Sometimes our perception of time speeds up and other times it slows down.
There has been a lot of research on why this happens.
Our emotions, priorities, and age all factor into the equation.
Here are a few examples of speeding and slowing time.
When we have conflicting priorities, like a work deadline and a family commitment, time speeds up.
Boredom causes time to feel slow and extended.
As we get older, time seems to move more quickly. The familiarity of “summer” makes the season feel like it passes quicker than it does for a five-year-old.
Splitting time over many activities makes us feel short of time and as a result, time moves quickly.
Task enjoyment can also play a role. When enjoying an activity, time moves fast. If you aren’t enjoying the event or task, time slows down.
“There is no sensory system dedicated to detecting the passage of time. Instead, our brains have to figure it out indirectly, and that opens the door to many possible influences.”
Aaron Sackett, University of St. Thomas
My Story
The speeding up and slowing down of time is something I notice…and feel.
Yet, I don’t really know why.
This last week felt much faster than the last several and caused me to dig in a little.
Now, I’m fascinated by some of the topics above.
As I continue to learn more, I’ll share it here.
Your Turn
Do you find some days or weeks flying by while others can’t seem to end?
Have you noticed what you are doing when time speeds up or slows down?
Are there techniques you use to make time feel “just right”?