Having an unexpected few hours of free time when a meeting cancels can cause anxiety about how to use the time to their best advantage. This can cause even more anxiety by preventing the person from finding a good alternative use of the time.
Every time you say to yourself, at home or at work, “If I ever have a few hours (or a few minutes), I want to ___________,” make a note. This activity can be anything at all—take a bath, plant a garden, organize photos, clean the garage, organize your tools, reorganize your files, clean out desk drawers, and so on.
Transfer your note to a running list that you keep. Divide this list into:
- Things that take 30 minutes
- Things that take an hour
- Things that take 3 hours
- Things that take a day
Carry the list with you, and whenever you are faced with the dreaded unexpected “free” time, select something from the list that fits the available time. You will be certain that you wanted to do it, you will be able to select something quickly, and that anxiety will be relieved.
As you complete tasks, cross them off and add more to the list from your notes.
via 10 best ever anxiety management techniques