Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going (Tennessee Williams) so, Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live (Unknown.) Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment (Buddha) and time will seemingly fly.

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In 2004, scientists Dr. Anthony Chaston and Dr. Alan Kingstone asked children to engage in scavenger hunt activities on paper, similar to “Where’s Waldo?” After they had found various images, the children were then asked how much time had passed since they had begun. According to Express News, "The harder the search tasks were, the smaller the estimates became," said Chaston, whose study is published in the latest edition of Brain and Cognition. "The results were super clean--we have created a new and powerful paradigm to get at the link between time and attention."

So it has been scientifically proven that more direct and challenging attention equals a faster perception of time. But attention and focus isn’t always considered enjoyable. So, does ‘fun’ affect our subjective perception of time? Many people believe that it does. We’ve all heard the declaration “Time flies when you’re having fun.” I have my own theory as to why this is so and although I can’t scientifically affirm it, I think it’s quite relatable to mankind.

Living in the moment is something many existentialists strive to achieve. How is happiness attainable if we’re dwelling on the past or worrying about the future? These worries only lead to stress, regret, and anxiety. Focusing our attention to NOW gives us a sense of purpose and enjoyment. If we take advantage of the good things we have now, it’s not being selfish; it’s being grateful and excited. When we’re having fun, our bodies and minds are filled with peace and ecstasy. These emotions stimulate our brains and consequently “speed up” our perception of time. The (objective) measurements of a second, an hour, a day, a week, a month, a year and so on still hold universally true as tools of organization. However, those who choose to enjoy themselves, take advantage of life’s enjoyable aspects, and accept what they can’t control may live “quicker” years than worry warts and those whose minds and hearts are planted in an unreachable regrettable past.