We seem to always be waiting for something - to see a doctor or dentist, to check out of a store, for traffic to move, for kids to finish sports practice, for car repairs or an oil change. Even a five minute wait can seem like forever if your mind has nothing to do.

These lulls in our busy lives are exactly what we need - time for our bodies and minds to rest, review, and plan. But how can we deal with the impatience caused by having to wait?

Here are a few suggestions for being prepared for a lengthy wait:
1) Keep a novel or book of short stories in your car to read as you wait.
2) If you crochet or knit (or any other handicraft), keep a small bag with some
materials you need in it.
3) Keep a small notebook and a pen to use to write poems, notes, grocery or to-do
lists.
4)Take along a puzzle book - crosswords, circle words, Sudoku, etc. Make sure you
have a pencil and eraser, too.

Sometimes the wait isn't so long, and it's impractical to get out a novel or your crochet. You just need something to occupy your mind for a few minutes. Try these:
1) Recite the names of the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White. This normally takes a
little time because people can usually remember only six.
2) Name Santa's eight reindeer, and, no, Rudolph isn't one of them.
3) What were the gifts for the 12 days of Christmas? Sing the whole song.
4) Meditate, or pray. It's a proven stress-buster.
5) Ponder some story or article ideas. As a matter of fact, the idea for this
article was conceived while waiting for a tire to be changed.

Good luck, and happy waiting!

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Foster.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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