As the years pass by, almost all of us share the same sensation: time seems to pass at great speed. Why does this phenomenon occur?
The notion of time passing is a subjective experience, influenced by various factors. In 2016, Brian Yates, specialist in mathematical biology, explored different avenues of reflection on this theme. He mentioned in particular the idea ofa “progressive deterioration of our biological clock”, linked to the natural slowdown of metabolism with age. As we get older, our heartbeat and breathing slow down, whereas when we were younger they were much more vigorous. This biological slowdown could thus modify our perception of the passage of time. However, other avenues are also being explored by researchers to understand why time seems dilated and slower as we age.
How can we explain that time seems to pass faster as we get older and older?
The feeling that time speeds up with age is a common experience. Several hypotheses attempt to explain this phenomenon. First, during childhood, each day brings its share of discoveries and learning. Conversely, adulthood often settles into a routinemaking the days more uniform and therefore shorter in appearance. Likewise, the temporal ratio is not the same in children as in adults. A year of life thus seems longer in a child than in an adult. According to Adrian Bejan, professor at Duke University, aging also comes withloss of cognitive abilities. As the brain stores fewer memories each day, the days seem shorter with age.
How can you not have the impression that the years and life pass too quickly?
If the perception of time is partly linked to age, certain tips can help slow down its subjective course. Breaking out of your routine by taking up new hobbies, traveling or learning new things allows you to create lasting memories and expand the perception of time. Focusing on the present moment by practicing meditation or mindfulness exercises also allows you to enjoy each moment and slow down the hectic pace of daily life. Likewise, take the time to savor the small pleasures of everyday life, such as a good meal at restauranta walk or a conversation with a loved onehelps to enrich each moment and fully appreciate its flavor.
Why does time go by faster than before when you’re in love?
Love provokes a real flood of intense emotions and new things, which disrupts our perception of time. The state of excitement and hypervigilance that love provides makes us experience each moment with great intensity, which thus dilates our perception of time. In addition, the focused attention on the loved one and the shared experiences create memorable landmarks that leave a lasting mark on our memory, giving the impression that time passes more quickly. It’s well known that when you have fun, when you do new things, you can have the feeling that time passes much faster. Conversely, boredom and routine are real slowdowns in the passage of time.
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