How To Make Time Go Faster Before a Vacation Starts

Looking forward to a vacation can be exciting. But the anticipation can make time seem to move at a snail’s speed, as two weeks can feel like two long years. How can you make time go faster before your next vacay?

Here’s how to make time go faster before a vacation starts:

  1. Complete all your work projects.
  2. Do activities that put you in the “flow.”
  3. Research your vacation destination.
  4. Learn a new language.
  5. Workout at the gym.
  6. Accomplish a challenging short-term goal.

Let’s explore these tips in greater detail so you can learn how to “shorten” the wait time between now and your vacation.

How To Make Time Go Faster Before a Vacation Starts

1. Complete All Your Work Projects

There’s one easy way to ruin your vacation, and that is to go on one knowing that there’s a ton of work waiting for you when you get back. You’ll end up being in two places at the same time. Your body is on the beach, soaking up the warm sun, but your mind is in your job.

That’s not how to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of your daily grind. 

A better approach is to finish up all your projects before your vacation. Start clearing up your assignments at least two weeks leading up to the vacation. You’re not doing this because you’re loyal to your employer, even though that can be a good thing.

Focusing on completing your work projects takes your mind off the anticipation and allows you to live in the moment. You’ll hardly notice as the days go by.

But there’s more.

Clearing up your desk before embarking on your trip means you won’t have to worry about the pile of work waiting for you.

2. Do Activities That Put You in the “Flow”

Even a good thing, such as going on a vacation, can cause stress, even if it’s positive. Although this type of stress is good, the tension and edginess are generally the same experiences as bad stress.

Thankfully, there’s a simple way to reduce the stress you feel because of the anticipation of an upcoming vacation.

Perform activities that get you into your flow state, which refers to being fully immersed in an activity that you don’t even notice as time passes. Many people use the “flow” state to make time pass faster at work. You can use it to also make days go by quicker.

Here are a few examples of activities that can put you in the flow state include:

  • Write one or two chapters of your new book or novel.
  • Start or complete a piece of artwork.
  • Compose a new song or write a new piece of music.
  • Create photography of breathtaking scenery.
  • Do some home improvement projects or any DIY projects.
  • Plant a garden and nurture it.

3. Research Your Vacation Destination

Sometimes, it’s difficult to forget about an upcoming vacation, no matter how hard you try. If that’s you, try the following activity instead.

Bury yourself in learning about the best things to do at your vacation destination. It might sound counterintuitive, but here’s why it makes sense.

Trying to quell your excitement may be difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t seize the chance to prepare for the vacation, right? And what better way to prepare yourself for your vacation than learning about the best places to visit or must-do activities at your destination?

You’ll prepare better, and time will go by faster. It’s a win-win!

4. Learn a New Language

Are you vacationing in a country where the language is different? 

You don’t have to wait until you reach your destination to hire an interpreter or depend on Google Translate to communicate with the locals. The time before your vacation starts can be your chance to learn a new language.

You’ll be able to communicate better with the locals, make new friends if that’s something you 

want, and most importantly, distract yourself from all the anticipation of going on a vacation. These days, you can learn a language online and for free. 

Learn a New Language

Here are a few you may want to check out:

Think you’re too old to learn a new language? Think again!

Studies published by the American Association of Retired Persons (AAR) suggest that people can still learn a new language, even at old age.

5. Workout at the Gym

Are you putting off that gym membership? Now might be a good time to consider signing up.

You’ve got plenty of time on your hands, and it’s “killing” you. Why not hit the gym four to five times a week before your vacation?

Apart from helping you pass the time quicker, you might even build the perfect “beach body” to boost your confidence. Who knows, right? Besides, working out is beneficial, whether or not you’re looking for how to make time go faster before your vacation starts.

6. Accomplish a Challenging Short-Term Goal

Engaging in activities that challenge you can help you forget about the “long days” before your vacation. It doesn’t matter the activity you choose, provided it excites and challenges you.

You can explore a new and difficult hiking trail if you’re an outdoorsy person. Or, you might want to try your hands on a new recipe if cooking excites you. Whatever you do, you want to start something that you can accomplish before the vacation date.

Remember that “short term” here simply means within the waiting period before your vacation. It could be two weeks or six months.

Trying to accomplish a challenging goal before your vacation starts helps you narrow your focus. And as you narrow your focus on achieving your goal, worrying about the calendar will take the back burner.

Key Takeaways

It’s no secret that time seems to go by quickly when you’re having fun! There’s even a scientific explanation for the phenomenon. So, instead of pausing your life anticipating your vacation, fill the days leading up to your vacation with fun activities. 

Consider:

  • Going to the gym.
  • Learning a new language.
  • Reading up on must-do activities and must-see places in your vacation destination.

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