Many people have experienced a sense of time distortion during the pandemic, feeling like days, weeks, and months have blurred together or passed by too quickly. This phenomenon is not new, however. It is well-known that as we age, our perception of time changes and we tend to feel like time is speeding up. But why does this happen and what are the implications for our mental health?

One possible explanation for why time seems to move faster as we get older is that we have fewer novel experiences and more routine activities. When we encounter something new or exciting, our brain pays more attention and encodes more details in our memory. This makes the event seem longer and more memorable in retrospect. On the other hand, when we do the same things over and over again, our brain filters out the redundant information and stores less in our memory. This makes the event seem shorter and less memorable in retrospect.

Another possible explanation for why time seems to move faster as we get older is that we use different reference points to measure time. When we are young, we have fewer life experiences and a shorter perspective of time. A year seems like a long time because it is a large fraction of our life span. As we grow older, we have more life experiences and a longer perspective of time. A year seems like a short time because it is a small fraction of our life span.

The pandemic has disrupted both of these factors that influence our perception of time. On one hand, the pandemic has reduced our opportunities for novel experiences and increased our exposure to routine activities. We may feel like we are stuck in a loop of doing the same things every day, with little variation or excitement. This can make time seem to fly by without leaving much trace in our memory. On the other hand, the pandemic has also introduced a lot of uncertainty and stress into our lives, which can make time seem to drag on or stand still. We may feel like we are waiting for something to change or improve, without knowing when or how it will happen. This can make time seem to stretch out or stop in our minds.

The pandemic has also affected different generations in different ways, creating different types of trauma and challenges. For older generations, the pandemic may have triggered feelings of loss, grief, isolation, and mortality. Due to the virus or the lockdown measures, they may have lost loved ones, friends, jobs, or social connections. They may have faced increased health risks or difficulties accessing medical care. They may have felt more vulnerable or helpless in the face of an invisible threat. For younger generations, the pandemic may have disrupted their education, career, socialization, and development. They may have missed out on important milestones, opportunities, experiences, or relationships due to the virus or the lockdown measures. They may have faced increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, or boredom due to the lack of stimulation, interaction, or support. They may have felt more frustrated or hopeless about their prospects.

The pandemic has been a traumatic event for many people across different age groups, but it has also been an opportunity for resilience and growth. It is important to acknowledge how the pandemic has affected our perception of time and our mental health and to seek help if needed. It is also important to find ways to cope with the challenges and changes that the pandemic has brought and to create meaning and purpose in our lives. Some possible strategies include:

• Seeking novelty and variety in our daily routines, such as trying new hobbies, skills, activities, or foods.
• Setting goals and plans for the future, such as learning something new, pursuing a passion project, or preparing for a career change.
• Maintaining social connections and support networks, such as reaching out to friends, family, or community members online or offline.
• Practicing gratitude and optimism, such as appreciating what we have, celebrating our achievements, and looking forward to positive outcomes.
• We are taking care of ourselves physically and emotionally, such as getting enough sleep, exercise, nutrition, and relaxation.

Time is a precious resource that we cannot control or reverse, but we can influence how we perceive and use it. By being mindful of how the pandemic has affected our sense of time and by adopting healthy coping strategies, we can make the most of our time and live more fully and meaningfully.

How can I cope with pandemic trauma?

The pandemic has been a traumatic event for many people, affecting their sense of time, mental health, and well-being. If you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or hopeless due to the pandemic, you are not alone. There are ways to cope with the pandemic trauma and to heal from its effects. Here are some suggestions:

• Seek professional help if needed. If you are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, or negative mood, you may benefit from therapy or medication. Some online resources and hotlines can provide support and guidance.
• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your feelings and experiences with a friend, family member or counselor can help you process your emotions and reduce your stress. You can also join a support group or a community of people who have gone through similar situations.
• Practice self-care. Taking care of your physical and emotional needs can help you cope with the pandemic trauma and improve your mood. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, nutrition and relaxation. Avoid alcohol, drugs, or other substances that can worsen your symptoms or impair your judgment.
• Engage in positive activities. Doing things that bring you joy, satisfaction or meaning can help you cope with the pandemic trauma and enhance your well-being. You can try new hobbies, skills, activities, or foods. You can set goals and plans for the future. You can express yourself creatively or spiritually.
• Cultivate gratitude and optimism. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life and situation can help you cope with the pandemic trauma and increase your resilience. You can appreciate what you have, celebrate your achievements, and look forward to positive outcomes. You can also practice gratitude exercises, such as writing down three things you are grateful for daily.
• Seek novelty and variety. Breaking the monotony and routine of your daily life can help you cope with the pandemic trauma and stimulate your brain. You can explore new places, cultures, or perspectives. You can challenge yourself to learn something new or to do something differently.
• Maintain social connections. Staying in touch with your friends, family, and community can help you cope with the pandemic trauma and provide you with support and comfort. You can reach out to them online or offline, depending on the safety measures and restrictions in your area. You can also volunteer or help others who are in need.

The pandemic has been a traumatic event for many people, but it has also been an opportunity for resilience and growth. By following these suggestions, you can cope with the pandemic trauma and live more fully and meaningfully.