As 2026 gets underway, a familiar feeling has settled over many of us: the past few years have merged into an indistinguishable haze, making it hard to separate one year from the next.
Why Your Brain Creates a 'Time Warp'
This unsettling sensation of being stuck in a monotonous loop is more common than people might think. According to British doctor and social media personality Dr Karan Raj, this phenomenon occurs when we fail to actively seek out fresh experiences.
He explains that the brain measures time in experiences, not just minutes and hours. "Imagine you did the same thing every single day with very little new moments and experiences," Dr Raj said. "Then your brain has no times to cling onto, so it collapses all of these identical days, weeks, months and years into a single moment."
The Science of Memorable Moments
Dr Raj elaborates that our minds collect memories like snapshots to form a "highlight reel" of our lives. This is why we are far more likely to recall events that are emotionally charged or that break our normal routine—such as birthdays, adventures, significant wins, or losses.
To illustrate this point, the doctor referenced a fascinating study where participants jumped from a height of 31 metres into a safety net. The research found that those experiencing the fall firsthand perceived time to stretch out, while observers felt it was over quickly.
This demonstrates that living through exciting and novel events creates far more durable memories than merely watching from the sidelines.
Making 2026 a Standout Year
The good news is that you don't need to leap from great heights or skydive to achieve this effect. The key, according to Dr Raj, is consciously seeking novelty. "Novelty forces your brain to collect more clips for the highlight reel of your life," he advised.
Breaking free from a boring cycle is essential if you want the coming year to feel distinct and memorable. This could mean booking that long-postponed trip, making a significant life change, or simply trying something completely new.
By intentionally creating memorable moments, you provide your brain with clear markers in time, preventing the years from blurring into one. The action you take now might just be the reality check you need to make 2026 truly unforgettable.
