How to Use Your Dead Time: Standing in Line or Waiting in Traffic Can Be Productive

Everyone has times when they are doing nothing, because they have nothing to do. Or it seems. But you always have a choice about what you do. For example, being struck in traffic does not have to mean being totally idle. Waiting in line at the grocery store need not be the most boring 15 minutes.

Just what can we do to avoid linear lassitude? Bring a portable digital assistant (PDA), filled with fun games. Carry some flash cards of foreign vocabulary to learn. Bring along puzzles, such as chess, crossword, or word jumbles. This will entertain you and alleviate the boredom.

Technology can be a great friend. Download useful and educational programs to your cell phone. Or consider getting internet access on your cellular phone. While in line learn some history, medicine, frisbee, or tai chi. If you have free texting on your cell phone try out google's SMS service. You can query google's engine by dialing 466453.

Another way to utilize time in line is to calculate how much everything costs. No, I am not saying pull out your Texas Instruments 89 calculator while waiting at Walmart. But do it this way - round up or down to the nearest dollar. It works surprisingly well. Also, after estimating the cost this way, count up the total number of items. This way you'll avoid getting ripped off by a quick extra button press with the laser scanner.

One form of boredom we all seem to hate is traffic. All big cities have it. When you're in the middle of rush hour and crawling along, think outside the box. I had a calculus teacher who said once that perspective helps him to deal with traffic. When he's stuck in traffic he observes the architecture and shapes of the buildings around him. He examines houses, thinking of all the work and admiring the beautiful structures around. He becomes relaxed, and no longer sits anxious and glued to the next bumper.

I believe he was sending us a deeper message - to make the most of the situation one is in. He really meant that we should benefit as much as possible from the seemingly useless periods.

And what is the alternative to looking at the bright side, of trying to do something useful? It is being restless, irritable, and impatient. Or at least unproductive. This is not really good for one's health. Why raise your blood pressure about something out of your control? It is far better to calmly engage in your activity, and before you know it you're done anyway.