How to make time go faster on a flight?

Conquering Cabin Fever: Making Long Flights Feel Shorter

Long flights can feel like an eternity, especially when boredom sets in. But with a little planning and the right strategies, you can significantly lessen the perceived length of your journey and arrive feeling refreshed, not frazzled. Forget staring blankly at the in-flight entertainment screen – active engagement is key to making time fly.

Forget passive waiting; instead, actively engage your senses to trick your mind into experiencing the flight as shorter. This multi-sensory approach combats monotony and keeps you mentally occupied.

Engage Your Sight & Sound:

• Immersive Entertainment: Forget the tired inflight movies you’ve already seen. Download a brand new, gripping film or TV show to your device, ensuring you have enough battery life. Alternatively, choose an engrossing audiobook – the captivating narrative will transport you away from the confines of the cabin. The power of a good story is surprisingly effective in shrinking the perceived duration of a flight.
• Curated Music Playlist: Design a flight-specific playlist. Upbeat music can boost your mood, while calming melodies can promote relaxation. Consider a mix to suit your journey’s phases; energizing tracks for the beginning, something more mellow for the middle, and uplifting tunes for the descent.

Engage Your Taste & Touch:

• Strategic Snacking: Pack your own snacks to avoid the often-expensive and less-than-satisfying in-flight options. Choose something you truly enjoy – a delicious treat can provide a welcome distraction and a moment of pleasure. The act of savoring each bite slows down the internal clock and adds a sense of mindful enjoyment.
• Tactile Activities: Bring a small, engaging hobby like knitting, cross-stitching, or even a puzzle book. The physical act of creating or solving something keeps your hands busy and your mind focused, making time pass more quickly. Consider a travel-sized journal and pen for jotting down thoughts, sketches, or even starting a short story inspired by your journey.

Engage Your Body & Mind:

• Movement and Conversation: Don’t be afraid to get up and walk around the cabin. A short stroll, even if it’s just to the restroom, helps to improve circulation and break up the monotony. Strike up a conversation with your seatmate – a friendly chat can be a surprisingly effective distraction.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or guided meditation can help you stay present and reduce feelings of anxiety or restlessness. Many apps offer short meditations specifically designed for flights. Focusing on your breath and the sensations in your body shifts your attention away from the passage of time.

Long-Term Planning:

• Time Zone Adjustment: For long-haul flights across multiple time zones, consider taking melatonin a few hours before landing to help you adjust to the new time zone more easily. A smoother transition upon arrival will leave you feeling less jet-lagged and make the overall trip feel shorter.

By consciously engaging your senses and actively participating in activities throughout your flight, you can transform a potentially tedious experience into a more enjoyable and, importantly, a shorter one. So, next time you find yourself facing a lengthy journey, remember these tips and prepare to conquer cabin fever.