You might read this and think you might have misclicked and got redirected to some parenting blog ran by a twenty something stay at home mom blabbing on about how to stop lil’ Timmy from dropping the F bomb in Walmart when you won’t buy him a Snickers, but no, this message is directed to you- anonymous high school student.

In the modern age, communication has advanced at a lightning pace. Whether your friends are down the street or across the globe, they are made accessible all the same by the click of a mouse or tap of a phone. This is amazing in a multitude of ways. We live in a world where love can transcend continents, and family never has to feel far away, so as long as you have an strong Internet connection or a phone signal to carry a call.

But, in times like these, where connectivity is assumed due to these technological developments, it can be hard to find time for ourselves. We’re all perpetrators of this to some extent, we get frustrated when people don’t text back immediately or we get left on read. This can seem pretty arbitrary as often the negative response is warranted, but people have adapted to this pressure to reply, to like, to post. Many become reliant on this ability to reach others instantaneously, so it’s important in response to establish distinct boundaries so that we don’t become overwhelmed due to this same assumption our friends, families and peers are subject to, each and everyday.

Some days are harder than others, we’re nearing the end of the semester, and tension is at an all time high as the temperatures begin to skyrocket in anticipation for summer vacation. Balancing work, school and social life can be particularly difficult at this time. With extra curriculars reemerging in the presence of sunshine or senior burnout tempting you to skip that math class, while you can do your best to prioritize academics, sometimes it’s good to take some honest time for yourself. It can be simple as telling someone you don’t really feel like talking right now, or deleting your social media apps for a few days. Maybe you don’t take that extra shift at work tonight and you decide to wake up a little later tomorrow and make yourself a tea to start your morning off sweet.

Your time is your most valuable thing. It can’t be bought, or borrowed. You do not have to commit to everything and anything offered to you. You have permission to say no to things, even if that makes you a buzzkill, killjoy, or party-pooper.

Now, I’m not suggesting to smash your desktop with your little brother’s little league bat, or to go backpacking in the south of France with nothing but a swiss army knife, I am just asking for one moment each day, make time for the child in you. Maybe you want to finger paint, or to day dream on your bed while staring at the ceiling. This activity doesn’t have to be productive, you don’t have to even be good at it! What matters is that you find a way to feel present.

Your time is your most valuable thing.

Use it wisely.