New research reveals that waiting periods can boost self-control and benefit mental health outcomes. Ayse Burcin Baskurt, Senior Lecturer in Applied Positive Psychology at University of East London, explains that waiting helps people regulate thoughts and emotions when long-term goals clash with short-term temptations. Studies show brief delays before eating, spending, or responding to emails create space between impulse and action. Research on coaching conversations found that silence allows better thought processing and reflection. Waiting can spark creativity and deeper focus through moments of reflection. Positive psychology suggests four practices to maximize waiting benefits: savoring anticipated events, practicing gratitude during unavoidable waits, reframing waiting as rest opportunities, and using mindfulness to turn irritating delays into emotional regulation moments. (Story URL)
PHONE TOPIC: Tell us about the long wait in your life that really paid off