Waiting for the Bus? 8 Ideas to Pass the Time Efficiently

Regardless of what you plan to accomplish each day, waiting is not something that we can avoid. Whether it be at a bus stop, the doctor's office, the post office, or the line at the supermarket, there are no shortage of these situations. Instead of looking at the clock repeatedly or checking our phone without reason, we can turn these boring (or maddening) moments into an opportunity for spiritual efforts and good deeds. Following are some ideas worth adopting.

1. Call Your Parents

The mitzvah of honoring your parents is very dear, and every conversation strengthens the family bond and enhances appreciation. If your parents are not available, you can call your grandparents and brighten their day with a short chat.

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2. Do Acts of Kindness

At a public place such as a bus stop, there are often opportunities for acts of kindness. Perhaps you can offer assistance to someone who is looking for a bus line, to hold a door open, to help carry heavy items, or just to chat with someone who may want some company. Every small mitzvah adds merit to us and brings much light to the world.

3. Recite a Chapter of Psalms

Each chapter of Psalms that we recite adds merit and can be helpful to us and our loved ones. If you have a Psalms app on your phone, you can use the time to read a few chapters, asking G-d for blessings and protection for ourselves and others.

It is also a good time to recite "Tikkun HaKlali", a series of ten Psalms compiled by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

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4. Listen to Torah Lessons

Today there are many apps and online content for learning Torah, Mishna, Talmud, and Pirkei Avot. A few minutes of study at every free opportunity can accumulate into many hours of Torah over time.

Books of ethics such as "Mesilat Yesharim," "Chovot HaLevavot," or "Shaarei Teshuva" are excellent ways to fill time. Reading a chapter or short passage from a book of ethics can inspire and guide us towards positive thinking and good deeds.

If you prefer listening instead of reading, consider listening to Torah lessons. There are many podcasts and recorded lessons you can listen to while waiting.

5. Strengthen and Enhance the Community

If you have friends or family who need spiritual strengthening, you can use the time to write kind words, encouraging messages, or share links to interesting Torah lessons. In this way you are strengthening connections with the community and encouraging others to draw closer to Hashem.

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6. Practice Faith in Hashem

Sometimes, we get so caught up in daily routines that we forget to stop and think about the essence of life and the Creator. 

The mitzvah of faith in Hashem is a central foundation in Judaism, and can be fulfilled at any time and in any condition, even through mere thought. Faith in Hashem includes recognizing that He is the Creator and ruler of the world, and that everything happens according to His will and plan.

Waiting in line provides us with an excellent opportunity to thank Him for all the good He has given us and to ask for the things we need.

7. Reflection and Self-Examination

Use the time for inner reflection and "self-examination". Think about your actions, review the path you're on, and check if there are things you can improve or correct. Also, consider how you can become a better person and grow spiritually for yourself, your surroundings, and the Creator.

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8. Prayer to the Creator

If the time is right for it, you can use the waiting time to recite the morning blessings. It's a wonderful way to start the day with gratitude to the Creator for all the good He gives us.

If you haven't yet recited the Shema of Shacharit or Maariv, this is a great time to do so with intention. The Shema is a significant mitzvah that includes accepting the yoke of Heaven and saying "Love your neighbor as yourself."

You can also take the time for a short, heartfelt prayer. Personal and special prayers on topics close to your heart—for health, success, or guidance—are never lost.

There are clearly many ways to make free moments meaningful and productive. By using our time wisely, we can benefit in this world and the next.