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by Kristine Jordan, DHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
ost people think of exercise as The relationship between movement and time becomes even
something that changes the body. more fascinating when viewed across the ages.
MWe measure it in pounds lost, miles Children naturally lose track of time when they play. Running,
logged, or heart rates achieved. But movement climbing, and exploring create immersive experiences that support
may be altering something far more profound: emotional development and resilience. Adolescents often use
our perception of time itself. sports not only to build physical skills but also to establish identity
Think about the last workout that truly and belonging. For young adults navigating careers, relationships,
challenged you. Twenty minutes on a rowing machine may have and uncertainty, exercise can create a rare pause from the relentless
felt like an eternity. Yet a three-hour hike through a forest may pressure of schedules and deadlines.
have passed in what seemed like moments. A dancer lost in music In midlife, when responsibilities often peak, movement
often describes entering a state where time simply disappears. becomes a way to reclaim moments that feel increasingly scarce. A
These experiences are not imagined. Different forms of movement morning run, yoga session, or bike ride can create a psychological
appear to change how our brains experience the passage of time, reset, helping individuals feel more present and less consumed by
and that may hold important implications for mental health the pace of daily life.
across the lifespan. For older adults, exercise may become one of the most powerful
When we are anxious, time tends to slow down. Minutes drag. tools for preserving both physical function and emotional well-
We become trapped in anticipation, worry, and rumination about being. Walking groups, dance classes, and recreational sports create
what might happen next. Depression often creates a different experiences that anchor people in the present while fostering
distortion, where the future feels distant and empty while the connection and purpose.
present seems heavy and stagnant. In both cases, our relationship Perhaps the greatest mental health benefit of exercise is not
with time becomes unhealthy. that it helps us live longer. It is that it changes how we experience
Exercise offers a unique intervention because it pulls us out of the time we have. In a culture obsessed with productivity and
our normal perception of time. High-intensity activities such as speed, movement offers something increasingly rare: the ability to
interval training, boxing, or CrossFit demand complete attention. slow down, speed up, disappear into the moment, and ultimately
The brain becomes consumed with effort, breathing, and reconnect with life itself.
movement. Every second feels magnified. Ironically, this intense Dr. Kristine Jordan is a board-certified nurse executive and Market
focus can provide relief from anxiety because there is little mental Director of Admissions for a national hospice organization, where she
space left for worry. leads clinical teams and supports patients and families through some of
At the other end of the spectrum are endurance activities life’s most complex healthcare decisions. With a background spanning
such as running, cycling, swimming, or hiking. Here, something emergency/trauma care and executive leadership in home health, case
different occurs. Many people enter a state psychologists call management, and hospice, she brings both clinical expertise and a deeply
"flow," characterized by deep concentration and effortless human perspective to her work. She also serves as a professor and course
engagement. Hours can pass unnoticed. For individuals writer in healthcare administration and nursing, focused on leadership,
struggling with depression, these experiences may provide a ethics, and patient-centered care.
temporary escape from the relentless awareness of time that often
accompanies emotional suffering.

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