Have you ever looked back and found the last few years have merged into one indistinct blur? If life feels like it's slipping away in a repetitive haze, you are certainly not alone. This common sensation, especially pronounced as a new year begins, has a clear scientific explanation according to a medical expert.
The Science Behind the Time Warp
NHS surgeon and social media commentator Dr Karan Raj has shed light on this puzzling phenomenon. He explains that your brain does not measure time by the clock, but by new experiences and memories.
"Your brain measures time in experiences," Dr Raj outlined. "Imagine you did the same thing every single day with very little new moments and experiences. Then your brain has no times to cling onto, so it collapses all of these identical days, weeks, months and years into a single moment."
In essence, without novel events to act as mental bookmarks, your brain compresses lengthy periods. This is why emotionally charged moments or those that break your normal routine – like birthdays, adventures, or significant losses – stand out so clearly in your memory. They become the snapshots in your life's highlight reel.
Creating Lasting Memories: Participation is Key
Dr Raj referenced compelling research to underline his point. In a study, participants leapt from a height of 31 metres into a safety net. The individuals taking the plunge perceived the fall as lasting much longer, while observers thought it was over quickly.
This demonstrates a crucial principle: actively participating in exciting or novel moments creates far stronger, more detailed memories than passively observing them. To make 2026 a truly memorable year, you must break free from autopilot and engage with new experiences.
Practical Steps to a More Memorable 2026
The good news is that building a richer memory bank doesn't require extreme sports. "For more lasting experiences, seek out novelty," advises Dr Karan. "Novelty forces your brain to collect more clips for the highlight reel of your life."
Here are five straightforward ways to shake up your routine and make time feel expansive again:
- Change your daily routine: Take a different route to work, try a new lunch spot, or rearrange a room in your home. Small changes force your brain to pay attention.
- Celebrate small wins: Mark minor achievements with a special treat, a walk, or a quick photo. Acknowledging progress creates positive anchors in time.
- Keep a micro-journal or take a daily photo: Writing one sentence about your day or snapping a single picture helps you notice and cement unique details you'd otherwise forget.
- Prioritise shared experiences: Activities like calling a friend for a proper chat, hosting a games night, or volunteering are often more memorable than solo pursuits.
- Reflect weekly: Spend a few moments each week looking back on what you did, learned, or enjoyed. This simple act reinforces the uniqueness of your days.
The message is clear: if you want to stop the years from blending into one, you must give your brain something new to remember. It's time to step out of your comfort zone and consciously craft a year worth remembering.
