If you’re like most of us, you hate standing in line. We go to the post office, we stand in line. We go to the bank, we stand in line. In fact, statistics suggest that the average American spends an incredible five years of their life standing in line! Just think what we could accomplish if we could put that time to better use. Here are eight ways to be productive while standing in line.
Catch up on Communications – Although it may be rude to talk on your cell phone when in such close proximity to others, texting or e-mailing is certainly acceptable. Use this time to catch up on both business and personal communications. Just pay attention to your surroundings; no one appreciates a line-lagger.
Make a Grocery List – Studies show we spend less when we go to the grocery store prepared with a list. Take advantage of your line time by starting that list. Keep it in your purse and add to it the next time you’re caught in line; it shouldn’t be long.
Read the News – It seems like we have less and less time to spend keeping up with what’s going on in the world. Why not utilize your time in line by reading the day’s headlines?
Knit or Crochet – While this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, avid needle workers can practice their craft anywhere. Keep a small project in your bag and get to stitching. It may save you from having to watch the kid in front of you pick his nose.
Clean Out Your Purse – This is something many of us don’t do until it becomes so much of a hazard the health department leaves a notice on our door. Spend this time to ferret out all those gum wrappers, wadded receipts and mystery widgets we can’t identify.
Rehearse Something – Do you have a job interview or performance review coming up soon? If so, use this time to anticipate questions and rehearse your answers. Just make sure you do so silently. Otherwise, that ambulance you hear in the background may be coming for you.
Exercise with Hand Grippers – Many of us complain about not having enough time in our day to exercise. Well, here’s at least a partial solution. Carry a pair of hand grippers in your bag and start squeezing.
Do Kegel Exercises – Speaking of squeezing, did you know that kegeling can help prevent and treat incontinence in both men and women? That’s something to think about. It may not be a problem yet, but by the time you’re finished standing in line, it may come in handy!
Sources:
Steven Hands, “Internet Marketing Psychology and Intriguing Facts,” WebProNews.com