something like a puzzle or gardening, it reduces your ability to think about anything except what you're doing. if you've ever been to disney world, you know that they are the masters at this technology. they go through elaborate efforts to distract visitors from the fact that they are waiting hours in line. >> for example if you go to space mountain, if you have the app loaded up, it's going to allow you to build a spaceship. and once your spaceship is built, you get to race it with other people in the line around you. >> reporter: for longer periods of waiting like, say, for the results of a big medical test, you don't want it to feel like you're putting your life on hold. so sweeney suggests planning ahead. if you prepare for the possible outcome, this can give you back a sense of control. instead of feeling like you're just waiting around for bad news. you can hear more about how to optimize your health and chase life wherever you get your podcasts.