We’ve all been there at least once or twice – staring at the clock, waiting for the day to end. Let’s explore how to make work go by faster, using some productivity and motivation tips.
It’s something of a fact of life that certain workdays seem to drag no matter how busy you are. You might be bored, tired, or just struggling to stay focused. But while you can’t literally speed up time, there are ways to make your day feel smoother and more manageable.
We’ll share practical ways to stay motivated, focused and productive – so even the slowest days don’t feel quite so long.
Key takeaways: How to make time go faster at work
- Splitting your day into smaller chunks helps it go faster
- Small adjustments to your routine can boost energy and focus
- Breaks, movement and background music make a difference
- You can’t change time, but you can change how it feels
- If time always drags, it might be time to rethink your role
Why the day feels slow at work
A workday often drags when you’re not fully engaged or when tasks feel repetitive. Watching the clock can make it feel worse.
When your day lacks structure or variety, it can feel endless. However, by adding a bit more rhythm, you can make things easier.
Some people feel this more when they’ve outgrown their role or when they aren’t being challenged. Often, if the tasks feel too easy or unimportant, time seems to crawl.
Try dividing your work into time blocks
Breaking your day into clear segments can make time feel more manageable. For example, use the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break.
Or plan your day in three stages: morning, midday and afternoon. When you tick off a section, it feels like progress.
You could also use a time tracker or calendar to map out your tasks. There are plenty of browser plugins and apps to help support you in this, or seeing your schedule on paper can also give you a better sense of control.
Vary your tasks
If your job allows it, mix up the type of work you do. Switch between physical and desk-based tasks if you can.
Answer emails, then do something creative. Alternate between long projects and smaller quick wins. That variety can stop your brain from checking out.
Even if your tasks are repetitive, switching how or when you do them can help. For instance, batch similar tasks together or alternate between more engaging and less engaging duties.
Add music or gentle background noise
A bit of music can help pass the time and keep your brain engaged. Try soft background playlists, ambient noise, or instrumental tracks.
Just avoid anything that’s too distracting. Everyone’s different. Test what works for you.
Some people prefer lo-fi beats, others like classical music. The goal is to stay present without getting bored.
Remember: If you’re in the office, be conscious of office etiquette and avoid disturbing your colleagues.
Make time for real breaks
Working non-stop often backfires. Breaks keep you alert and focused.
Take a walk, stretch, grab a drink – anything that gives your brain a short reset. Don’t just scroll on your phone. Do something that genuinely gives your mind a breather.
You might even find that stepping away for five minutes gives you the clarity to solve something you were stuck on.
We’ve compiled a number of work-life balance tips that provide some extra – and useful – context here.
Fuel your focus
If you’re low on energy, time feels slower.
Stay hydrated. Eat snacks that help you stay focused, like fruit, nuts or something with protein. Move around every hour if you can. A quick stretch or standing break can really help.
You don’t need to overhaul your routine. Just making sure you’ve eaten properly and had enough water can lift your mood and concentration.
Set mini goals
Working toward small goals makes time pass faster. Try finishing one key task before lunch or replying to five emails before your next break.
Each time you finish something, it creates momentum – and helps the day move along.
Reward yourself with something small – like your favourite snack or a quick stretch break – to keep motivation going.
Plan something to look forward to
Give yourself little rewards throughout the day. Look forward to your tea break or plan something nice after work.
Even small things – like listening to a favourite playlist or having a chat with a colleague – can improve your mood and break up the day.
Adding a bit of novelty helps too. Try changing your environment slightly, like moving desks, switching your desktop wallpaper, or working from a new space if possible.
But when it’s more than just a slow day…
If every day feels slow, ask yourself why. Are you stuck in a job that doesn’t challenge or interest you?
It’s normal to have the odd boring day. But if the drag is constant, it might be time to explore other opportunities.
There are a number of signs that it might be time for a new job. Consider changing jobs if you feel constantly unmotivated or bored, lack opportunities for growth, or have a poor work-life balance.
Perhaps you might even be looking for a career change. We have plenty of career-changer focused resources on our blog, such as how to write a career change cover letter and top tips for writing a career change CV.
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FAQs: How to make time pass faster at work
Why does time go slowly at work?
You may be bored, under-stimulated or lacking structure. Repetitive tasks or watching the clock can make time feel slower.
How can I make my workday go faster?
Break up your schedule, move around, stay hydrated, and set small goals. A few changes can make a big difference.
Will music help make time go faster at work?
It certainly can do. Many people find light background music or ambient noise helps them stay focused and pass the time.
What if I’m always watching the clock at work?
Try shaking up your routine. And if it keeps happening, it might be time to think about a career shift.
Final thoughts: How to make work go by faster
You may not be able to speed up time, but you can make the hours feel less heavy. A few adjustments – like taking real breaks, switching tasks and setting micro-goals – can help you stay on track.
We hope you found this article useful. If so, why not take a look at some of our other blogs, such as:
- How To Tell If An Interview Went Well: Good and Bad Signs
- Tell Me How You Handled A Difficult Situation Example Answers
- How Do You Work Under Pressure? Example Answer For Interviews
- Being Self-Employed But Working For An Employer
- How To Tailor Your CV To The Job Description
- How To Write A Supporting Statement For A Job Application With Template
- Last Day At Work Guide
- Driving Licence on CV Guide
- Unpaid Leave In The UK
If nothing changes how slow the day feels, it might be a sign that you’re ready for something new. We’re here to support you when you’re ready.
Need help with CV writing or planning your next move? Our expert team at PurpleCV is on hand with bespoke career coaching services tailored to your needs – contact us today for more details.
