Have you ever had one of those moments where time just… stops? Maybe it was watching a sunset that painted the sky in colors you didn’t even know existed. Or holding a newborn baby and feeling the weight of their tiny hand in yours. Or laughing so hard with friends that your stomach hurt and tears streamed down your face. In those moments, the world feels still, like you’ve somehow stepped outside of time itself.
But then, of course, time comes rushing back. The sun sets, the baby grows up, and the laughter fades into memory. And you’re left wondering: How do I hold onto this? How do I make time slow down?
The truth is, we can’t stop time. It’s relentless, always moving forward, whether we’re ready or not. But what if I told you there’s a way to feel like you’ve stopped time? To create more of those magical, timeless moments in your life? It’s not about controlling the clock—it’s about how you choose to live. Let’s dive into how you can do that, with a little bit of science, a lot of heart, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
1. Be Fully Present (Because Life Happens Now)
Here’s the thing: time feels like it’s flying because we’re not really here. We’re stuck in our heads, worrying about the future or replaying the past. But life? Life is happening right now, in this moment. And if you’re not paying attention, you’re going to miss it.
How to Do It:
- Put down your phone. Seriously. Just for a little while.
- Engage your senses. Notice the smell of your coffee, the sound of birds chirping, the feel of the breeze on your skin.
- Practice mindfulness. It doesn’t have to be meditation—just focus on what’s in front of you.
Example: You’re having dinner with your family. Instead of scrolling through your phone, you really listen to your kids’ stories. You notice the way their eyes light up when they talk about their day. And suddenly, the meal feels longer, richer, more meaningful.
Why It Works: When you’re fully present, time expands. You’re not just passing through life—you’re living it.
2. Create Moments of Awe (Because Awe Stretches Time)
Awe is that feeling you get when you see something so incredible, so vast, that it makes you feel small in the best way possible. And here’s the cool part: research shows that awe can actually slow down your perception of time.
How to Do It:
- Seek out nature. Watch a thunderstorm, hike to a mountaintop, or just stare at the stars.
- Experience art. Visit a museum, listen to live music, or read a book that blows your mind.
- Celebrate small wonders. Awe doesn’t have to be grand—it can be a flower blooming or a child’s laughter.
Example: You’re on vacation, standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon. The sheer size and beauty of it take your breath away. For a moment, time stands still. You’re not thinking about your to-do list or your inbox. You’re just… there.
Why It Works: Awe shifts your focus from the mundane to the extraordinary. It reminds you how big and beautiful life can be.
3. Break Your Routine (Because Novelty Slows Time)
Ever notice how time flies when you’re doing the same thing day after day? That’s because your brain doesn’t bother to remember the mundane. But when you try something new, your brain wakes up and starts paying attention.
How to Do It:
- Take a different route to work.
- Try a new hobby, like painting, cooking, or dancing.
- Travel to a place you’ve never been before.
Example: You’ve been stuck in a rut, going through the motions at work and home. Then, on a whim, you sign up for a salsa class. The first lesson is awkward and hilarious, but it’s also exhilarating. For those two hours, time feels like it’s standing still.
Why It Works: Novelty creates new memories, which makes time feel fuller and longer. It’s like adding more chapters to your life story.
4. Connect Deeply with Others (Because Love Defies Time)
There’s something magical about deep, meaningful connections. When you’re truly connected with someone—whether it’s a partner, a friend, or even a stranger—time seems to melt away.
How to Do It:
- Have real conversations. Ask questions, listen deeply, and share your own stories.
- Be vulnerable. Let people see the real you, flaws and all.
- Show up. Be there for the people you care about, even when it’s hard.
Example: You’re having coffee with a friend you haven’t seen in years. At first, you’re catching up on the surface stuff—work, kids, the usual. But then, the conversation turns deeper. You talk about your dreams, your fears, your regrets. Hours pass, but it feels like minutes.
Why It Works: Connection reminds us that we’re not alone. It fills our hearts and stretches our sense of time.
5. Savor the Little Things (Because Joy Is in the Details)
Life isn’t just made up of big, dramatic moments. It’s also the small, quiet ones—the first sip of coffee in the morning, the smell of rain on hot pavement, the way your dog wags its tail when you come home. When you savor these moments, time slows down.
How to Do It:
- Keep a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for every day.
- Take mental snapshots. Pause and really notice the good stuff.
- Share your joy. Tell someone about the little thing that made you happy.
Example: You’re walking home after a long day, feeling tired and stressed. Then, you notice the way the sunlight filters through the trees, casting golden shadows on the sidewalk. You stop for a moment, just to take it in. And suddenly, the day feels a little brighter.
Why It Works: Savoring forces you to slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of you. It’s a reminder that life is made up of moments, not milestones.
Final Thoughts: Time Is a Gift
We can’t stop time, but we can change how we experience it. By being present, seeking awe, breaking routines, connecting deeply, and savoring the little things, we can create more of those timeless moments that make life feel rich and full.
So, the next time you feel like time is slipping away, take a deep breath and ask yourself: How can I make this moment count? Because in the end, it’s not about stopping time—it’s about making the most of the time you have.
Now go out there and live. Really live. Because this moment? It’s yours. 🕰️✨