I know I’m not the only one who guards their precious obligation-free moments with as much fervor as their stressed, exhausted lives allow. The pressure to do well in school and get into a good college really consumes a good portion of one’s life. Between classes, homework, clubs, sports, and other resume-padding activities, there hardly seems any time left at all to read a novel,  get some exercise, or just plain relax and de-stress.

However, I think generally high school students, myself included fritter away any spare moment they might actually have. I, on more than one occasion, have found myself, blissfully, with a free afternoon. I have miraculously finished my homework, studied for all upcoming tests, and have no obligations for the afternoon. My time is entirely my own.

However, before embarking on what is sure to be a productive and well-spent block of time, I plop down on the couch with my iPhone for a quick scroll through my Instagram feed. Before too long, I’ve somehow mindlessly traveled through half the apps on my phone and the sun has gone down: my prized free afternoon is gone. It was wasted away because of the hypnotizing draw of the various apps, websites, and texts that captivate easily-distracted minds.

I think we, as a generation, often don’t appreciate what we have because we don’t take the time to realize what we have and make the most of it. Instead of doing something productive, we procrastinate on everything: including making the most of a break. I could have gotten some exercise, taken a nap, explored the town, practiced a hobby, any number of fun and relaxing things, really. However, I was sucked into the black hole that is the iPhone.

So, my advice to you is this: finish your homework, leave your phone at home, and go do something worthwhile.