The formal definition of patience is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious”.

Delaying problems, suffering, annoyance and anxiety can be good for our mental health. 

Patience is a mindset.

Unlike other personality traits, this one can be changed, modified and increased. Behavioral scientists will even go as far to say that an impatient person can become a completely patient person. 

That is exciting.

Patient people show more prosocial behaviors and awareness. They are more likely to show generosity, compassion and empathy. This leads to feeling and expressing more positivity, kindness and having a good outlook of life. 

And this is good for mental health. 

Patient people are more likely to take the little steps on a consistent basis to practice self improvement. 

Impatience is really anger or fear manifesting. If we can pause, feel awareness and reflect, then we can avoid the negative consequences of showing impatience. 

And this is good for mental health. 

“Patience attracts happiness; it brings near that which is far”

– Swahili Proverb

© Therapeutic Educational Consulting