Waiting is a universal experience—whether you’re anticipating a meeting, waiting in line, or killing time before an appointment. But have you noticed how often you turn to “other things” to fill those moments? Scrolling through your phone, organizing a cluttered desk, or even starting a completely unrelated task becomes the default behavior for many. Why do we do this? Is it procrastination, productivity, or something deeper?
Let’s explore the psychology behind this behavior and its potential impacts on how we use our time.
The Psychology of Waiting
Waiting can create a unique mental state. It’s a period of inaction when our brains expect something to happen but lack immediate engagement. This state often triggers discomfort or restlessness, which we instinctively try to resolve.
1. Avoiding the Discomfort of Idleness
Humans are wired to prefer action over inaction, even if the action is trivial. This phenomenon, called “action bias,” occurs because doing something feels more productive than doing nothing—even if the activity is unrelated to the primary task or outcome.
2. The Need for Control
When you’re waiting, you’re in a passive state, reliant on external factors. Engaging in other activities can restore a sense of control over your time, making the wait feel less frustrating.
3. Distracting the Mind
Waiting often brings a heightened awareness of time, which can feel agonizingly slow. By diverting your attention to another task, you can “trick” your brain into perceiving the time as passing more quickly.
How This Habit Can Be Both Helpful and Harmful
Filling waiting time with other activities has its pros and cons, depending on the type of tasks you choose and your intentions.
The Benefits of Doing Other Things While Waiting
- Boosted Productivity:
Using waiting time for small, manageable tasks—like replying to emails or organizing your calendar—helps you get more done in less time. - Reduced Stress:
Engaging in tasks you can control, like tidying up or reading, can lower stress by keeping your mind occupied. - Enhanced Creativity:
Switching to unrelated activities can trigger creative thinking or help you approach problems from a fresh perspective.
The Downsides of This Behavior
- Loss of Focus:
Jumping into unrelated tasks might derail your focus, making it harder to return to the primary activity or goal. - Procrastination Disguised as Productivity:
Engaging in “busy work” may give the illusion of productivity while delaying the tasks that truly matter. - Increased Anxiety:
Trying to “use every moment productively” can backfire, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or rushed.
Common Scenarios and Why You Fill the Gaps
1. Waiting for a Meeting or Call
You might check emails, browse social media, or jot down ideas because you’re mentally preparing for the upcoming interaction while avoiding the awkwardness of doing nothing.
2. Waiting in Line
Scrolling through your phone or listening to a podcast helps distract from the monotony and impatience that comes with standing still.
3. Waiting for Food to Cook
Cleaning the kitchen or catching up on texts can make you feel like you’re “making the most” of the time instead of standing idle by the stove.
Strategies for Using Waiting Time Effectively
While filling waiting time with activities is natural, being intentional about how you spend those moments can make a big difference.
1. Identify Your Priorities
Ask yourself: What’s the best use of this time? Whether it’s self-care, a quick task, or simply resting, choosing consciously ensures you align your actions with your goals.
2. Embrace Mindfulness
Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing at all. Practice mindfulness or deep breathing during waits to recharge mentally and emotionally.
3. Keep a “Micro-Task” List
Have a list of small, easy tasks that don’t require much focus. Use waiting time to check off these items without losing sight of your larger priorities.
4. Avoid Overcommitting
Resist the urge to multitask excessively. Remember, it’s okay to take a moment to relax or simply be present.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Filling waiting time with other activities is a natural response to the discomfort of idleness and the desire for control. While this habit can enhance productivity and reduce stress, it’s important to be mindful of how and why you’re engaging in those tasks.
By consciously deciding how to use your waiting time—whether by doing something meaningful, relaxing, or simply pausing—you can turn those moments into opportunities rather than just distractions. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is simply wait and let time take its course.
