
About this episode
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
AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman
BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Huberman Lab publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Huberman Lab

The Art of True Happiness | Dr. Arthur Brooks
Huberman Lab
Sep 14, 20262:50:13queued

Essentials: Genes & the Inheritance of Memories Across Generations | Dr. Oded Re...
Huberman Lab
Sep 10, 202635:53completed

How Mitochondria Control Your Metabolism | Dr. Jared Rutter
Huberman Lab
Sep 7, 20262:04:01completed

Essentials: Use Sleep to Enhance Learning, Memory & Emotional State | Dr. Gina P...
Huberman Lab
Sep 3, 202634:11completed