50 Ways to Survive Long Lines

Lines are a fact of life in our busy worlds. But being stuck in them can really get under our skin. What to do?

1. Get in line at off times.
2. Sort out your bag or pockets while waiting.
3. Bring a book.
4. Play a game like "I Spy" or "20 Questions" with your kids.
5. Tell yourself "this wait won't even matter in a couple of hours, so don't sweat it."
6. Get the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.
7. Strike up a conversation and chat with your waiting neighbor.
8. Decide that you are not going to be angry.
9. Give yourself more time than you need. If you are not in a rush, you will be less likely to be angry.
10. People watch. Try and figure out people's stories.
11. Organize your wallet or purse.
12. Text some people you have been meaning to contact.
13. If you have your blackberry, do some emails.
14. Listen to music on your iPod.
15. Work your calf muscles by stepping up on your toes. (A little weird, but who really cares?)
16. Bring a magazine or read a magazine in line.
17. Smile instead of being a sour puss. You just might start to believe your own press.
18. Solve a problem you haven't had the time to think about.
19. Close your eyes and visualize yourself in a relaxing place.
20. Make a To Do list.
21. Schedule your day.
22. Listen to a book on tape.
23. Grab something out of your car before you get in line to keep you busy.
24. Always have a small notebook and pen on hand.
25. Keep music with you, even if it is a portable CD player or, rue the thought, a cassette.
26. Go through your messages on your cell or even your home phone.
27. Concentrate on either doing something productive or relaxing.
28. Try some deep breathing, while you close your eyes.
29. Bring a hand held electronic game. Fun, but turn the sound off.
30. Pay a bill.
31. Write a note to someone.
32. Listen to the sounds around you. Tune out everything else.
33. Plan to do something fun later in the day and daydream about it.
34. Keep a couple of things in the car or your bag to always keep you busy when you are waiting.
35. Organize your receipts.
36. Always have a pen on you.
37. If you have to write a note and don't have a card, you can always jot down a draft and transfer it when you have the right card or note paper.
38. Tell yourself waiting is a part of life. No big deal.
39. Double your estimate of how long you think it will take and you will be pleasantly surprised.
40. Think of a happy memory and put yourself there.
41. Organize your money so it is not little bunches of misshapen bills scrunched together.
42. Pick a pocket of your briefcase or bag and organize it.
43. Get all garbage out.
44. Smile at someone.
45. Model patience for your children.
46. Play "rock, paper, scissors" with your kids.
47. Make a list of the appointments you need to make.
48. Make a master list of things you want to do for your home.
49. Dream of where you want to be in 5 years.
50. Think about where you would like your next vacation to be.

Try any of these tools and stop the madness of waiting in line!

Have a great week!

Maria