The passing of time is relative.
An hour spent in play passes like a mere minute, and a minute spent in an uncomfortable position, say on a block of ice, feels like an hour.
When one works with intensity, one does not normally feel the passage of time.
In fact, one is often astounded to realize the length of time that has passed in pursuit of the activity.
There are a few signals the brain receives from the body to indicate that a certain amount of time has passed.
Recognizing and utilizing these signals will improve time sense and the awareness of time intervals.
The two most intense signals are hunger and sleep.
When you routinely dine at the same time every day, the body falls into this routine and reminds you to consume your dinner.
This reminder may present itself as pangs of hunger, a dull headache or restlessness.
When you recognize the signal, you can use it to note the time.
Similarly, when you wake up about the same time every day, you no longer need an alarm clock to trigger your waking up.
In time, you will be able to decide to wake up at a certain time and do so without the need for an alarm clock! And when you have been awake for a certain period of time, your body sends rest signals - yawn and stretch.
Another signal is discomfort.
When you sit in a particular position for a prolonged period, your body sends you a signal for a change of position.
It is very difficult to sit or even sleep in the same position for a long time.
You will find that you regularly change something - cross or uncross your legs, change the part of your back that you rest your weight against, or even stretch.
You are probably even unaware that you change your position, but if you start to become aware of your body signals, you will note the passing of time very closely.
Your body will be your clock.
The "time sense" is a very important tool in time management.
As you work on a task, if you get so involved that you do not realize the passage of time, you will not be able to control the time that you spend on the task.
If you develop your time sense and become aware of your body signals, you will be aware of time that you spend on the task and be able to control it.
A simple log can help you determine your body signals and develop your time sense.
Keep track of small things that make you wake up, signal sleepiness, crave for food or drink, change position, stretch, etc.
Each entry in your log should contain the body signal, its meaning (or what your body is asking you to do), the time (or timing), and the intensity of the feeling or signal.
Initially, you will be able to recognize only gross or intense signals.
Over time, you will be able to recognize subtle signals.
When you are able to do this, you will have a deep identification with your body and strong time sense.