ELI5: time blindness

// eli5

What is time blindness?

Time blindness is when your brain doesn't keep track of time the way other people's brains do [1][4]. It's like having a broken clock inside your head—you can't feel how many minutes have passed, so you're always surprised when it's time to leave or go to bed [2].

Why does it happen?

Time blindness is often connected to ADHD, which affects how your brain pays attention and organizes things [3]. Your brain just doesn't naturally notice time passing the way it should [1].

What does it feel like?

Imagine being so focused on playing that you don't realize three hours went by—that's what time blindness feels like all the time [2][4]. People with time blindness are constantly late or shocked by how fast (or slow) time moved [1].

How do you fix it?

You can use external tools like phone alarms, timers, and visual clocks to help your brain notice time [5]. It's about rethinking how you relate to time and using gadgets to do the job your brain struggles with [5].