Have you ever noticed that when you’re anticipating something or just waiting for something to happen, but time passes extra slowly, as if the needles of the clock have a mind of their own?

This happens in many situations. For instance, when I was waiting for my CAIE O Level result. It was really important as my future college admission depended on those grades. But what had been really worrying was that during the examination period, there were political protests due to which some components of the papers were cancelled. As a result, Cambridge University would be marking those components with a predicted grade. That meant that the chances of getting good grades were also very slim. It’s very unfortunate, isn’t it?”

But the most disturbing kind of time is the one spent waiting. So, while I waited for my result, I became really fidgety as my heart rate picked up and my mind automatically conjured up various scenarios. The wheels in the brain started spinning super-fast, leaving me feeling helpless and frustrated.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “waiting for an exam result” circumstance for time to pass way too slowly. It can be any situation where something you think is big or life-altering is going to happen. It can be anything from “the anxiety before going into surgery” to “the intense moments before elections are announced where you are the losing/winning candidate.

The best way, I realised, to be relaxed and stress-free in these moments is to distract yourself with something else. Trust me, distractions are all that you need. Your mind can take a break while you do different activities and engage yourselves in other tasks, rather than just sitting and agonising.

For example, instead of sitting around and waiting for the result, I decided to upgrade my room a little bit. This helped me indulge in tasks like making DIY crafts, designing frames and brightening up my closet. If you just look for ideas, you will find that there are numerous things you can do according to your interests.

Lastly, remember that there is a superpower above. If you have faith, you pray and are overall grateful for all the blessings that you already have; if you have diligently worked hard, trust God and leave the rest to Him, you will overcome your anxiety. Always be hopeful to find good things in store for yourself.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 9th, 2023