Do you have patience?

Patience means remaining calm under pressure, persevering through difficult times, showing emotional self-control, listening without interruption and accepting slow progress.

I recently read that the human quality of patience is a diminishing trait today in modern society. In the stressful world we live in, that is understandable. Tension from traffic jams, slow web pages or unexpected delays add up.

Stress is widespread, fueled by constant connectivity with cellphones, economic pressure and global instability. Rapid advancement of technology leads to anxiety, burnout and health issues. Stress can drain our patience.

Patience is a skill that can be learned and developed. While some people have a natural knack for it, anyone can improve their ability to handle frustration. It is called building your “waiting muscle.”

Practice mindfulness like deep breathing and not reacting impulsively. Think twice before saying or doing. Consider the consequences of your words or actions.

Slow down your speech and actions, and pretend to be patient. Say to yourself that you are calm, although you may be feeling inner frustration.

Try to redirect your attention when you feel impatient. Try a grounding technique like the 5-4-3-2-1. Name 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you smell and 1 thing you can taste.

Learn to accept what you can’t control and find humor in yourself. Being able to laugh at one’s own impatience will release tension and help cope with things that are out of your control.

Above all, be kind to yourself when you fail; you need to be patient with yourself. It takes time to build the “waiting muscle” just as it takes time for body builders to build muscles.

So, in this New Year of 2026 give yourself the gift of patience. Patience with your loved ones; they are the most deserving. Patience with your job; that promotion may be just around the corner. Be patient with our country’s leaders in these times of insecurity. But most of all, be patient with yourself and treat yourself with kindness, compassion and be grateful for all that you are.

Mary Tobia is an occasional writer for the Times News. Reach her at tneditor@tnonline.com