Time perception refers to duration judgment. Research shows that subjective time does not necessarily align with objective time. For example, when waiting for an elevator, two minutes can seem to take too long. An exciting week on vacation lasts much longer, subjectively, than a week following the same old routine while commuting between home and the office.

The following outlines five common factors that influence how we perceive time. These factors are shown to make time seem shorter or longer than it really is.

1. States of mind. Individuals suffering from depression or anxiety feel that time passes slowly. When we are anxiously waiting for something to happen, we experience a slower passage of time. When we are happily engaged in an activity, especially when we are eagerly working toward a desired goal, times seem to flow freely. The adage that time flies when you are........

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