Why does time go by so fast? Causes and tips + free challenge

As I write this, Christmas will be almost here in about 10 weeks. That may sound far away, but to me this year has flown by in the blink of an eye. Do you also feel like the days are flying by? That you wake up on Monday morning, blink your eyes, and suddenly it’s Friday? You’re not alone! Many people experience the feeling that time is passing by faster as they get older. But why does time seem to go by so quickly? And more importantly: what can you do to slow down that feeling of ‘time flying’? Read on or… scroll down for the Make it Slow 10-Day Challenge if you don’t have a minute to lose!

Why does time seem to go faster?

1. Routine and repetition

One of the main reasons time seems to speed up is routine. When we have a fixed routine—think the same work, the same activities, the same surroundings every day—there are fewer new impressions to store in our brain. Our memory loves new experiences, and without them, time seems to pass more quickly. Days flow into each other because they feel the same.

2. Comparison with youth

Remember when you were a kid? Back then, summer vacation felt like it lasted forever! As we get older, we have more experiences to compare ourselves to. A year seems less because we’ve already experienced so many. When you’re 10, a year is 10% of your life, but when you’re 40, it’s only 2.5%. This makes each year seem shorter as you get older.

3. Technology and constant distraction

With smartphones, laptops, social media and constant news around us, we are constantly busy. We hardly have time to stop and be in the moment because we always have 'something' to do. This can make time fly by like a train. Everything seems to go faster because we are always busy and rarely really take a break.

4. The speed of modern life

We live in a fast-paced world. Deadlines, work, social obligations and a to-do list that never seems to shrink keep us in constant ‘doing mode’. This constant sense of rush and busyness makes time slip through our fingers.

What can you do to slow down the feeling of fast time?

Luckily, there are ways to slow down the feeling of time passing quickly. Here are a few handy tips you can apply to experience more peace and space in your days.

1. Try new things

One of the best ways to slow down the feeling of fast time is to expose yourself to new experiences.

2. Mindfulness and living in the moment

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the here and now, without judging. By being aware of each moment, you take yourself out of autopilot.

3. Reduce your screen time

Technology is a big culprit when it comes to the feeling of time passing quickly. Try reducing your screen time.

4. Change your routine

As mentioned earlier, a set pattern can make time seem to pass more quickly. Try to break your daily routine every now and then.

5. Plan quality time

Make sure you schedule time for things you really enjoy.

Time flies…but not always

While it’s normal for time to feel like it’s passing by quickly, we can influence the feeling of time passing by. By living more mindfully, seeking out new experiences, and reducing your screen time, you can slow down the feeling of time flying. It’s about making conscious choices about how you spend your time, so you can enjoy the moments that really matter.

How do you slow down?

Remind yourself that you can take control of how you experience that time. With the Make it Slow 10-Day Challenge, you can press the pause button and learn how to easily regain control of your time. Free of charge. Sign up below and your 10-day journey to get out of fifth gear will start right away!