Ok, I know, you can not literally stop time 🙄 but, we can make the most of it because honestly, time FLIES!
I remember one day I had a conversation with my grandmother. I was counting the days for Christmas to arrive 🎄 and it was taking like forever! Let us say that I was getting impatient 🫣 and so was my grandmother, but then with me 😆. Probably because every hour I would ask her how much longer 😂
At one point she must have gotten tired of my nagging because she rolled her eyes (which she never did) and said that I was lucky that it was taking sooo long. Because, once you get older, time flies!
Oh, and right she was! I have to admit, time does fly.
But, it is not just you and me, time does speed up as we get older! It is even backed up by science!
I am going to spare you the scientific details as to why it does. Something with neurons in our brains 🧠
Studies suggest our brains process familiar information more quickly, making time appear to move faster as we accumulate more experiences and routines.
What I am interested in, is how can we slow down that time. Because sometimes I would like things to last forever ♾️
My 8 tips (tested and approved by myself) to slow down time!
- Mindfulness and Presence: Practice being fully present in the moment. Engage all your senses and focus on what you’re doing. By immersing yourself in the present, you can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the current experience.
My go-to is my daily meditation. It took me a while to get into it but it has now become part of my morning routine and I couldn’t think of living without it. - Disconnect from Technology: In our digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in constant notifications and distractions. Take intentional breaks from technology to reclaim your time. Unplug, go for a walk, read a book, or engage in activities that allow you to be fully present without interruptions.
Living without TV (and any streaming devices for that matter) has had a tremendous positive impact on my life. I know this might feel very, very scary but honestly, it isn’t. - Pursue Passionate Activities: Identify activities that bring you joy and a sense of timelessness. Engage in hobbies, creative pursuits, or sports that make you lose track of time. When you’re deeply engaged in something you love, time seems to fade away.
- Cultivate Deep Relationships: Spend quality time with loved ones and build meaningful connections. Engaging in heartfelt conversations and shared experiences can create a sense of time standing still, as you cherish those moments of connection.
- Embrace Solitude and Reflection: Take time for yourself to reflect, meditate, or simply be alone with your thoughts. Solitude allows you to slow down, gain clarity, and appreciate the present moment.
- Create Rituals and Routines: Establishing rituals or routines can help create a sense of stability and calmness in your daily life. By incorporating activities that you enjoy and that bring you a sense of fulfillment, you can make time feel more meaningful and purposeful. I’m such a fan of my morning routine. What once started with just 20 minutes has grown into a morning routine that takes up to 2 hours of my day and I just LOVE it!
- Engage in Nature: Spend time outdoors, surrounded by nature. Whether it’s a hike, a picnic in the park, or simply sitting in your backyard, nature has a way of slowing down our perception of time and fostering a sense of tranquility. Oh, and when you need a good excuse to NOT go outside? I’ll give you 10!
- Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a gratitude practice by regularly acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. When you focus on gratitude, you become more aware of the present moment and the richness it holds.
Time is our most precious resource, and while we can’t stop it, we can learn to make the most of it by being present, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and nurturing meaningful connections.
I hope these tips can inspire you as sometimes you really want time to STOP.
Yours truly
Peggy, Visionary Planning Coach and a Backyard Hiker
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