart post instead. 

Second, I took a break from Instagram. I wanted to stop the mindless scrolling, the constant comparison and the inevitable jealousy it makes me feel. When I'm in bed on a Friday night and everyone else is out, or when other bloggers have a gajillion followers, or other girls have the skinniest legs ever. Those are all things that are great for other people and I know this to be true. But when I'm cruising on Instagram in my bed, my mind wanders - wondering why I don't have plans, more followers and skinnier legs. That's not good for me one bit.

{disclaimer: I did look at a few pictures of my new baby niece, Posie. And it was worth it! But I didn't scroll :)}

Third, and most drastically, I took a week off from coffee. Guys. I was drinking it too much. I had moved past my one cup a day habits and was moving into the two-to-three zone. And, I drink it so slowly that I'd still be drinking it by lunch, which meant my water consumption wasn't up to my standards. 

Three little lifestyle changes that equalled one big impact. All three of those habits are serotonin-releasing. And, all at once, I cut them off. The hardest part was day three of the coffee detox; I felt like I was on the verge of tears all day. Caffeine is real! 

What I've learned over the last few weeks is this:

1. Real world love, conversation and connection are better than any like you get on social media. Do we all know this? Yes. But it's easy to forget when you get a bunch of likes on one photo or a slew of new followers. 
2. Connecting with people about what's on your heart is way more powerful than connecting with them about what is pinnable. 
3. Coffee is still really great. But I remember, once, when I was in elementary school, someone told me Carmex was addictive, so I immediately told my sister I needed to stop using it, because I never wanted to be addicted to anything. I still feel that way. And, if anything begins to control us or we can't break free from it (i.e. a headache without caffeine or checking Instagram on the way to the bathroom ---> guilty!), then we might be a little addicted. And I don't want to have addictions, whether it be Carmex or coffee need not matter.

So, that's what my accidental serotonin-detox taught me. Now, I'm going to go get one, reasonably sized cup of coffee. Happy Monday!