A Simple Trick to Slow Down Time and Savor More Summer Moments
Have you ever wanted to freeze time? Just stop the clock from ticking and savor the experience a bit longer?
Today, I'll show you how to slow down time, but first, let's look at our perception of time and why it feels like it flies.
Why Does Time Fly (or Does it)?
Time flies when you're having fun. You've heard that line and experienced it over the years.
It does fly, but why and how?
Time flies when you're focused on activities and not the passing of time.
Time also passes faster when you are having a good time. Thanks to the release of our mood-boosting neurotransmitter, dopamine.
When you enjoy something, your brain gives you a little hit of this chemical, which causes you to zero in on the fun and forget about time entirely.
Social apps rely on this and this is how they keep you on the platform longer than you were anticipating. I know I'm not the only one that has flipped open TikTok and looked up to see somehow, an hour of my life was gone.
Thank goodness for phone alarms where you can set it for 15-minutes, and when it sounds, you can close up the app and put down your phone to enjoy your real life.
Now that you understand why time flies, let's go over a straightforward way to slow it down. So simple that you may want to skip it, but I promise you, it works.
How to Slow Down Time and Savor More Moments
Become less busy. Wait, that's it? Yes, keep reading.
Schedule less daily, and put down your phone so you don't get sucked into the time-designed warp machine.
How does this work? Let's imagine two families flying to Florida for vacation. One has an itinerary, and the other has a few outings loosely planned but nothing set in stone.
Which family do you think will feel more relaxed and like they truly soaked up all the moments?
The second family, correct.
You don't have to go to Florida to test this theory; you can try it this weekend!
How to Plan for a Weekend with Nothing to Do:
- Do your household chores during the week, including grocery shopping.
- Cancel any obligations (that you can) and plan to do nothing.
- Let your extended family know (like I would tell my mom) that phones are turned off this weekend, and you will talk to them on Monday.
- Enjoy.
What do you mean, I sit all weekend with nothing to do? That sounds boring!
I mean... yeah. But you can do things like blow up a cheap inflatable pool, set up the sprinkler, have a balloon fight (with or without your kids), start a fire and roast marshmallows, have a cozy movie night, order out or BBQ as long as the clean up is a breeze, and NO PHONES.
This will give you a weekend in slow motion; enjoy it.