We all have to wait in lines -- but we don't have to waste our time. Use these five tips and exercises to fire-up your creativity at the supermarket, airport or even the DMV!

1. 5 Ways To
Wake Up Your Creativity
While Waiting In Lines.

2. 1. Take it easy.
Rather than stand and stew, surrender to the queue.
Give your brain a break.
Try this: Release tension with a 4-7-8 breathing exercise
advocated by Dr. Andrew Weil and others. Inhale through
your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a
count of seven. Exhale for a count of eight.
Repeat four times.

3. 2. Study people.
Our fellow creatures are endlessly entertaining,
so be a people watcher. Gaze at those around you,
searching for insights that lead to fresh ideas.
Try this: Act as if your eyes are a camera, and mentally capture the
actions, mannerisms and interactions of people. What problems
are they having that you could solve with ideas? What are they
doing that might provide insights for one of your projects?

4. 3. Eavesdrop.
Listen to what people are saying.
Their conversations may ignite your next idea.
Try this: Imagine your ears are microphones.
Direct them toward discussions in line and throughout the space.
Pick a conversation and convert it into a painting or story -how would the painting look or how would the story play out?
Or try applying what is being said to a project you’re working on.

5. 4. Synthesize.
Most ideas are the combination
of two or more existing ideas.
See patterns and make connections.
Try this: Let your mind connect any two objects
in the room. What inventions can you
come up with using this random association?
Repeat the process with other objects.

6. 5. Talk to yourself.
Not aloud, or you’ll lose your place in line
when they haul you off. Instead, carry on
silent conversations with yourself
about projects or problems.
Try this: Aks yourself: if this situation were a film or book,
what would be the plot? Or think about one of your projects,
and ask yourself a series of why, how or what-if questions.
Dig deep until you see the project from a different perspective.

7. Sam Harrison
Sam is an in-demand speaker and best-selling author
on creativity-related topics and presentation skills.
His books include IdeaSpotting: How to find your next great idea,
IdeaSelling: Successfully pitch your creative ideas to bosses,
clients and other decision makers and Zing!: Five steps and
101 tips for creativity on command.
To have Sam provide a keynote or workshop to your group,
please visit www.zingzone.com or phone 770.908.2225.
Content on the previous slides first appeared in an article written
by Sam Harrison for Fast Company and posted on 10/25/13.
©samharrison2013