Is it 5 p.m. yet?
We’ve all been there. Stuck at work or school, watching the clock tick by with agonizing slowness. You can’t focus, you’re constantly checking the time, and all you want is for the day to be over.
Don’t worry, it’s completely normal. As a psychologist explains, it’s natural to wish for time to fly by when you’re stuck in boring or unpleasant situations. It’s our way of seeking comfort and avoiding discomfort. But hey, that’s just human nature!
So, how can you make time feel like it’s moving a little faster? While sometimes a slow day is unavoidable (especially if you’re stuck doing something dull), there are tricks to help it feel like it’s passing more quickly.
Stop Staring at the Clock
Turns out, watching the clock can actually make you feel worse. It increases stress and anxiety, making you restless and impatient. This can zap your productivity and mood too.
A better approach? Learn to tolerate discomfort. It’s a valuable life skill that helps you navigate tough situations. Instead of wishing time away, accept the situation and focus on the present moment. This will help you deal with challenges more effectively and build resilience.
Create a Predictable Routine
Work can be a juggling act, with constant multitasking and switching between tasks. This can be stressful! If possible, create a regular, predictable routine. Routines become second nature, so you’ll breeze through your day without even noticing how much (or how little) time has passed. It won’t make work more exciting, but it can definitely make the time go by faster.
Achieve Flow
This might sound easier said than done, especially depending on your workload. But if you can, try to focus on tasks you enjoy and minimize distractions.
Here’s a tip from a psychotherapist: flow, that state of being completely absorbed in a task, is more likely to happen when you’re engaged and free from distractions. So, silence your social media notifications, avoid interruptions from colleagues, and set deadlines to keep yourself focused.
Break Time Down into Blocks
A long workday can feel overwhelming. Break it down into smaller chunks to make it more manageable. Schedule specific blocks of time to focus on particular tasks, uninterrupted. Feeling overloaded with tasks? Make a plan and tackle them one at a time. Breaking down tasks into smaller steps, as a psychologist recommends, can also make them feel less daunting and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete them.
Don’t forget to take breaks! If you have control over your schedule, take breaks when you need them. Even if you don’t (like in high school), try to sneak in a few minutes here and there. Taking breaks and practicing self-care is crucial for maintaining your energy levels and avoiding burnout.
Split Up Your Least Pleasant Tasks
Dreading a big, boring task? Split it into smaller chunks! Do something you enjoy for a while, then tackle the unpleasant task in bite-sized pieces. Reward yourself by going back to something you enjoy afterward.
Engage in Absorbing Activities
Work isn’t always full of exciting activities. But when possible, choose tasks that are engaging. This will distract you from watching the clock and obsessing over the time remaining.
If you have a mix of tasks, prioritize the engaging ones. Figure out when you’re most creative and productive, and schedule your most exciting work for those times. Save the less demanding tasks for when your energy dips.
Practice Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for altering your perception of time. By cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, you can appreciate the richness of your experiences and reduce feelings of time pressure.
Take a walk and focus on your body moving. Feel the breeze, the sun on your skin, the textures beneath your feet. Notice the sights and smells around you. If you can’t leave your desk, try a body scan meditation. Start by focusing on the sensations in your head and slowly work your way down to your toes. Notice any tension and where you feel most relaxed. By living in the moment, you’ll feel more fulfilled by what’s happening now instead of constantly looking to the future.
Utilize Productivity Tools and Techniques
Remind yourself why your work matters. What’s the purpose? Even if it’s not the most glamorous job, you’re probably helping your boss or client achieve something. Finding meaning in your work can boost your engagement.
Try the Pomodoro Technique: work on a task for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After a few breaks, take a longer 15-minute break. You can adjust the intervals to fit your needs. If you need more time to get into the zone, work for 50 minutes or an hour and take 10-minute breaks instead.
Changing your work environment can also help, especially if you work from home. If you usually work in your home office, try working in another room for a while or head to a nearby coffee shop or library. If you’re in an office, take a walk during lunch or sit outside during your break for a change of scenery.
Keep in Mind
Remember, what works for one person might not work for another. There are many different ways to make time go faster, but you might find that some work better for you than others. Experiment with a few different techniques until you find a combination that’s effective for you.
Additional Tips:
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to cram too much into one day. Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
- Prioritize your tasks. Decide which tasks are most important and focus on those first.
- Delegate or outsource tasks. If you can, delegate some of your work to others or outsource it to a professional.
- Take advantage of technology. There are many apps and tools that can help you be more productive.
- Reward yourself. When you complete a task, take a few minutes to relax and reward yourself.
- Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’ll be more focused and productive.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating healthy foods will give you the energy you need to get through the day.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help improve your focus and mood.
- Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid burnout.
- Listen to music. Music can help you focus and improve your mood.
- Find a quiet place to work. If you can, find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.
- Turn off your phone notifications. This will help you avoid distractions.
- Set a timer. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting time.
- Take deep breaths. When you’re feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths to calm down.
- Practice positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you can do it and that you’re doing a great job.
Remember, time is going to pass no matter what you do. So, instead of focusing on how much time is left in your day, focus on being productive and enjoying the present moment.
I hope these tips help you make your workday feel like it’s flying by!
