Is time flying by… or are we just stuck in routine?

Have you ever noticed how summers felt endless as a kid, but now, they’re gone in a blink? Or how the stretch between birthdays used to feel like a lifetime, and now you’re wondering how you’re already another year older?

You’re not alone – time really does feel like it speeds up as we age. But here’s the thing: it’s not actually time that’s changing. It’s us.

When you’re young, everything feels new. Your first bike ride, your first day at school, your first sleepover – all of it feels huge because it’s the first. Those new experiences get etched into your brain, making time feel stretched and vivid.

As we get older, we settle into routines. Wake up, work, dinner, repeat. Days start blending together because there’s less novelty to anchor our memories. Without those standout moments, weeks can feel like they disappear in fast-forward.

Your brain best remembers moments that stand out. That’s why a year filled with the same routines feels shorter in hindsight than a year packed with new adventures. The less variety we have, the less we remember. And when our brains aren’t filling those memory gaps, time feels like it’s slipping away.

How to slow things down

Time doesn’t have to feel like it’s racing by. You can’t pause it, but you can make it feel fuller. 

Start by shaking up your routine. Even small changes can make a big difference. Take a different route to work, start waking up earlier, or say yes to something unexpected. Novelty creates memories, and memories have a way of stretching time.

Another way to slow things down is by creating “firsts.” Take a class, learn a new skill, or visit somewhere you’ve never been before. First-time experiences are vivid and lasting, and make time feel longer because they stand out in your mind.

Being present is an easy way to make time feel like it’s moving slower. It’s easy to let moments slip by when you’re distracted by your phone or planning tomorrow’s to-do list. But when you slow down and really experience what’s happening, time feels longer, richer, and more meaningful.

Finally (and perhaps most importantly in our opinion), make time for adventure. Travel, explore, or step out of your comfort zone. Adventure has a way of expanding time because it snaps you out of autopilot and forces you to pay attention. Whether it’s a big trip or a small one, make space for moments that make you feel alive.  

Time flies when life feels like a blur. But when you focus on creating new experiences and paying attention to the small, beautiful details of everyday life, time slows.

So, the next time your life feels like it’s flying by, remember: time isn’t speeding up, you’re just living on autopilot. 

The secret to slowing down isn’t having more time – it’s making the most of the time you already have.

Profound, eh?

Love,
Nakie HQ