It’s a common occurrence that happens to many people. But, is the sensation of losing track of time merely a consequence of procrastination, or is there a scientific explanation behind it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"ebook\"](\"https:\/\/timeular.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Untitled-design-18.png\"\/)
Free eBook: Reclaim control of your time <\/h2>
Get your free copy of the eBook on time management and discover how to leverage the power of time tracking<\/p><\/div>
Why do I feel like I am losing track of time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are numerous reasons why you may feel like you are losing track of time, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- being fully absorbed in a task<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- lacking external time cues (for that, try an online time tracker)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- having poor time management skills (get a free copy of the eBook on time management<\/a>) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- being mentally preoccupied or distracted, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- following a monotonous routine, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- feeling high levels of stress or pressure, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- lacking motivation or interest in the task,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- engaging in activities with limited feedback on the passage of time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In the post-COVID times, there are two other explanations related to this phenomenon: one is related to covid and its psychological effects on people and the other one is related to health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s see how these factors may explain why you’re losing track of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psychological effects of Covid-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As we said, there is a psychological explanation for losing track of days<\/a>, and part of it has to do with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Covid-19 pandemic and its imposed lockdowns mandated that most of the workforce go remote. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was no time for people who had the habit of commuting to an office every day, to adjust to this new reality. Even though you were at home, you had no place to go due to all businesses being closed, but work was there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Billions of people saw the lines between work time and family\/home time merge, into one continuous routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We should add to this the anxiety over the pandemic, the fear of getting infected, and having no outside activities to distract us. Many ended up working longer hours than in an office, having removed the commute factor from their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even at a time when many companies opt for a hybrid work model, returning to a structured timetable is a struggle. COVID-19 truly altered billions of people’s notion of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s important to note that, losing track of time is not necessarily a bad thing. Being focused on a task and entering what the specialists refer to as a flow state<\/a>, can turn into a productive and effective way of working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, a good thing can turn into a bad habit. If the flow state causes you to stop completing other tasks or miss important events, you have to know how to control it (we will address this in our tips).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Losing track of time can also be a symptom of a more serious problem. It can be related to mental health issues, such as depression, and also to ADHD<\/a> (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which can sometimes be tricky to diagnose in adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This distorted time perception is called dyschronometria<\/a> and is considered a medical condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this condition can be related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, right now most of the world is de-transitioning to the effects of the lockdowns on our routines. It’s possible to revert them and regain control over our everyday lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timeular.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Paula.png\"\/)
How an ADHD coach uses Timeular to maintain focus and prevent burnout<\/h2><\/div>
Read more<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n11 Tips to stop losing track of time at work <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Visit a doctor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This tip is the most obvious and the one that’s “mandatory”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we’ve seen, some health issues may explain why you’re losing track of your time. So, to have professional feedback, we strongly advise you to see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’ve already visited a doctor, we have other suggestions that may help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Creating a routine and sticking to it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If a healthier, or at least, more diverse, routine was lost during the lockdown periods, it can help bring those pre-pandemic habits back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if you’re still working from home, try and create routines and rituals associated with each weekday. Here are a few suggestions that will help keep track of time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Wake up and go to bed at the same time, every day of the week;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you work in a hybrid mode, try to go to the office on the same days every week;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take your breaks and lunchtime at the same time, every day;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep a consistent morning routine before work (exercise, breakfast, shower, etc)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep the same consistent routine in the afternoons, if you prefer;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- When working from home, tidy your desk at the end of the day and physically put things away. If possible, work and relax in different spaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Using time management strategies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many productivity strategies can help you increase focus and time organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Losing track of time, especially during crucial work moments can be controlled with some of the most known strategies, for example, time blocking. If you’re not familiar with this method, you might be interested to find out what time block is and how to do it.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another popular strategy is the Pomodoro technique<\/a>, which consists of working in 25-minute blocks with breaks in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time management tools are very useful and helpful in applying these productivity strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read also: <\/strong>The best Pomodoro technique alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timeular.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/timeular-cta-low_funnel-app_screen.png\"\/)
Stop losing track of time. Track it with Timeular<\/h2><\/div>