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Essentials: Time Perception, Memory & Focus
Oct 9, 2025 · 34 min
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how biological rhythms and neurochemicals impact our perception of time.
I describe how the body aligns with daily and seasonal light cycles to regulate hormones that influence energy, mood and motivation throughout the year. I share science-based tools to enhance focus and productivity, including strategies for structuring work intervals and optimizing the timing of exercise and daily light exposure. I also explain how neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin influence our perception of time and how factors such as novelty, emotion and routine impact how we experience and recall time.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
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Timestamps
(0:00) Time Perception
(0:48) Entrainment, Circannual Rhythms & Melatonin
(4:22) Circadian Rhythms, Tools: Exercise; Morning & Evening Light for Circadian Entrainment
(9:01) Sponsor: AGZ by AG1
(10:30) Ultradian Cycles, Focus & Work
(14:06) Time Perception, Past, Present & Future
(16:21) Dopamine, Norepinephrine & Serotonin, Time Perception
(18:40) Dopamine & Serotonin, Daily Fluctuations, Tool: Structuring Work, Sleep
(20:23) Trauma, “Over-clocking”, Slowing Time & Emotions
(24:59) Sponsor: BetterHelp
(26:15) Event Perception (Fun vs Boring), Time & Memories
(29:23) Novel Experiences, Places & People, Retrospective Time
(31:24) Habits, Tool: Schedule Functional Units
(32:59) Recap & Book Suggestion
Disclaimer & Disclosures
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