A new socially distanced normal is upon us and one thing we are all doomed to experience is some pretty long queues!

We British are used to the odd queue or two, but with new safety measures and restrictions, queues will now become part of our everyday life. From banks and post offices to shops and supermarkets, you name it, there will be a queue!

Instead of using the time to complain and stamp our feet, there are a few things we can use our newfound queue time to do. Here are 10 things to keep ourselves occupied and even complete some chores while we’re stuck in a queue!

Make a shopping list

Ever entered a supermarket to buy a loaf of bread and come out having spent 30 quid? We’ve all been there! Instead of risking panic buying and shopping hungry (big mistake), make a list of exactly what you need before you go into the store. This can apply to food shopping, DIY stores and even clothes shopping. Stick to your list and save your spending!

Reply to your emails

Emails are the one thing no one has time for! If you can access your emails on your phone, why not use this free time to sort them out. Now you don’t have to worry about them when you get back from a stressful shopping marathon!

Sort out your finances

Finances are always a nightmare and no one wants to spend their spare time sorting them out. But, while you have nothing better to do, why not make a start! Plan your spending for the month, manage your savings and work out how much you can afford to spend in the shops you’re about to enter. Plus, being two metres apart means no one can look at your details. It has its perks!

Reply to a friend

Every day you promise yourself you’ll reply to the text your friend sent you a week ago or give your pal that doesn’t live near you a call. Well, no time like the present! If you’re gonna be there for a while, have a call catch up and arrange when you’re going to have that socially distanced meet up you keep talking about.

Read a book

The book you’re obsessed with or been meaning to start, do it now! Load the e-book onto your phone or download the audio version to listen to. Getting into a good book will pass the time super fast!

Bring a snack

Plan ahead and pack yourself a nice snack for while you wait! Bring something easy to eat whilst standing like a sandwich or just your favourite chocolate bar to make the queuing a little sweeter.

Do some secret exercises

During lockdown, we’ve all found new ways of completing our exercises (or haven’t done any at all!) We don’t mean start a complete HITT session in the middle of the supermarket car park but do some secret ones instead. Try out some calf raises, stomach crunches or squeeze your bum in and out. You’ll tone up and no one will suspect a thing!

Listen to a podcast

Podcasts are a great way to pass the time. There are all sorts of topics from comedy sketches to educational talks, so you’re bound to find something that takes your fancy. You won’t even notice the time!

Decide what to have for dinner

The ‘what’s for dinner chat’ can sometimes take up a lot of time. Decide what you fancy or text the other half, you have time for the long convo at the minute! It will give you something to look forward to.

Practice deep breathing

If you’re prone to becoming stressed and irritable in a queue, deep breathing is a great cure. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly and feel the stress slip away. Or, you could download a meditation app such as Headspace for a 5-minute session to keep your super calm.

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Tags: Lifestyle Tips, Lockdown 2020