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The Conversation
The Conversation
Ayse Burcin Baskurt, Senior Lecturer, Applied Positive Psychology, University of East London

Waiting isn’t a bad thing — it can actually boost your wellbeing

Don't dread those moments where you have to wait – see them instead as an opportunity. Maria Markevich/ Shutterstock

Waiting can be boring, which is why we typically do anything we can to avoid it. We fill moments where we have to wait with something to keep our minds busy – such as scrolling on social media, reading the news or listening to a podcast.

But waiting isn’t always bad. Research shows that it can be beneficial as it improves self-control – an ability important for many social, cognitive and mental health outcomes.

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