Hate Waiting? 10 Survival Tips for the Bored and Impatient

Since discovering i have ADD and then re-starting school, i've found that having a knitting or crochet project on hand is a brain-saver. Crochet is especially good for small projects, but some like to always have a sock project to carry around . . . i work whilst walking, waiting, reading (yes, it's possible), waiting for computers to run diagnostics -- and in lecture classes. i've found that if i don't, i don't pay attention to the teacher as well, and if i must take notes i can put my yarn down. (Haven't figured out how to do this during a math class, however!)

In social situations i'm usually uncomfortable; i've found that working on a project then also helps. In these instances i may also be working on a stitching project or handspinning. My circle of friends understand that i am paying *better* attention with my hands busy, and have much less anxiety.

i would really encourage folks to learn to knit or crochet (if not spin and stitch). Even if all you ever do is scarves and potholders, the mental relief is worth it!

I'm so glad you mentioned the hyperactive brain!  Inattentive is just so not what I am!

I just wish I could figure out how to listen to my husband when he re-tells the same long detailed story for the millionth time.  He usually has a new point at the end, but when I know how the story goes from trying to learn and remember all the details previously, I start to think about other things before he gets to his new message!

Fidgety & bored because...

Waiting in line? Solution: Play a game on my phone (poker!).

Talking to someone dull? Solution: Act interested and fake a stomach ache for an escape. Not ideal but hey, it works. Lots of people think I have IBS :)

In traffic? Solution: Make sure you drive an automatic car so you can multitask with your hands. Again, phone games. Not safe? Make sure the game allows you to look away whenever you need to. So, no timed games, like tetris.

Long car rides? Solution: make sure you're driving.

Waiting for people to get to the point? Solution 1: Don't assume you always know what they're going to say. If you do always know, then the person is overly predictable and probably really boring. Solution 2: Make sure your friends are interesting. Don't be afraid to start over and meet new people if you're not on the same wavelength as the people around you.

Sitting through a boring movie? Yikes. Select movies more carefully. But if you're stuck in the situation, medicate. Can't medicate? Do to the bathroom. Again, IBS :)