Have you ever wondered why an hour sometimes feels like the blink of an eye and other times like an eternity?

Our perception of time is by no means constant – it is influenced by many factors, including our emotions, the environment, and even our daily routines.

Let's explore together what lies behind the phenomenon of time seeming to fly or stand still.

How our brain perceives time

Our perception of time is subjective. The brain doesn't interpret time like a stopwatch, but rather based on experiences and stimuli we perceive. Our sense of time is strongly linked to how we process information.

When we have new or exciting experiences, time seems to slow down because the brain has to process a lot of information. Conversely, time feels shorter when we are bored or stuck in routine.

Emotions and perception of time

Emotions play a central role in our perception of time. In stressful or dangerous situations, seconds can feel like minutes. This is because our brain becomes hyperactive in such moments and stores many details – a mechanism that has helped us evolutionarily to avoid danger.

Fortunately, this mechanism also works in the other direction: When we are happy and relaxed, such as during a nice walk or in a yoga class, time can pass more quickly because we lose ourselves in the moment and pay less conscious attention to the clock.

Why time seems to pass faster as we age

Many adults report that the years seem to pass more quickly as they get older.

This is related to our relative perception of time. As children, we experience many "firsts": the first day of school, the first vacation, the first birthday. Our brains store these new experiences intensely, which makes time seem to pass more slowly. However, as we get older, many events repeat themselves, and our brains process these routine experiences more quickly – which leads to time passing more rapidly.

Strategies for experiencing time more consciously

The feeling that time is slipping away can be discouraging. But there are ways to positively influence your perception of time:

1. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness – the conscious awareness of the present moment – ​​helps us experience time more intensely. Whether through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises: mindfulness practices can calm the mind and make us more present.

2. Create new experiences

Unfamiliar experiences and learning new things can slow down your perception of time. For example, plan spontaneous trips, try new hobbies, or learn a new language.

3. Break routines

Monotonous daily routines can make time seem to speed up. Small changes, such as a new route to work or trying an unfamiliar dish, can provide fresh impetus.

4. Consciously take breaks

Our modern world is often hectic. Regular breaks, in which you consciously relax and focus on your breathing, can help to make time feel slower.

Conclusion: Experience time consciously

Our perception of time is not governed by the clock, but by our perception. By living consciously, gathering new experiences, and being present in the moment, we can positively change our relationship with time. It's less about having more time, but about experiencing the time we have more consciously and meaningfully.