The older we get, the more time seems to fly by, doesn’t it? There are actually some really interesting scientific theories behind it—Google it if your interest is piqued! In the meantime, here’s the short of it, including how to slow it down—which is what really matters, right?
Most theorists agree that time passes faster when we are in a set routine, when we aren’t learning anything new, when our lives seem to be stuck in a pattern. Why? Our brains encode new experiences, not familiar ones, into memory, and our retrospective perception of time is based on how many new memories we create over a certain period. When we’re young, we have many new experiences and learn countless new skills. As we get older, our lives tend to become more routine, and we experience fewer unfamiliar moments. Thus, our early years tend to be relatively overrepresented in our memory and, in hindsight, seem to have lasted longer.
So the key to making the days last? Make new memories: Do something different, learn something new, explore new places and new ideas. Summer is in full swing. What better time to slow down and change gears, go somewhere new or try something different? It doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant or expensive. Let’s make the most of this summer by making time to make some memories.
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Meredith Tredeau
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