Buzz
Having something exciting to look forward to is always enjoyable, but the wait can sometimes test your patience. The more you anticipate the event, the more eager you become for it to arrive. Fortunately, by keeping yourself occupied with various activities, exploring new experiences, and staying grounded in the present moment, time will pass swiftly.
Guidelines
Keeping Yourself Engaged
Engage in physical activity. Exercise not only promotes physical well-being but also serves as an effective distraction. It directs your focus towards your body, diverting your attention from dwelling excessively on the forthcoming event. Consider attending a yoga session, going for a jog, or simply indulging in a few minutes of stretching exercises.
Spend time with friends. Hanging out and socializing can help distract you from eagerly awaiting the event. Engage in conversations about their latest updates or shared interests, but refrain from discussing the anticipated event, even if they're looking forward to it too.
PRO TIP
Stefanie Chu-Leong
Owner & Senior Event Planner, Stellify Events
Owner & Senior Event Planner, Stellify Events
Insight from Our Expert: 'Before any major event, I gather my team for a thorough rundown of the agenda. We go through each detail meticulously, followed by a moment of prayer to instill calmness yet excitement. We conclude with high-fives, laughter, and words of encouragement before heading to the venue.'
Take on a long-postponed project. Have you been delaying the organization of your closet for ages? Perhaps you've been eyeing that stack of old t-shirts, pondering turning them into a quilt. Now's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a project, whether it's practical or purely for enjoyment. It'll divert your attention from what you're eagerly awaiting, and you'll relish the satisfaction of finally completing a task you've been procrastinating on.
Support a cause close to your heart through volunteering. Directing your focus towards helping others can alleviate concerns about your own affairs, making volunteering an excellent diversion while you await your event. Identify charitable causes you're passionate about and explore local organizations or charities addressing them. Chances are they're seeking volunteers.
Acquire a new skill. Engaging in a fresh hobby will occupy your thoughts and fill your schedule, reducing the time spent pondering the event you're anticipating. Experiment with something entirely novel, or sample various activities to discover your preference.
Take on a part-time job to occupy your leisure time. Even if you're currently employed, adding a bit more work to your agenda can keep you engaged while awaiting your exciting event. It'll provide a source of occupation, and you'll earn extra income simultaneously. Seek opportunities that align with your schedule, allowing you some downtime for relaxation.
Distract Yourself
Indulge in a captivating book. A healthy dose of fiction can effectively divert your attention from the eagerly awaited event. Opt for something intriguing or thrilling that will easily captivate your interest.
Immerse yourself in nature. Taking a moment to slow down and surround yourself with tranquility can often enhance your patience. Find a serene park or simply relax in your backyard. Pay attention to the small wonders such as insects traversing through the grass and the gentle rustle of leaves in the trees.
Enjoy a compelling TV series. Television can serve as a great distraction when you're trying to avoid thinking about something, especially if you're engrossed in an exciting or intense show. Find a series that intrigues you and tune in whenever you need a distraction.
Take time for self-pampering. When thoughts of a fun future event persist, indulging in present-moment enjoyment can be beneficial. Treat yourself to a spa day complete with a luxurious bubble bath or a relaxing massage. Alternatively, spend a day cozying up in bed with a good book or TV show.
Engage in people-watching in a public setting. Shopping centers, public parks, and town squares provide excellent opportunities to simply sit and observe others. Bring along a picnic and invite a friend to join if desired. Focus on observing people's interactions, attire, destinations, and anything else you can learn by watching them.
Embracing the Present Moment
Embark on a new adventure. People often engage their minds more intensely during novel experiences, making it an effective strategy to divert attention from the anticipated event. Enroll in a class, explore a new location, or socialize with different people than usual.
Avoid constantly checking the time. While it's tempting to track the moments until your awaited event, doing so can heighten the sense of anticipation. Refrain from constantly monitoring the countdown, or limit yourself to occasional checks every few days or weeks.
Find joy in the anticipation. Waiting can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be unpleasant. Anticipation for an exciting event can be enjoyable. By reframing your perspective on waiting, you might discover the ability to cherish the experience.
Cultivate mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness by slowing down and embracing the present moment can alleviate the discomfort of waiting. Observe your thoughts without judgment and focus on simple details like your breath or the ambient sounds. Immersing yourself in the present environment facilitates detachment from thoughts about the future.
Keep things in perspective. While the upcoming event may feel like the center of your world, remind yourself that it's just a single moment in your life. Eventually, it will become a cherished memory among many others. Anticipate that there will be numerous thrilling experiences awaiting you beyond this one. Shifting your focus away from this specific event can alleviate the impatience of waiting for its arrival.
Helpful Pointers
-
Regardless of your excitement, strive for realistic expectations, or embrace the event without any expectations at all. This approach allows you to fully embrace and appreciate the event for what it is.
