How often have you texted someone, and found yourself waiting around for hours for a reply? Or, tried to start a relationship with someone — whether platonic or romantic — and found yourself waiting for them to make a move to further things? Well, if you are a typical college student, both these things have probably happened to you on more than one occasion. Why do we subject ourselves to a lifetime of waiting? In my experience, I have found that time is an incredibly valuable thing to waste, and we need to take advantage of every second we can because we never really do get that time back. That time you spend waiting for someone can be put to such better use, like bettering yourself, finding adventure, napping, or simply living life. Here is a list of suggestions of what you can do instead of waiting for someone.
1. Plan your future.
Take a stance, grab a pen and paper, and jot down a list of goals you hope to achieve. Writing down goals has proven to be helpful in actually achieving them, and it also helps you take a realistic look at the next few yeas. Next time someone asks if you have a five-year plan, you can give them something worth hearing!
2. Take a challenge.
The internet is FULL of challenges! Whether they be something to do with fitness, health, or creativity, you can always find ways to push yourself. And if nothing online piques your interest, think about doing something that has always made you nervous, and just do it!
3. Learn a new skill.
Similar to taking a challenge, learning a new skill can be a daunting task. But, it may prove to be useful either in your studies, your career, or your personal life! This skill can be something like a new language, crafts, Excel (the horror!) or knitting! Either way, this will broaden your capabilities which will no doubt help you in the future.
4. Take up a hobby.
Like learning a new skill, taking up a hobby will add something new and exciting to your life. How often do you get asked "what do you do for fun?" and realize you have nothing to say? Well, not anymore! Maybe you can learn to play the guitar, paint, sing, cook, or play a sport! The possibilties are endless. Find what works for you and make it worth your time!
5. Make some memories.
Odds are that if you are waiting around for someone, there are still plenty of people who are dying to spend time with you! Call some of them up, or make new friends and go make some memories. Memories don't have to be extravagant or expensive, they can be as simple as exploring your town, going for a hike, or grabbing a cup of coffee. Do whatever you think is fun, and live it up!
6. Get Ahead.
Again, this could apply to both academic and professional life. If you're a college student, you probably have some work you have yet to start, whether that is resume building, studying for a test, or writing a paper. Well, instead of waiting for someone, work on that which you have neglected! You'll thank yourself later.
7. Get Fit.
Lose weight, get in shape, increase your heart rate, better your overall health. Is there any downside to working out? I don't think so!
8. Treat Yo Self.
Do you want a manicure? Do you want to bake and eat sweets? Do you want to ignore the world and take a nap for 6 hours? Do it! But be wise in treating yourself; remember that money and time do not grow on trees and as an adult you still have responsibilities so emptying your bank account or sleeping the day away may not always be the best choice, so keep in mind; everything in moderation!
9. Lose yourself in a book.
Reading is the cheapest and easiest way to travel all around the world and the time and space continuum (that might be a tad expensive, considering it's impossible). So, find your favorite book or stop by the library and get to reading!
10. Meditate.
Give yourself the peace of mind that you deserve and relax. Breathe in deep, listen to calming music, light a candle (but keep it away from flammables). This will not only help you relax, but it will also give you a MUCH needed break from the realities of life.
11. Write.
You do not have to be Shakespeare to produce quality work. Write down your thoughts, and feelings, join them together with a few rhymes and you've got yourself a poem/song. Or, take a recent experience and turn it into a story. Writing is great for the mind.
12. Focus on YOU.
Do whatever makes you happy and do it as long as you like. You were not made to wait for someone. You are not meant to live for someone else. Live for yourself, do what makes you happy, and make yourself a priority.
Next time you find yourself waiting for someone to give you the time of their day, think about how you can better spend that time. Staring at your phone or waiting for them in a cafe is not going to make you feel any better. But doing any of these eleven things may, and that is what you should focus on. Make yourself smile. Besides, waiting for people is so not cool!
