Ever Wonder Why Waiting Rooms Are So Draining?

Waiting rooms can feel like they’re stealing our energy, even though we’re just sitting there. This past week reminded me of the unique challenge waiting room fatigue brings. My husband, Denis, had a biopsy on Monday, so I spent hours in a small 10x10 recovery room with no windows. I had my laptop with me, but focusing was tough with the anxiety and stress of waiting.

By Wednesday, it was a two-hour drive to Milwaukee for his stem cell/oncology consult. After the car ride, we faced the typical routine: check-in, sit and wait, get vitals, then more waiting in a tiny exam room. On Thursday, it was the oncology follow-up and treatment plan, repeating the same waiting cycle in labs, doctor’s offices, and exam rooms. Tallying up, we spent nearly 9 hours that week just…waiting.

Waiting room fatigue is real—and it’s more than just time spent in a chair. Between the anxiety, boredom, and the...