hebel. today · 6 November 202672 / 74
Leisure · Leisure
Short trips feel longer when you prioritize novelty over efficiency
Henah Velez suggests that the brain slows down when experiencing novelty, countering the rapid passage of time that occurs during predictable daily routines. To make a three-day trip feel twice as long, she advises…
From 1 newsletter · 1 min read · one thing to try
Henah Velez suggests that the brain slows down when experiencing novelty, countering the rapid passage of time that occurs during predictable daily routines (Departure). To make a three-day trip feel twice as long, she advises avoiding long-distance travel that consumes limited hours with airport queues or multiple pit stops. Instead, she targets destinations within a two-hour flight or a three-hour drive, recommending departure the evening before a day off to maximize available time (Departure).
Once at a destination, Velez marks the arrival with a specific moment, such as ordering room service or taking a post-dinner walk, to signal that the vacation has begun. This transition helps you step out of autopilot mode, which is where time typically accelerates. For those with limited time, she notes that even a weekend away provides the necessary reprieve from the overwhelm of a regular schedule.
Try today · 45 min
Plan a short trip within a three-hour drive that includes a specific 'arrival ritual' to mark the start of your time off.
Identify a destination within the three-hour radius and pick one simple action like a specific meal or walk to perform immediately upon arrival.
Steps
- Open a map and find a location exactly three hours away by car.
- Book your accommodation or confirm your route for this weekend.
- Decide on one specific 'arrival ritual' to execute the moment you reach your destination.
- Schedule your departure for the evening before your time off begins to secure an early start.