This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GCU chapter.

In our lives, we sometimes go through periods where we have to wait. We wait to hear good news. We wait and hope that what we’ll hear will not be bad news. It might a job we are waiting to hear back from, or how an exam went. Whatever the waiting that you’re doing is, it’s important to use that waiting period productively. It’s okay to think about the outcome, but don’t spend all of your time thinking. Here is some advice on what to do while you wait.

1. Journal

Journaling is important to process what it is that you’re waiting for. Write down what would happen if you got the happy news. Write down what would happen if the news weren’t good. However, try not to engage the negative outcome as much. It’s important to remain positive.

2. Go for a walk

A walk is a great way to distract yourself from your thoughts. Go for a walk and take in the beauty around you. Take special note of things you hadn’t paid attention to before. If it helps, write about your walk too.

3. Process your feelings

Processing your thoughts is one thing, processing your feelings is something else. Take note of how you feel, maybe you don’t want this after all. Maybe you would not be so disappointed if the news were bad.

4. Work, work, work

So, you’ve processed how you feel and what you think about this situation. It’s important to put the thought out of mind. It’s out of your hands. You did your best (even if you didn’t, there’s no way you can go back in time). Realize you did the best you could at the time. Get to work on a project or homework and focus on that while you wait.

5. Speak to friends

Friends and or family, are good at hyping you up. Let them tell you about how you tried your best, and your true talent will shine out in the end. Allow them to hype you up and believe what they tell you.

6. Remain hopeful

It’s good to hope for the best. Maybe things went better than you think you did. Allow yourself to be hopeful. Allowing yourself to be hopeful doesn’t harm you in the long run. If the news isn’t good, you’ll feel disappointed. But even if you didn’t allow yourself to fully be hopeful, you’ll still be disappointed.

7. Be patient

When the waiting gets hard, be patient. The days will pass. It will all be over soon and you’ll know whether the news is good or bad.

While you wait, remember that everything will be okay. You got this.

What to Do When the Waiting Gets Hard