15 Healthy Things To Do When You Are Waiting

"Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting."
  Joyce Meyer

At some point we all encounter it: waiting,  In fact, there is even a room named after it -- the waiting room.  But, all our waiting does not occur just there. We do a lot of waiting in our cars, in store lines, on hold on the phone at home, at the airports, outside for buses and trains, and even for friends to show up.

Yes, a lot of waiting and it sure feels like a a lot of time is wasted. But, it is inevitable at times, so let's make the best of it, shall we?

Still Waiting? 

The line hasn't moved? Oh well! Try one of these healthy moves next time you find yourself waiting and waiting and waiting some more . . .


1.  Meditate.  Yup, even five minute increments will do, and here is just how to go about it.

2.  Let loose.  Make a list of every positive action you want to take over the next three months for a better, healthier life.  Let your thoughts flow. Just keep writing. Go back and assess it later.

3.  Give a kind message.  Text three friends or family members and give them a positive message.  Even a simple, "I am thinking about you!" is pretty nice!

4.  Cut a move.  If no one is looking. do some lunges, even a push-up or two.  Want something a little less rigorous? There are loads of simple stretches here.


5.  Plan meals.  Think of three healthy meals you can make over the next few days. Here are simple but inspiring ideas.

6.  Breath right.  Deep breathing can do wonders for your nervous system.  Dr. Weil has three ways to do it right here.

7.  Speak up.  Talking to yourself is totally fine by me, but even better, strike up a conversation with someone else who is waiting. You may learn something or even make a new friend.

8.  Pace.  At least you are moving and not sitting. Sitting too much creates all kinds of health problems. My husband paces all the time when he is on the phone waiting and he is really trim!

9.  Rest the peeps.  Yes, just close your eyes and rest them.  They work so very hard all day.  More ways to care for those windows to the soul right here.

10.  Hydrate.  Drink a full glass of water.  You probably didn't even realize your were thirsty!  Dehydration can really drag your body down, but the power of proper hydration can make your feel so much better.

11.  Visualize positive outcomes.  Think of your life in bright, joyful ways.  Reflect on happy times you have had and how to recreate a bit of that again.

12.  Register for a fitness class on-line.  Now is the time to try that new yoga or spin class.  Let Groupon trigger ideas.

13.  De-clutter.  Clean out your purse, your briefcase.  Being organized helps lower stress, after all.

14.  Stroll about.  If you know the wait will be a while, take a walk.  Anywhere, but outside in the fresh air, even better.

15.  Be still.  Do absolutely nothing. I think this is one of my favorites.  We are always so purposeful most of the time.  Let your mind wander.  Sometimes, it really has a good message you need to hear.

I bet you have great ideas of how to handle waiting time. What should be number 16, or 17 or . . .? What else can we do when we spend all that time waiting? Let us know in the comments!

photo credit: Splitshire.com

Need a bit more?

• Would you like to have some friends over but don't have the time to do it? These tips make an impromptu get-together a snap.

• Want to make the most of your time on your trips? Here are travel tips you may find helpful.

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