Have you noticed that time seems to be flying by more quickly than it used to? You’re not alone. Many people feel as though the days drag on, but the years blur together. Thomas Mulligan recently shared a theory on TikTok called the “time perception theory,” which offers an explanation for this strange phenomenon. Let’s dive into Mulligan’s theory and explore other psychological insights into why time feels like it’s speeding up.
The Time Perception Theory: Why Time Feels Faster as We Age
Thomas Mulligan’s theory draws on the idea that as we grow older, each year represents a smaller fraction of our lives. When we’re young, a year feels long because it makes up a large portion of our life experience. But as we age, each year becomes a smaller percentage of our life, making it feel shorter in comparison.
As Mulligan puts it: “On your first birthday, one year represents 100% of your life. By your second birthday, that percentage drops to 50%. By the time you reach 20, a year makes up just 5% of your life.” This shrinking proportion creates the illusion that time speeds up as we get older.
Familiarity’s Impact on Time Perception
Psychologists have long noted that our perception of time is heavily influenced by how much new information our brain processes. When we encounter unfamiliar situations, time seems to slow down as our minds work to absorb new details. In contrast, when we’re in familiar, routine situations, our brains operate on autopilot, making time seem to pass more quickly.
Neuroscientist Santosh Kesari explains, “As children, we experience more new things, which leaves us with lasting impressions. But as we age, fewer new experiences occur, and this alters our perception of time.” This explains why childhood often feels like it stretched on forever, while adulthood seems to zoom by.
The Pandemic and the Digital Shift: How 2020 Changed Our Perception of Time
For many, the events of 2020 accelerated the sensation of time flying by. The global pandemic forced many into repetitive routines—working from home, limited social interactions, and an increased reliance on digital platforms. This lack of variety contributed to the sense that days were blending together.
The concept of “lockdown time” suggests that while the world seemed to pause, our perception of time became distorted. With the absence of significant, new experiences and the monotony of digital interactions, the last few years feel like they’ve passed in a blur.
Novelty: The Key to Slowing Down Time
One way to counter the feeling that time is racing by is to introduce new experiences into your life. Psychologists suggest that seeking out novelty—whether it’s traveling to new places, learning a new skill, or trying unfamiliar activities—can make time feel more expansive.
This concept is reflected in the “Holiday Paradox,” where vacations often feel like they pass quickly in the moment but seem longer in hindsight because of the unique memories they create. Engaging in new experiences helps your brain process more information, which can make time feel richer and slower.
Mindfulness: Living in the Present to Expand Time
Another technique for slowing down your perception of time is practicing mindfulness. By fully engaging in the present moment, you can make everyday experiences feel more meaningful and memorable. Whether it’s savoring a meal or paying attention to your surroundings during a walk, mindfulness helps you live through your senses, making time feel less fleeting.
Patricia Costello, a neuroscientist, emphasizes the importance of being present: “When we focus on our experiences instead of our thoughts, it creates a time-expanding effect.” By shifting your attention to the present, you can slow down the passage of time and make each moment count.
Why Time Feels Faster as We Get Older
The phenomenon of time speeding up as we age is widely recognized. The shrinking proportion of time, combined with a lack of new experiences, creates the illusion that the years are slipping away faster than ever.
Children, however, perceive time differently. “Children’s brains are still developing, which impacts their perception of time,” says Costello. “Their working memory, attention, and executive functions are all evolving, making time feel slower to them.” This is why childhood often feels like it lasts much longer compared to adulthood.
Practical Tips for Slowing Down Your Perception of Time
If you want to make time feel like it’s moving more slowly, breaking free from routine is key. Engaging in new activities, traveling to unfamiliar places, or meeting new people can make your experiences more vivid and stretch your sense of time.
Santosh Kesari also suggests reflecting on your day as a way to anchor your memories. “Spend 30 minutes each night reflecting on what happened during the day. This helps solidify those memories and makes each day feel more unique,” he advises. By deliberately reflecting on your daily experiences, you can make time feel longer and more meaningful.