Why does time fly when you are having fun? The brain perceives time based on our expectations. It anticipates the future by calculating the probable outcome of what may be coming next. Our sense of time, according to neuroscientists believe, based in our anticipation of the future outcomes. When you are engrossed in brain stimulating activities your brain anticipates multiple outcomes and then your brain is busy achieving those goals. Brain’s perception of time tied to anticipating future outcomes.

• When engrossed in enjoyable activities, brain anticipates multiple potential outcomes
  • This anticipation of various possibilities occupies the brain fully
• During fun, brain focused on achieving goals of the activity
  • Not paying attention to passage of time itself
  • Concentrating on objectives and next steps of the enjoyable task
• When having fun, brain’s resources dedicated to the engaging experience
  • Not idling or fixating on awaiting what’s next to happen
  • Fully utilized, so time appears to pass quickly
• During boredom/inactivity, brain has little to anticipate
  • Fewer future outcomes to calculate and work toward
  • Fixates on next event happening, making time crawl
• Engaging activities prevent mental stagnation
  • Keep brain busy anticipating, problem-solving, staying immersed
  • This occupation makes perceived time fly by

The key seems to be that an occupied, stimulated brain loses track of time’s passage when having fun and staying busy anticipating possibilities. So, engage your brain, BE HEALTHY KEEP BUSY