Ever feel like time is flying by faster than it used to? One minute you’re celebrating the New Year, and the next, it’s December again. This weird, sped-up feeling of time is super common, especially in middle age. So, what’s going on? Why does life feel like it’s on fast-forward when we hit our 40s or 50s? Let’s break it down.

Life Feels Familiar

When you’re a kid, everything is new. First bike ride. First day of school. First heartbreak. Those “firsts” make life feel long and eventful because your brain is soaking it all in. But as you get older, a lot of life starts to feel… predictable. Meetings. Chores. The same commute. Your brain doesn’t need to work as hard to process routine stuff, so time feels like it’s zipping by.

Time Shrinks with Age

Here’s a trippy thought: when you’re 10 years old, one year is 10% of your life. It feels HUGE. At 50, that same year is just 2% of your life. It’s like comparing a big slice of cake to a tiny sliver—it’s no wonder a year doesn’t feel as long as it used to.

Blame It on the Brain

Dopamine, the chemical in your brain that makes you feel excited about new experiences, naturally dips as you age. Lower dopamine means fewer “wow” moments. And guess what? Those “wow” moments are what make time feel slower and more memorable. No dopamine rush? No time slowdown.

Too Busy to Notice

Let’s face it, middle age can be hectic. Work deadlines, raising kids, taking care of aging parents—it’s a lot. When your brain is juggling a thousand things, there’s no space to savor the moment. Before you know it, weeks blur into months.

How to Slow Time Down

Good news: you don’t have to feel like life is on warp speed forever. Here are a few ways to hit the brakes:

1. Shake Up Your Routine: Try something new—a hobby, a weekend trip, or even just a new recipe. New experiences stretch your perception of time.

2. Be Present: Ever notice how time slows down when you’re on vacation? That’s because you’re fully there, soaking it in. Practicing mindfulness can bring that same feeling into your daily life.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Write down the little things—something funny your kid said, a moment of quiet on your morning walk. Reflecting on these makes your days feel richer.

4. Make Memories: It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure. Even a game night with friends can create moments worth remembering.

Time might feel like it’s speeding up, but you’re not helpless here. By being intentional, switching up routines, and focusing on the present, you can reclaim a sense of spaciousness in your life. Middle age doesn’t have to be a blur—it can be a rich, memorable chapter if you lean into it.

So, how will you slow time down this week?