Can we learn to control time?

Some days go by very quickly, while others seem endless. It seems that we can involuntarily control our sense of time. This ability could be very useful in our lives!

What is time?

Time is an abstract notion that refers to the measurement of the duration of events. It can be seen as a dimension in which events occur, unfold and follow one another. Although time is a universal notion, the way we perceive it can vary from one person to another.

But can we learn to control time?

By observing our lives a little, we can easily see that in general, time passes quickly when we are doing something we like, or when we have the feeling of being busy. Conversely, when we are bored, or doing something we don't like, time seems to stand still. Yet, the time itself does not change. So it is not time that we must learn to master, but our conception of it.

Can we slow down time by changing our perception?

There are several simple methods, which used every day can drastically change our perception of our days.

• Practicing mindfulness

This may seem difficult to do at times, especially when we are stressed, anxious, exhausted... However, coming back to the present moment, to the here and now, allows us to slow down.

• Reduce screens

In today's society, screens are omnipresent. And we all know the impact they have on our notion of time. We are so absorbed by what we do, that we can easily get "lost" for hours on social networks or in front of a series. The ideal is to find a balance, by bringing into our life activities that bring us a better notion of time (sports, board games, outdoor activities ...)

• Learn to take breaks

It is important that in our busy days, we take the time to stop, even if only for five minutes. Observe our surroundings, stretch, take a deep breath...

Time is an essential part of our daily lives. We organize our activities according to the time available. Our ability to manage our time also influences our relationships with others. Learning to take time is a great exercise to practice every day! Lack of time can lead to stress or anxiety while free time can improve our well-being and quality of life.

It is totally possible to learn to manage our perception of time, which will give us the impression of controlling our time. But for that, no surprise, we have to practice: to take time, to better organize our time, and to impose ourselves some free time.