Does Time Accelerate as We Grow Up? Why a Year Feels Long for Children and a Week Disappears for Adults

For Those Who Feel "Is It New Year Already?" —— The Speed of Time Is Not Just "Your Imagination"

The hand turning the calendar can't keep up. Many people must have felt this way during the year-end and New Year period.

A Q&A article published by Phys.org in January 2026 explains this "problem of time feeling faster each year" not as a matter of busyness or mindset, but as a function of the **"brain's workings."** In conclusion, the perception of time is not constant like a clock. When we feel "fast," a certain change is occurring in our brains.

Why a Year Feels Long for Children: The World Was Updated Daily

Jamie Jirout, a researcher from the University of Virginia (UVA), mentioned in the article, attributes the reason why a year feels long during childhood to the fact that there are **"many new events that require mental processing."**

In early childhood, the rules of the world are not yet established, and everything is new. Because they cannot predict what will happen next, the brain desperately gathers information from the surroundings. Moreover, children have immature attention control, so they notice "everything," for better or worse. As a result, more details of experiences are etched into memory, making it easier to feel "so much happened = it was long" when looking back.

Why Time Accelerates for Adults: Life Becomes "Autopilot"

On the other hand, as adults, the world becomes quite predictable. Commuting, work, household chores, communication, sleep……. The procedures are optimized, and mistakes are reduced.
However, the article states that this **efficiency itself becomes a "time accelerator."** While routines lower the brain's processing cost, they make events "less memorable." As a result, when looking back on the year, there are fewer "memory markers," leading to "What did I do this year?" → "That's why it feels short."

The important point here is the perspective thatthere are two types of perceived time.

Another article on Phys.org (originating from The Conversation) explains the separation between the time we feel now (prospective) and the time we look back on later (retrospective). While boredom makes the "now" feel slow, a monotonous year feels short "later"—this twist creates the feeling that "days are long, but the year is short."

So, How Can We "Slow Down" Time?

Jirout's suggestion is surprisingly simple. There are two key points.

1) Bring Back Attention: Mindfulness Is Not Just "Meditation"

The article recommends smaller "awareness" rather than the so-called meditative practices.
For example, while walking, look up at the trees or the sky. On a path where you usually head straight to your destination, deliberately notice the details around you. This cuts off the autopilot mode and increases the amount of information in your experience. If the "memory grains" left in the brain increase, time will feel relatively slower.

2) Mix in Novelty: "Variability" Works Better Than Big Events

When we say "try something new," people tend to imagine big events like overseas travel or changing jobs, but Jirout is more realistic.
Activities that change each time, like board games that require thinking, are easier to leave as "distinguishable memories." For busy people, even "small novelties" like trying a new recipe/changing your commute route/trying a new sport or game are sufficient. The key is not to "copy-paste your days."

"Slowing Down Time" Comes with Side Effects: It Also Benefits Learning and Brain Health

The benefits of new activities are not limited to the sense of time. The article touches on the possibility that novelty is related to learning, motivation, and cognitive health. Engaging in unfamiliar activities uses attention and memory systems, which helps maintain brain flexibility. This connects with the concept of "cognitive reserve," which supports cognitive health as we age.

How Was It Received on Social Media? (Patterns of Reaction to "The Theme of This Article")

*Note: "Social media reactions" here are representative patterns of reactions frequently seen on social media regarding the same theme (time feels fast/how to slow it down). Examples of similar content can be found in shared posts on Facebook and discussions on Reddit.*

Reaction ① "I Get It... A Day Disappears with Efficiency"

• "The month ends just by completing tasks."

• "Routine = Fast-forwarding Life"
  The story that "efficiency makes memories thinner" strongly resonates with those juggling work and household chores.

Reaction ② "Raising Kids Makes Time Fly (But Events Are Rich)"

• "Seasons fly by with children's growth."

• "Looking back at photos, it's rich, but it feels like a moment."
  The dual structure where "now" is busy and fast, but "later" is filled with memories and feels long, often becomes a topic of discussion.

Reaction ③ "Isn't It Ultimately Because of Smartphones?" Debate

• "There's a lot of stimulation, but no memory remains."

• "Scrolling is a repetition of the same scenery."
  Although the article itself does not condemn smartphones, many readers interpret it as emphasizing "how attention is directed" over "novelty."

Reaction ④ "I Don't Have the Luxury for 'New Things'"

• "Even if told to introduce novelty, I'm tired."
  The article is realistic in stating, "You don't have to make big changes. Small changes are fine." Changing routes, changing recipes—these are low-cost options.

Reaction ⑤ "Sounds Like the 'Janet's Law'" Supplement

In Japanese-speaking regions, "time feels faster as you age" is often discussed as "Janet's Law." However, the axis of this article is not a ratio calculation formula, but rather an explanation type focusing on attention, novelty, and memory density. This clarification reduces misunderstandings.

Seven Small Tips to "Extend Perceived Time" You Can Try Today

Here's how to put the article's content into an actionable form.

1. Look "Up" During Commute or Walks(Sky, trees, building details)

2. Change One Path on Your Usual Route(Even just on the way back is OK)

3. Include a "New Taste" Once a Week(New recipes/unexplored restaurants)

4. Engage in Activities with Variability(Board games, puzzles, competitive games)

5. Return to the "Present Sensation" for 5 Minutes(Pay attention to sounds, smells, textures)

6. Reflect in Three Lines at the End of the Month(Leave "memory markers") *A similar concept is the suggestion to "rehearse memories."*

7. Meet People/Engage with New Relationships(Stimuli + meaning make memories richer)
   
   
   

Conclusion: Increasing Time Is About "Resolution of Memory," Not "Schedule"

The speed of time is not because your sense is broken or because you're not trying hard enough. It's the result of the brain becoming efficient, narrowing attention, and processing events "collectively."

Therefore, the countermeasure should also align with the brain. Turn off autopilot, bring back attention, and incorporate small novelties into daily life. Then, even the same 365 days will feel "longer and richer."