How To Make Time Go Faster When Your Workday Seems To Be Crawling?

Some workdays feel endless. You glance at the clock, convinced it must be almost lunchtime… only to discover it’s still 10:15 a.m. Sound familiar?

Everyone has experienced days like this — when time seems to stand still, the smallest tasks feel like mountains. But what if you could make the day feel like it’s going by faster, without compromising on your productivity?

The good news? You can.

Speeding up the perception of time isn’t about working less — it’s about working smarter. It's about using simple psychological tricks and behavioral changes to keep your brain engaged and your day flowing.

Here are 10 powerful and practical ways to help your workday move faster — and maybe even feel a bit more enjoyable.

1. Stop Looking at the Clock

One of the easiest ways to make time feel slower is to constantly check the time. Clock-watching creates a sense of anticipation, and when that anticipation isn’t met, it leads to frustration.

Try this instead:

• Turn your clock or phone face down.
• Use timers or alarms at key intervals (Pomodoro technique, hourly breaks).
• Focus on your work, not the passing minutes.

Why it work?

Fixating on time increases anxiety and amplifies boredom. Letting go of time awareness allows your brain to fully engage with the task at hand — and that’s when time flies.

2. Create a Predictable Routine

A routine helps create flow. It removes the constant need to decide what to do next, which reduces mental fatigue and decision paralysis. Even if your day includes different types of tasks, a structured routine makes it easier to move through them efficiently.

Sample workday flow:

• 9:00–11:00 – Deep, focused work
• 11:00–11:15 – Quick recharge break
• 11:15–1:00 – Admin or meetings
• 1:00–2:00 – Lunch (preferably away from the screen)
• 2:00–4:00 – Collaborative work or creative tasks
• 4:00–5:00 – Light wrap-up, planning, or email checks

Why it work?

Routines reduce cognitive effort and give your day a rhythm. This flow helps time pass smoothly — even when work is repetitive.

3. Break the Day Into Chunks

Looking at your day as a long stretch of eight hours can feel overwhelming. Breaking it into smaller blocks makes it easier to manage and gives you mini milestones to celebrate.

Tip:

Try the Pomodoro Technique, which entails working intensively for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

Why it work?

Smaller, time-boxed chunks feel more achievable and help create a sense of progress — speeding up your perception of time passing.

Also Read: How To Take Breaks To Get More Done?

4. Split Your Least Pleasant Tasks

Big or boring tasks often feel like time traps. Don’t save them for the end of the day or try to power through them all at once. Instead, break them into smaller portions and spread them throughout the day.

Example:

If you need to review 50 documents, tackle 10 at a time between other tasks.

Why it work?

Micro-dosing unpleasant tasks makes them more bearable and reduces the psychological weight they carry, helping your brain stay alert and time move faster.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why You Should Stop Multitasking

5. Switch Up Your Environment

Monotony kills motivation. A small change in environment can bring a surprising boost of energy and alertness.

Try:

• Moving to a different desk or workspace
• Changing your lighting or background music
• Using a standing desk or sitting near a window
• Working from a café or co-working space if possible

Why it work?

A change in scenery stimulates your senses and breaks the mental loop, making your day feel fresher and less repetitive.

Also Read: How Does Your Environment Affect Your Mental Health?

6. Use Background Music or Ambient Sounds

The right soundscape can help your brain get into the “zone.” Music without lyrics or ambient sounds can reduce distractions and help maintain focus.

Great options:

• Lo-fi hip hop
• Classical instrumental playlists
• Rain sounds or forest ambience
• White noise apps

Why it work?

The brain loves rhythm. Calming background sounds can reduce stress, increase focus, and create a sense of continuity — making the hours glide by.

7. Utilize Productivity Tools and Techniques

When your work is organized and progress is visible, you feel more in control — and that makes time pass faster.

Why it work?

Seeing tasks get checked off or tracking completed time blocks creates momentum — and momentum is what makes time feel like it’s flying.

8. Gamify Your Tasks

Adding a sense of play to your work can transform even mundane tasks. Give yourself challenges, set fun rules, or reward yourself for completing goals.

Ideas to gamify your day:

• “Beat the clock” – Try to finish a task before the timer rings.
• Points system – Assign points to tasks and track your “score.”
• Rewards – Enjoy a snack, stretch, or favorite activity after finishing a set of tasks.

Why it work?

Gamification triggers dopamine — the “feel-good” hormone. It boosts motivation and engagement, helping the hours disappear faster.

9. Take Short, Intentional Breaks

Mindless breaks (reading Instagram or dozing out) can make you feel even more exhausted. Instead, take invigorating breaks to replenish your body and mind.

Try:

• 2–3 minute stretching or desk yoga
• Stepping outside for fresh air
• Quick mindfulness or breathing exercises
• Drinking water while listening to a calming song

Why it work?

Intentional breaks reset your brain, improve focus, and prevent burnout — keeping your energy consistent throughout the day.

10. Review and Reflect Before You End the Day

Take a few minutes at the end of your day to wrap things up with intention. A closing ritual can make even the most sluggish day feel productive.

End-of-day routine:

• Check off completed tasks
• Write down one win or highlight of the day
• Note any unfinished tasks for tomorrow
• Do a quick desk tidy-up or digital declutter

Why it work?

Reviewing the day reinforces a sense of progress and closure. Instead of feeling like time dragged, you’ll walk away feeling accomplished — and that shift in perception makes the day feel worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

We all face slow days at work. But by staying engaged, introducing small changes, and creating structure, you can reshape how you experience time.

Instead of dragging yourself through the day, use these tips to inject energy, focus, and a sense of movement into your work routine. Who knows — with the right mindset and strategies, even your slowest days might start flying by.