How to Pass the Time in a Waiting Room

Welcome to purgatory...

Whether it's at the doctor's office, dentist's office or auto repair shop, the waiting room can mean an endless visit to purgatory. The visit often consists of nothing to look at and nothing to read, but you can change all that by preparing ahead of time for any visit or appointment that may require a bit of waiting around. So pack a small bag or purse, and arm yourself for the wait ahead of you.

Things You'll Need

• Book or magazine
• Laptop
• Pen
• Paper
• Cell phone

Instructions

1. Think about other times when you have visited this establishment or similar establishments. Use this as a basis for how long your wait time may be.

2. Evaluate what other tasks you need to get done fairly soon and determine whether any of them may be accomplished in the waiting room. Standard tasks like listening to voicemails, returning calls (you should step outside), creating a grocery list, responding to emails, addressing envelopes or cards that you need to mail, studying, or catching up on your magazine or book reading can all be easily accomplished in a waiting room.

3. Pack your bag according to what you need to get done. Include things like a pen and paper, envelopes, magazines or books, and even your laptop if it is not too cumbersome and can be carried easily.

4. Sign in at the front desk and settle into your seat. Pick a chair that is near the coffee table or end table, if possible. Try to give yourself some room to work.

5. Begin going about your tasks. An easy way to get started is by making a list of all the things you need to get done, whether these tasks can be accomplished in the waiting room or not. This way, you'll still have an itemized and prioritized list to help you get through the rest of your day.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to be courteous to others in the waiting room. Do not spread all of your paperwork out onto the one waiting room table or talk loudly on your cell phone. Though you definitely want to be both comfortable and stimulated, you don't want to impede on someone else's comfort either.

• Ask the receptionist whether cell phone, laptop or other electronics use is permitted within the waiting room, especially if you are at a hospital or doctor's office.

• If you've brought children with you to the waiting room, be sure to keep them entertained as well. Do not allow them to run around the waiting area while you're engulfed in your inbox.