Do you ever feel like time is moving faster than it ever has? You’re not alone. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal says that most of us experience time going faster as we get older. But today people of all ages feel that way.

Scientists say the contrast of time now versus during the pandemic, when it came to a screeching halt, are partially to blame. In addition, our rush to get things done makes our perception of time different from the reality of it.

The way we perceive time is affected by our emotions. Often, we feel time moves faster when we experience positive emotions and slower with negative ones – hence the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Below are four suggestions the Wall Street Journal article gives to slow down your perception of time:

Structure your days.

With the advent of hybrid work, many of us struggle to have a consistent schedule.  Work hours blend into home hours. But structured days calm your internal time clock according to Dr. Jochim Hansen, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Salzburg, who studies time perception.

Don’t try to get everything done in one day.  Give your to-do list a curfew so that you have a set time when you will stop.  It will give you a little more time back in your day and time to relax or enjoy your hobbies.

Think big picture.

We often get caught up in the small details of our day — school drop offs, work deadlines, cooking, planning. This can make time appear to fly.

Dr. Hansen recommends broadening our attention and focusing on the larger goals. “Take the act of planning a vacation as an example. If you focus on all the small tasks that need to be done, you’ll most likely feel time-crunched and stressed. Widening your focus and thinking about how lovely the trip will be will help your internal clock slow down because it helps you see the purpose behind your actions,” he says.

Give time away.

Doing something for someone else is a selfless act that helps you to get out of your own head. It can also help to put things in perspective and realize that much of what’s consuming your mind is mundane.

Take the time to text a friend, volunteer, or call a relative.

Reach for awe. (Appreciate the little things.)

Awe is described as a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. It can enhance our well-being by making time feel more plentiful.

Awe can be achieved in many different ways depending on the person.  Often, it’s through nature, music, animals, art.  Find what gives you the feeling of awe.

Take time to be mindful whether it’s through meditation, walking, or just relaxing and thinking positive thoughts.

How do you slow down time? Email me at [email protected].