How to Slow Down Time (Or at Least Make It Feel That Way)
I keep hearing this from everyone: "I can't believe it's already August. Where did the summer go? My life is flying by." If you're nodding along, you're not alone. I feel the same!
Why does time seem to speed up as we get older? Is there a way to make summers feel as long as they did when we were kids?
There's this paradox about time that's been bugging me, and I think it's worth unpacking. You know how when you're stuck in a routine, doing the same thing every day, time feels like it's dragging? But when you look back, it's like the weeks, months, or even years blurred together. COVID lockdown is a perfect example.
On the flip side, when you do something new - go on a trip, pick up a hobby, or break your routine with a spontaneous adventure - it feels like you've packed a lifetime into just a few days. And when you look back on those moments, they feel fuller, richer, like they stretched out in time.
Why is that?
So, let’s break this down. Our brains are kind of lazy when it comes to routine. When you’re in a routine, your brain doesn’t need to work as hard to process new information. Everything becomes automatic. While you’re in the moment, it might feel like time is moving slowly, but when you look back, there’s nothing that stands out—so it all blurs together, making time seem like it flew by.
Now, when you do something new, your brain has to work harder. It’s constantly processing new information, and forming new memories. That’s why time feels like it’s stretching out in the moment. And when you look back, these new experiences create distinct memories, making that period feel longer and more eventful.
Is routine good or bad?
Now, here's where it gets interesting. As a time management coach, I often emphasize the importance of developing routines that serve you - routines that make you more efficient, more energized, and ultimately, more productive. And it’s true: most of our behavior is habitual in nature. We go through our rituals and routines almost automatically, which can save us a ton of mental energy and make our days flow more smoothly.
But here’s the catch: while routines are great for efficiency, they can also make time feel like it’s slipping through your fingers. The more automatic your actions become, the less your brain has to engage, and the less distinct those moments are in your memory. So yes, routines help you get things done, but they also blur time together.
So, what’s the answer?
How do you slow down time without sacrificing the benefits of a well-structured routine?
The key is to strike a balance. Keep your routines for the things that matter - those habits that keep you healthy, productive, and energized - like exercise, nutritious meals, sleep schedule, morning and evening routine, etc.
But don’t let your entire life become a series of automated actions. Add novelty where you can. It doesn’t have to be big - small changes make a difference. Try a new workout, take a different route on your morning walk, visit a new restaurant, plan a trip somewhere you’ve never been, or do something out of your character.
By doing this, you keep your brain engaged and create more "memory markers" that make time feel fuller. It also helps ensure life doesn't just blur by in a routine.
The Role of Emotion in Slowing Down Time
Another key piece of the puzzle is emotion. Strong emotions - whether it's joy, excitement, surprise, fear, or worry - make memories more vivid and long-lasting. Think about some of your most memorable moments. You probably recall lots of details, like smells, sounds, and your feelings. That’s because those moments are tied to strong emotions. For me, it's the birth of my daughter - I can replay the whole day leading up to her birth, the passing of my granny, buying my condo, and my first car. When your brain registers a powerful emotion, it tags that moment as important, making it more likely to be remembered.
So, how can you bring more emotion into your daily life?
Start by being more present.
Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day. Don’t just go through the motions - really engage with what you’re doing. Look for experiences that make you feel alive, happy, or content, even if it’s as simple as watching a sunset or having a meaningful conversation with a friend.
As a kid, I loved getting down on the ground to watch ants carrying bits of food back and forth—I found it fascinating. Or I’d lie on a bench, watching clouds make different shapes (and I still do!). How often do you pause and really take in the world around you? Take time to “stop and smell the roses!”
Oh, and one more thing - stop multitasking, especially when it involves something that truly matters to you. Don’t check your phone when you're spending time with family, or have the TV on while having a conversation with a loved one. Multitasking takes you out of the moment and kills your ability to be present.
The Takeaway?
It’s not that time is speeding up as we get older - it’s how we experience and remember it that changes. By breaking out of routines, being more present, creating new memories, and engaging with our emotions, we can slow down our perception of time and make our lives feel fuller, richer, and more like those endless summers of childhood.
So, next time you catch yourself saying, "I can't believe it’s already August," take a moment to think about what you can do differently tomorrow. The secret to slowing down time might just be in how you choose to spend it and how you choose to feel about it.
What do you think? Have you found ways to make time feel slower or more fulfilling?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Love,
Marina
Hi, I am Marina Korotkikh ! I am your go-to Energy and Time Management Coach for High Performers. I will help you get from point A (Always too busy, never enough time) to Point B (Clear, Energized, and In Control) in 70 days. Book a commitment-free call to learn more at https://calendly.com/marina_korotkikh/15-minute-meeting?month=2024-08 and follow for easy productivity, energy management, and mindfulness tips.
