Stuck In Line? Science Says Waiting Is Actually Good For Your Brain

If you’ve ever stood in a Tim Hortons lineup behind someone ordering 12 double-doubles and 14 bagels “all toasted differently,” take a deep breath — science says this might actually be good for you.

Yup. According to new research, waiting isn’t wasted time — it’s mental fitness.

It strengthens your self-control and helps you resist short-term temptations (like rage-posting about slow service) in favour of long-term goals (like inner peace… and coffee).

The Pause That Pays Off

Apparently, those tiny pauses — before hitting send on an email, before grabbing your credit card, or before saying something you’ll regret in a group chat — are brain gold.
They create just enough space between impulse and action for your mind to say, “Maybe don’t.”

And that’s the secret power of waiting: it gives your brain room to breathe.

RELATED: 3 Surprisingly Weird Ways to Keep Your Brain in Tip-Top Shape

Silence Is Golden (And Weirdly Productive)

Waiting and silence can actually boost creativity and communication, too. That “dead air” before a meeting starts or that awkward moment when no one’s talking in the car?

Your brain is quietly reorganizing itself. It’s connecting ideas, sparking creativity, and maybe even figuring out what to make for dinner that everyone will eat.

The Mindful Wait

Not all waiting is created equal, though. Around the world, people experience waiting differently.

Some cultures treat it as a chance to reflect; others treat it as a sport (looking at you, folks refreshing concert ticket sites).

But researchers say that intentional waiting — adding a little mindfulness, gratitude, or savouring to the mix — can turn idle moments into opportunities for well-being.

So the next time you’re stuck in traffic, in a grocery line, or waiting for your kid to finally find their shoes, remember: this is your brain’s version of yoga. You’re not wasting time — you’re training your patience, your focus, and your sanity.