Understanding Perception of Time

Introduction

• Traveling last year felt like time slowed down.
• Contrast with daily life routine in London where time seems to pass quickly.
• Aim to explore research behind time perception and ways to appreciate time.

Part 1: Time Distortions

The Subjectivity of Time

• Study on Skydivers:
  • Research examined novice skydivers' perception of time during jumps.
  • Those feeling scared perceived time as slower; excited individuals felt time sped up.
  • Takeaway: Doing things that scare you can slow down your perception of time.

Factors Affecting Time Perception

1. Emotions:
   • Happiness/excitement speeds up time perception.
   • Fear/scariness slows down time.
2. Boredom:
   • Waiting (e.g., in lines) causes time to feel slower.
3. Flow State:
   • Deep engagement in tasks leads to losing track of time.

Age and Time Perception

• Research Findings:
  • Study asked 500 people (ages 14-94) how quickly the last 10 years passed.
  • Generally, older individuals perceive time as passing faster.
  • Younger individuals perceive a slower passage of time due to more novel experiences.

Part 2: The Holiday Paradox

Concept Explanation

• In-the-Moment vs. Remembered Time:
  • Waiting at the airport feels long (in-the-moment).
  • The overall holiday feels short in the moment, but long when remembered (retrospective).
  • Theories:
    • Memory density: more novel experiences lead to more memories, making time feel lengthy in retrospect.

Part 3: Ways to Slow Down Time

1. Anchors of Novelty

• Research on Routine vs. Non-Routine Tasks:
  • Routine tasks feel quicker; non-routine tasks feel longer.
  • Advice: Seek novelty in daily activities.
    • Examples: Learn a new skill, take different routes to work, try new restaurants.

2. Anchors of Reflection

• Journaling:
  • Writing about experiences enhances memory formation.
  • Recommend using apps for journaling to track feelings and events.
• Homework for Life:
  • A daily reflective practice to note the most memorable moments of each day.
• Photography:
  • Taking photos regularly helps preserve memories.

3. Anchors of Mindfulness

• Meditation Impact:
  • Experienced meditators report slower perceived time.
  • Mindfulness practice increases focus on the present, leading to more memories.
  • Suggestions for Practice:
    • Meditate, walk without distractions, practice yoga, or focus solely on single tasks.

Conclusion

• Encouraged engagement in activities to create lasting memories.
• Invite viewers to reflect on personal action points from the video.
• Thank viewers for watching and invite them to explore related content.