Have you ever had a day that felt like it lasted forever and another that vanished in the blink of an eye? 

The funny thing is that time doesn’t change—it’s our perception of time that shifts. Psychologists say it has to do with novelty and attention. When we experience something new—like traveling to a new place or trying a new activity—our brain works harder to process all the unfamiliar information. This makes time feel slower and the day more memorable. On the other hand, when we’re stuck in routines or doing repetitive tasks, the brain "compresses" time, making it seem like the day flew by without leaving much behind.

Time also flies when we’re deeply immersed in something enjoyable or when we are "in the zone."

We can stretch time by being intentional. Make small changes in your routine, seek out new experiences, or practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment. I try to savor moments of joy every day by putting my feet up and thinking about a specific moment or feeling. 

Ultimately, the length of a day isn’t about hours and minutes—it’s about the moments we fill it with.