On average, studies suggest that people spend 45 to 60 minutes a day waiting.
We all find ourselves waiting from time to time, whether we are standing in line at the coffee shop, sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, or enduring a lull between meetings. Going through a major life change makes it even more difficult to wait, as you often start stressing about your situation the moment you find yourself pausing without anything specific to do.
Waiting 45 to 60 minutes a day adds up to approximately 11 to 15 days a year.
Over an average lifespan of 70 years, this waiting time amounts to about 2 to 3 years of your life!
Imagine using your waiting time to not only improve your mood during a major life change but also supercharge your creativity and productivity!
We are getting better at using the time we have to wait, for example by listening to a book while we are driving, but having to wait, unexpectedly, for a (hopefully) short time, still often annoys us so much that we do not even think of using this enforced waiting time constructively.
We all have our phones with us these days, and as soon as we have to wait, for whatever reason, we get our phones out to check our texts, emails etc.
Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting. Joyce Meyer
Once you have done that, how about using these small blocks of waiting time to become more productive and creative? Below, I have listed 10 ways you can use to change sort waiting periods into productive experiences:
1. Micro-Journaling
Take a few minutes to reflect by writing brief thoughts or observations in a notebook or on a journaling app. Use prompts such as”What’s one challenge you’re currently facing, and how could you approach it differently to spark a creative solution?” or”List three things that inspire you today—how can you incorporate that inspiration into your next project or task?”or “What’s one small action I could take today to make progress toward a larger goal? Reflect on how it could impact your productivity.” or “Think about a time when you were most productive. What circumstances or habits helped, and how can you recreate that environment?” Not only will this improve your self-awareness, but it may also spark brand new creative ideas or clarify your goals.
2. Doodle or Sketch
Carry a small sketchbook or use a drawing app to doodle or sketch while you wait. You don’t need to be an artist. While often seen as a mindless or trivial activity, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that doodling can stimulate cognitive processes and spark creativity in several ways. Letting your mind wander while creating simple sketches can stimulate new ways of thinking and improve problem-solving skills.
3. Learn a New Skill
Make waiting time productive by learning something new. Apps like Duolingo for language learning or Skillshare for acquiring new skills can turn a 5-minute wait into a mini-learning session. Over time, these micro-sessions add up, enhancing both your personal and professional growth.
4. Write Mini-Stories or Poetry
Challenge yourself to write short stories or poems during downtime. For example, creating a story inspired by your surroundings in only 6 words forces you to distil your thoughts and ignites your imagination ex. “For sale: Engagement ring. Never used.” It’s an excellent way to practice creative thinking.
5. Mind Mapping
Instead of passively scrolling through your phone, try mind mapping. Jot down ideas related to a current or future project. Use a digital app to help you organise your thoughts. You may uncover solutions to problems or discover new directions to explore, maybe not immediately, but later in the day or in the week, because you have instructed your mind to start working on the problem while you were waiting for your morning coffee.
6. Practice Mindfulness for Mental Clarity
Take the opportunity to practice mindfulness. Focus on your breathing or simply observe your surroundings without judgment. I usually do the “5 Senses Exercise,” bringing awareness to the present moment by consciously focusing on and noticing what I can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch in my immediate environment. Practising mindfulness while waiting not only reduces stress but also enhances your focus, which can improve creativity and decision-making in the long run.
7. Solve Mental Puzzles
Engage in mental exercises by working through puzzles, riddles, or brainteasers ex. Braingle, Puzzle Prime, Riddles.com and Mindgames.com. These activities can sharpen your mind, enhance your critical thinking skills, and encourage innovative problem-solving, which are essential in today’s fast-paced work environment.
8. Capture Creative Photos
Use your phone to capture photos from unique angles, focusing on details like textures, light, or reflections. Taking pictures of everyday objects in your environment forces you to see things from a fresh perspective. This not only improves your creativity but also sharpens your eye for detail—a skill useful in many professions.
9. Curate Playlists or Content
Use waiting time to create themed playlists or organise digital content. Whether you’re curating music to fit different moods or organising resources for a project, taking time to categorise and structure information can spark new ideas and get rid of clutter.
10. Make a Gratitude List
This is probably the most powerful option on this list. A gratitude list often highlights what truly matters to you. Reminding yourself of who and what you value, can guide you to focus on meaningful tasks rather than getting caught up in busywork, helping you be more productive and purposeful in how you spend your time.
Sometimes, I am so tired that I use waiting times simply to rest. I begin by making a gratitude list, to avoid spending my precious waiting time worrying. Waiting doesn’t have to be passive or unproductive. Unless you need your waiting time to rest, engaging in one of these activities can transform those small moments into opportunities to fine-tune your mind. The next time you find yourself standing in line in the supermarket for a few extra minutes, try one of these options – you might be surprised to discover how it can energise and enrich your day.
How do you stay productive while you are waiting? Share your thoughts or favourite strategies in the comments!
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