With the sweeping epidemic of Netflix rapidly gaining popularity, many students are falling into its unhealthy cycle of late night binge-watching. With access to any TV series or movie at the click of a button, it’d be hard not to.

This may seem all fun and innocent at first glance, but the realization that you’ve fallen victim to the clutches of Netflix soon sets in after watching an entire season of American Horror Story in one sitting.

I personally do not own a Netflix account, but I know many people who do, and let me tell you, it is not pretty.  Countless times, friends of mine have come to school in a zombie-like trance, complaining to me that they did not go to bed until 2 A.M.

“But why?” I ask.  It’s always the same answer.  “Netflix.”

Netflix addiction affects, not only grades, but also social lives.  Sometimes the idea of staying home, curled up with a blanket and a bag of chips sounds so much more appealing than going out with friends.

But is that really how you want to remember your high school days? When you look back at your life 20 years from now, do you want to remember nights filled with friendship and laughter or dark rooms, junk food, and a small, bright computer screen?  I am almost certain the answer is the former.

With that being said, I have come up with some tips and alternatives to Netflix, so you can look back on your teenage years with a little less regret.

• Instead of watching any old TV series or movie, watch something inspirational or action packed.  That way, after you’ve finished watching the movie or show, you will want to go out and save the world or climb some buildings or something.  If you watch some sappy chick flick, you’ll most likely just want to sit there and cry about your life.
• The impending spring weather is a great excuse to go outside and get some fresh air, especially after this crazy winter.  Go for a hike with some friends.  Harford County surprisingly has some great places.  The King and Queen Seat is super neato if you’re not afraid of heights… Also, nature is free! Yay!
• If you still feel like staying in, invite your friends over. That way you can be lazy but also be surrounded by fun people.  Play Scrabble or a board game.  My friends and I like to play Headbandz when we’re bored.  It always gets the party started.
• Go for a bike ride. This is self-explanatory, bikes are super cool.
• Bake some things.  If you’re bored on a Sunday afternoon, look up some recipes and make delicious baked goods for your family. Everyone will be happy and you will win best family member of the day.
• Actually do your homework.  College, kids. College.
• I hope these tips help.  Just remember to think to yourself before clicking the next episode “Is this really what I want to do with my life?”  Let the guilt sink in, you know it’s true.

Caitlin Wolfarth is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.