The Best Tips To Survive Crazy Long Lines, According To The Big Bang Theory

Holidays are a time for family, pants with elastic waistbands, and nog-inspired fun. It's also the time for waiting in line, suffering through crowds, and trying to keep your anxiety at bay. 

Whether you're waiting in line for the Thanksgiving buffet or door-busters at a flash sale, allow us to share some survival tips we've learned from The Big Bang Theory that will ensure you outwit and outlast your fellow holiday celebrators. 

First up, bring some pals along with you to help the time go by faster. Plus, they hold your spot in line in case you need to run to the bathroom or the nearest snack cart. A perfect example of using the buddy system was when Howard (Simon Helberg), Raj (Kunal Nayyar), and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) hit up the comic book store to meet Stan Lee on "The Excelsior Acquisition" (Episode 16, Season 3).

Watch all-new episodes of The Big Bang Theory on Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.

When you're waiting in a long line, what's the thing you never want to have happen? Your phone running out of battery.

Without a functioning phone, how else will you find out about things like breaking news, who's blowing up on social media, or, most crucial, how much longer you have to wait on that line? 

We have a feeling that the ever-pragmatic Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) would never forget to juice up her device before embarking on a long line wait. Even better, she'd probably bring an external charger with her just in case her battery dipped below 50%. 

What's a wonderful way to pass the time while waiting in line? Talking to the person next to you (provided they're willing, of course). You never know what you might have in common.

Just take Sheldon (Jim Parsons) bonding with wife Amy's mom, Mrs. Fowler (played by Kathy Bates) in the Season 12 episode "​The Consummation Deviation." At first glance, Sheldon never expected to share anything in common with Mrs. Fowler, like, for example, how they both hate that Amy and her dad like to put ketchup on eggs. 

If they're up for it, a perfect way to make time fly in a long line is by inviting your significant other along to keep you company. You're in this together, after all.

For instance, now that Raj (Kunal Nayyar) has Anu (Rati Gupta) in his life, he's got a built-in Special Someone to hang with him when lines get long. (And remember, if your partner in crime doesn't exactly feel like sitting it out, bribing never hurts.)

Knowing that you have a long line ahead of you will be easier if you arrive (and plan to leave) in a sweet, sweet ride! 

Just take Leonard (Johnny Galecki) in the Season 12 episode "The Procreation Calculation" when Penny (Kaley Cuoco) rents him the Batmobile for the day. Now, think of how killer he'd look doing just about anything: cruisin' down the highway, running some errands, or, well, waiting in line.

Have you ever waited in a line for what seemed like hours and witnessed someone cut in front of you right before things start to move? It's enough to make you want to scream!

While you may be tempted to throw a fit like Sheldon did in "The Line Substitution Solution" (Episode 23, Season 9), everyone around you will be happier if you act in a calm, adult manner. 

Oh, and this should go without saying, but don't let that person be you!

Before you leave the house, don't forget to plot your lavatory approach once you're out in the retail wild because there's nothing worse than having to answer nature's call when you're stuck in line. 

Plus, make sure you don't forget your Sheldon-inspired Public Restroom Kit (PRK)!

Thanksgiving is inarguably one of the busiest travel times of the year, so you can pretty much expect there will be delays and bottlenecks at airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

Before you're tempted to throw a travel-inspired temper tantrum, try some easy-peasy breathing exercises. For example, inhale for four seconds, hold for another four seconds, and then exhale for six seconds. It sounds silly, but it works wonders and can help you keep cool in the most frustrating situations—sorta like Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) did when the airline lost Howard's mother's ashes in "The Intimacy Acceleration" (Episode 16, Season 8).

What's worse than being in a long line? Being hungry in a long line.

Prevent yourself from getting hangry by arming yourself with snacks—whether it's protein bars, turkey jerky, or a brick of cheese—before heading out into the crowds. 

If you're itching to be the first at those Black Friday or Small Business Saturday sales, you'll want to take some accouterments along with you.

For example, a foldable chair definitely served Sheldon well while he was waiting for the opening of Indiana Jones in "The 21-Second Excitation" (Episode 8, Season 4). Though, he didn't stop there. He also brought along a sleep mask and blanket, which made the theoretical physicist feel more at home while setting up camp on the sidewalk.

Whether it's a tablet or stress-relieving adult coloring book, it never hurts to be equipped with welcome distractions while you move through the lines.

For example, when Howard, Raj, Leonard, and Sheldon waited for the release of the newest film in their favorite action-adventure movie franchise, they packed books, cell phones, and other games to keep them busy on "The 21-Second Excitation" (Episode 8, Season 4). 

 

Let's face it. Everyone is a bit on edge during the holidays.

So, as much as you may want to yell at everyone that may block your path, bite your tongue or you may have an angry crowd (pictured above) chasing you down like they did to Sheldon in "The 21-Second Excitation" (Episode 8, Season 4). 

Unfortunately, when you live in a city with blistery temperatures, you may have to spend more time withstanding the elements than you'd prefer.

If that's the case, don't be afraid to layer. Hats, scarves, and gloves are your friends. No store discount is worth catching a cold so, if necessary, overdress like Sheldon did in "The Pancake Batter Anomaly" (Season 1, Episode 11).

You might look like a yeti, but you're likely to escape the lines free of any nasty bugs.

Watch all-new episodes of The Big Bang Theory on Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.