Making Time Slow Down (In the Best Way)
Thanksgiving has come and gone. Our son visited us from New York City, and we enjoyed a lovely, fulfilling dinner together. We had the usual Thanksgiving spread: turkey, gravy, pies, and my wife’s superb pasta—a dish so delicious it’s always a highlight. As I get older, I’ve noticed that time seems to pass more quickly, a feeling many share. Yet, for a while now, I’ve experienced something curious: days and weeks often feel longer, almost as though they’ve gained extra hours. This is true even in winter, when, here in the Pacific Northwest, darkness falls as early as 4:30 PM.
A few months ago, I came across an article suggesting that to counteract the sensation of time speeding up, we should break from routine and embrace small changes. These changes don’t need to be dramatic. Something as simple as working in a different spot at home or taking a new route during a walk or run can create unique experiences that make the day feel longer. By doing this, you force yourself to be more present in the moment. Since you’re no longer running on autopilot, your senses become more active and engaged. Every moment becomes a distinct experience, helping to counteract the feeling that time is slipping by unnoticed.
Routines, of course, have their value. They help us achieve goals and accomplish tasks that might otherwise be challenging. But the very predictability that makes routines so effective can also make time feel as though it’s flying by—weeks vanish, and years seem to arrive sooner than expected. While some might enjoy this feeling, I don’t.
The phenomenon is rooted in how our brains process time. When we follow a predictable pattern, our minds tend to focus less on tracking time, which can create the illusion that it’s moving faster. Without frequent decisions to make, the brain relaxes and shifts into autopilot. That’s fine when you need focus or are deep in a task, a “flow state” but outside of that, I’ve found that stepping away from schedules and allowing the day to unfold naturally does the opposite. It slows time down and feels both enjoyable and rejuvenating. By letting the day be defined by what’s right in front of me, I experience a sense of freedom and novelty that makes life feel richer and, in a way, younger.
Of course, not everything can be unscheduled. Routines and plans can help, for example, making a reservation to ensure a table at a busy restaurant. But sometimes, breaking free from structure and embracing spontaneity leads to the most memorable experiences. I love those unplanned days when you leave the house without a strict agenda and end up doing something completely random. These are often my favorite outings, especially when shared with family and friends. They may not always agree with my preference for spontaneity, but there’s something magical about discovering a new adventure together.
This slower perception of time doesn’t worry me, it’s something I’ve cultivated intentionally. I’ve been fortunate to shape my life in a way that allows for random, unscheduled days, especially on Fridays and weekends. While not always possible, I likely take more impromptu walks and coffee shop visits than most 50-year-olds.
Right now, I’m seated at a small table in one of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle, sipping a drip coffee and enjoying a hand pie for breakfast. As I write this, I have no idea what I’ll do next. Once I finish my coffee and wrap up these thoughts, I’ll head out for a walk, but I don’t know in which direction. I’ll decide in real time—turning left or right based on what catches my eye. A shop window, some street art, or even a curious vibe from a particular block might guide me. These unscripted moments often lead me to new discoveries: interesting shops, vibrant street art, or unexpected landscapes to view and photograph.
The best part? Days like this feel long, and that’s exactly what I want. I don’t subscribe to the idea that life is better when time flies by. On the contrary, I’m grateful to enjoy my days so much that I want them to stretch on as long as possible.
In the end, while living in autopilot might be easier, it’s the unplanned moments that give life its color and richness.
Wishing you a long and enjoyable weekend!
