Pursuing novelty can make the passing of years feel like less of a blur. A therapist who specializes in working with older adults notes the common sentiment among her clients that life seems to have passed quickly.

This feeling is often described as life moving "in the blink of an eye." As individuals age, their perception of time changes significantly.

Factors Influencing Time Perception

The proportion of a year in relation to one's entire life decreases as one gets older. This contributes to the sensation of time passing more rapidly. Additionally, memories play a crucial role in our perception of time. The number of memories formed during a period helps us gauge the duration of that period. Forming vivid and emotional memories can make time appear longer.

Effects of Novelty on Time Perception

New activities, experiences, and skills can help individuals feel like life is not slipping away. In contrast, as people age, they tend to have fewer new experiences, resulting in life feeling more stagnant and uneventful.

Importance of Seeking Novelty

Engaging in novel activities forms new and vivid memories that slow down the perceived passage of time. Learning new skills and experiencing new things can disrupt routine, giving individuals a sense of control over how they use their time.

Adding Novelty to Your Life

Embracing unfamiliar activities, such as traveling to new places, trying different hobbies, meeting new people, or volunteering, can infuse novelty into daily routines. Transforming online interests into real-world experiences can also enhance novelty and time perception.

Pursuit of Novelty

Allocate specific time in your schedule for new experiences to ensure their inclusion in your routine. Keeping a record of the new things you've tried can provide a sense of accomplishment and lengthen your perception of time.

Balance of Novelty and Familiarity

While seeking novelty is beneficial, it is essential to strike a balance between new experiences and activities you love. Recognizing the value of moments spent on things that bring joy and fulfillment is crucial in managing time effectively.

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