Psychologist explains why days of the week sometimes feel like other days

Have you ever woken up and felt like it was a different day? Sometimes a Saturday feels like a Sunday, or it’s the Monday-est Tuesday ever.

It’s something many of us experience, but have you ever thought about why? We asked a psychologist, who explained what goes on in our brain.

Why days sometimes feel like other days

“The phenomenon you’re describing, where days seem to blur together or feel like different days of the week, can be attributed to several psychological factors,” psychologist and researcher Silja Litvin told The Focus.

Routine and habit

First, she explained that it comes down to the routines and habits we continually do in everyday life without even realizing.

“Our brains are wired to recognize patterns and establish routines. When our daily routines are disrupted or altered, such as by a holiday or a change in schedule, it can throw off our sense of what day it is,” she said.

For example, if you usually have Mondays off work but have to work one particular Monday, it may feel like a Sunday instead.

Cognitive biases

Litvin said that cognitive biases also have a role, which are the mental shortcuts our brains use to make sense of the world.

One of them is the “availability heuristic,” where our judgements are influenced by how easily we can recall similar past experiences.

“If a particular day feels like another day, it could be because something about that day triggers memories or associations with the other day,” she said.

Emotional state

The emotions we are feeling on that particular day can play a big part and affect or ability to keep track of what day it is.

“Our emotions can influence our perception of time and our awareness of the days of the week,” she explained.

For example, if you’re feeling particularly stressed or relaxed one day, it can alter your perception of time.

Attention and focus

Each day, your attention is focused on a different thing, whether it’s going to work, being at home or doing a hobby.

“When we’re absorbed in a task or activity, we may lose track of time and lose awareness of what day it is,” the psychologist said.

This can happen especially if you’re engrossed in something enjoyable or challenging, such as a hobby or work project.

Sleep patterns

Finally, disruptions in sleep patterns, such as staying up late or sleeping in on weekends, can affect our sense of time.

If you don’t get enough sleep one night or wake up at a different time than usual, this can contribute to feeling like days blend together.

The psychologist said that feeling like days are interchangeable or one day feels like another is a normal experience for many people. However, if it becomes persistent or problematic, she recommends speaking to a psychologist or mental health professional.

Silja Litvin is a psychologist who founded PsycApps, a digital platform designed to lower depression and anxiety in young adults by using gaming as a vehicle for digital therapy. She received her Masters Degree in Psychology from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology.