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Tengrinews.kz - It seems like just recently the days were longer and life was calmer. Today, everything is different: morning quickly turns into evening, the week flies by in an instant, and the years slip away, leaving behind a feeling of incompleteness. Why do we feel that time flies faster? And most importantly, is it possible to regain the ability to live slowly and fully?
Tengrinews.kz - It seems like just recently the days were longer and life was calmer. Today, everything is different: morning quickly turns into evening, the week flies by in an instant, and the years slip away, leaving behind a feeling of incompleteness. Why do we feel that time flies faster? And most importantly, is it possible to regain the ability to live slowly and fully?
Why do we feel that time has sped up
- Constant flow of information. We live in an era where every minute is filled with news, notifications, social networks and tasks. Our brains are overloaded, and because of this, days begin to merge into one continuous series of events.
- Technology and accessibility. Smartphones and instant messengers have made us "available" around the clock. Work, personal affairs, social connections - everything is mixed up, leaving no time for a break. We are constantly in a hurry, afraid of missing something important.
- The age effect. With age, our perception of time changes. As we grow older, the monotony of everyday life reduces the number of vivid memories. Childhood seems long because it contained many "firsts" that our brains recorded as significant.
- Social pressure. Today, being busy has become fashionable. We boast about our overloaded schedules, as if this is an indicator of success. But such a rush only reinforces the feeling that we are not having time to live.
How to slow down time?
1. Focus on the present
Multitasking has become the norm, but it only increases stress. Instead, try to focus on one task. Be it work, a walk, or a conversation with loved ones - give it maximum attention.
2. Create new impressions
Routine makes time "faster." To slow it down, add new emotions and impressions to your life: travel, try a new hobby, meet interesting people. Even small changes in everyday life will help "stretch" time.
3. Limit the influence of technology
Set boundaries in the use of gadgets. Turn off notifications, spend at least a couple of hours a day without your phone. This will help you better feel the moment and reduce anxiety.
4. Spend time in nature
Walks in the park, relaxing by the water, or even 15 minutes in the fresh air can reboot the mind. Nature helps restore the internal rhythm and feel more harmonious.
5. Don't be afraid to say "no"
The world won't stop if you refuse an extra meeting or task. Set priorities and learn to choose only what is important to you. This will help you not to waste your time on things that do not bring joy.
6. Practice mindfulness
Meditation techniques and breathing exercises allow you to return to the present moment. Start with something simple: try focusing on your breathing or taste the food you eat.
Each person can adapt these recommendations to themselves, they are not universal.
What does the research say?
Why did the years seem to go by so slowly as a child, but now they seem to fly by so quickly? Experts explain that our perception of time changes as we age, causing some periods of time to seem fleeting and others to seem endless.
"Our perception of days, weeks, years and that kind of time seems to be especially influenced by our perspective: Are we in the moment experiencing it, or are we looking backward on time?" explained Cindy Lustig, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan.
As Lustig notes in an article on the University of Michigan website, the perception of time depends on memory and how much you have experienced. For an 8-year-old, a week is a large part of life. For an 80-year-old, a week is a much smaller part of life, which contributes to the feeling that the week flew by quickly.
Cindy Lustig is the Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience Area Chair; Professor of Psychology; Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies; Director of the Honors and STAR Scholars Programs.
Your time, your choice
Slowing down time means taking back control of your life. It doesn't mean doing less or giving up on your goals. It means consciously choosing where to spend your energy, attention, and emotions. It's important to remember that there's nothing more valuable in this world than the present moment. Try living more slowly today — and you'll see how each day becomes more fulfilling and meaningful.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you're experiencing chronic stress or mental health issues, seek professional help.
