Wed, 06 May 2026 05:56:19 +0000

Why That Short Session Felt Like an Eternal Escape Ever had a moment where just a few minutes slipped away—and suddenly felt like hours? That surprising sensation of time distortion often occurs during short, immersive sessions, whether you're meditating, scrolling, writing, or simply daydreaming. Why does a brief experience sometimes feel endless? Let’s explore the psychology, neuroscience, and emotional underpinnings behind why that short session felt like an eternal escape. ### The Mind’s Time Warp: Why Short Moments Feel Long One key reason your short session felt like forever lies in how attention shapes perception of time. When fully focused—whether absorbing content, practicing mindfulness, or crafting words—your brain enters a state called flow. In flow, neural activity shifts: the prefrontal cortex dials down, reducing self-awareness and the constant ticking “what’s next” thoughts. This alters your internal clock, making minutes feel like hours.