“My, how time flies!” “Where did the time go?” “Seems like just yesterday I was starting something new. What happened to the time?”
These phrases and others can be heard over and over in daily conversation. Our lives are busy, our time is filled with “to do” lists and our perception of time can be altered by emotions.
Have you ever been so overwhelmed and you felt there weren’t enough hours in a day to complete everything you want to do? Have you wondered if there was more time, things might work out better?
When I become stressed and anxiety begins to seep in, my perception of time changes. The beginning of a panic attack or the feeling of unsettled emotions can cause me to fixate on the wrong things. I have worried about something not going right and not even paused to consider the other side of my panic and anxiety. I become fixated on worry and am lost in the emotions of the moment instead of looking to the future.
Yes, we need to experience emotions. Those feelings help us learn to cope and handle future situations. How we relate to time and think through our emotions is very important.
While going through a panic attack or anxiety, I can only think of what I am experiencing at that particular moment. Until I was taught how to think beyond the moment, fear took hold of me and wouldn’t let go.
I have learned to tell myself the panic and anxiety won’t last forever. These emotions will pass and I will be okay.
If I look beyond the moments of fear and think about something positive for the future, I am comforted. This may not work for everyone, but for me, this method helps.
When emotions alter my perception of time, I try to tell myself to think about an upcoming activity. Something as simple as walking in the front yard, calling a friend or family member, making a list or thinking about a book I am currently reading are ways to help me move beyond being stuck in the worried “perception of time”. I am not lost in the moment. I can look forward to the other side of the panic and that gives me comfort.
Prayer is an important part of my journey. Sharing a conversation with God truly gives me peace.
Emotions, whether happy or sad, can alter your perception of time. Pause and reflect on the last time when emotions affected how you thought about the present and the future. What can you learn from those times?
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages through fiction, non-fiction, devotions, guest blogs, articles and more. Her first children’s book “Licky the Lizard: was released in 2018.
You can follow Melissa on: Facebook, Twitter, and her website.
Defying Shadows 
I am so grateful for teaching early in my Christianity about “preaching to your own heart what you know to be true about God.” Moments of anxiety turn into praises when I remember that “God is my ever present help in times of trouble.” That He is my refuge, my strength, and will shelter me under His wings.
This was a good reminder of that teaching. Thank you.
Amen. Yes, God is our ever present help in times of trouble. I am thankful we can go to Him in good times and in troubled times.
“When emotions alter my perception of time, I try to tell myself to think about an upcoming activity. Something as simple as walking in the front yard, calling a friend or family member, making a list or thinking about a book I am currently reading are ways to help me move beyond being stuck in the worried ‘perception of time.'”
Anxiety can just suck away our days. Here’s sage advice. Thanks, Melissa! God bless!
Thank you Nancy. Have a blessed day!
As someone who also experiences high anxiety and has had to cope with it for many years I can relate to your post. Thanks for sharing how to help when panic attacks happen.
Wonderful insight! It’s so true, and I love your advice to think about something upcoming. I certainly can feel the stress of time is slipping away when I’ve put too much on my plate. So maybe we can also work ahead of the anxiety and not overwhelm ourselves with too much to do!
I have learned to think ahead and focus on something positive. This helps when panic/anxiety tries to rule my mind. I am thankful God provides ways to help. Have a blessed week! 🙂
My daughter struggles mightily with anxiety, and for her time tends to speed up when she feels overwhelmed. She might have a full half hour to complete a task, but she sees it as if the time is up NOW. That half hour feels like seconds. Understanding how paralyzing anxiety and panics attacks can be is very helpful.
Praying for your daughter. Anxiety can cause so many issues in our daily moments. Praying for you, too.
A great reminder for all of us as stress takes hold of our hearts. Thanks for sharing your personal struggles with so many. I pray everyone will learn and grow from your strength. Thanks Melissa.
Thank you Yvonne. I pray God will give me words to share and those words will help others.
Melissa, this was a gooood post. I’ve definitely walked in stress, and some of that has been caused by too much to do and not enough time. Taking time to be still and re-orient my thoughts and heart are crucial for easing me out of stress mode. And prayer. Definitely prayer.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Thank you Jeanne. Yes, prayer definitely helps me.
I never thought about it like this. It is so true that emotions can impact how we perceive time. Will need to keep that in mind especially during stressful times.
Amen. U appreciate what you said about pausing when overwhelmed and remember the goodness of God. There is always something positive to consider, because he’s working everything for our good. I, too, sometimes struggle with overwhelming anxiety.
Every person handles anxiety in a different way but pausing helps me to focus on something besides the anxiety. 🙂