Why do I feel like time is moving too fast or too slow?

Time can feel like it’s zooming by or crawling at a snail’s pace, and there are several reasons why our perception of time can get warped.

When we’re bored or waiting for something, time often seems to drag on forever. This is because we’re hyper-aware of the passing of time and constantly checking how much longer we have to wait. Our brains don’t have much else to focus on, so we notice every slow tick of the clock.

On the flip side, time flies when we’re having fun or are super busy. When we’re engaged in enjoyable or demanding activities, we enter a state of “flow” where we lose track of time. Our brains are fully absorbed in what we’re doing, so we don’t notice time passing.

As we get older, time also seems to speed up. This is partly because we have fewer new experiences as adults. When we’re young, everything is novel and exciting, so our brains form more detailed memories. As we age and fall into routines, the days blur together more.

Our emotions can warp time too. When we’re anxious or stressed, time might feel like it’s dragging as we fixate on our worries. But in emergencies, time can seem to slow down as our brains go into overdrive processing information to react quickly.

Interestingly, our perception of time can be influenced by temperature. Studies have found that time seems to pass more slowly when we’re exposed to heat, while cold temperatures make time feel like it’s moving faster[1].

Certain health conditions and medications can also mess with our sense of time. People with ADHD often struggle with time blindness, where they have trouble estimating how long tasks will take[7]. And drugs that affect brain chemistry can dramatically alter time perception.

Even technology impacts how we experience time. The constant stimulation from our devices can make time feel like it’s rushing by as we flit between apps and notifications. But stepping away from screens can make time feel like it’s slowing down.

There are ways to gain more control over our perception of time. Practicing mindfulness can help us stay grounded in the present moment. Breaking up routines with new experiences can make time feel fuller. And being more intentional about how we spend our time can help it feel more meaningful.

Ultimately, our experience of time is deeply subjective. By understanding the factors that influence it, we can learn to make the most of our time – whether it feels fast or slow.