Ashely Gore 
Is it just me, or has this year rushed by in a blur. This sensation of time slipping away can be attributed to various factors, including intensified daily routines and rapid life changes. However, a significant contributor to this phenomenon is the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our perception of time.
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered our daily lives and routines. With lockdowns, remote work, and social distancing becoming the norm, our days often blurred into one another. Psychology Today reported that Dr. David A. Yager, a professor of psychology, said, “The pandemic created a sense of temporal disorientation, where the usual markers of time—like work schedules, social events, and vacations—became irregular or nonexistent.” This disruption has led to a diminished ability to differentiate between days, weeks, and months. Therefore, that’s the prime reason why I hold the strong belief why this year went by so quickly.
The concept of time dilation, where time seems to slow down or speed up based on our experiences, has been magnified by the pandemic. A 2023 study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the absence of regular life events and the monotony of lockdown routines contributed to a compressed sense of time. “The routine nature of pandemic life led to fewer memorable events, making the overall passage of time feel more rapid and less distinguishable.”
Moreover, the transition back to pre-pandemic life has been marked by rapid changes and adaptations, further blurring our sense of time. The swift shift from isolation to social re-engagement, coupled with ongoing global uncertainties, has accelerated life changes and contributed to the feeling that time is slipping away. According to a report from The Atlantic, “The whirlwind of post-pandemic adjustments and the fast pace of societal changes have compounded the sensation that years are passing quickly.”
Personal experiences also play a role in this altered perception of time. Many individuals have reported feeling that their years have melded together, with COVID-19’s disruptions making it challenging to establish a clear sense of progression. The Guardian reported, “People often express a sense of lost time or confusion about how quickly months and years have passed since the pandemic began.”
So if you’re like the many people who feel as though the disruption of routine, the lack of significant life markers, and the accelerated changes in our lives all contribute to this sensation, you’re not alone. As we continue to adjust to post-pandemic life, understanding these dynamics can help us better live through our experiences and restore a more grounded sense of time.
By Tafadzwa Ashely Gore
Instagram: ashely_gore_ / Twitter: @gore_ashely
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