Overview
This lecture explores how our perception of time changes depending on our experiences, emotions, age, and memory formation, and offers evidence-based strategies to "slow down" time and make life feel richer.
Time Distortions
- Our perception of time (subjective time) can differ from actual time (objective time).
- Strong emotions distort time: fear slows it down, excitement speeds it up.
- Boredom makes time feel slow; being "in flow" makes time pass unnoticed.
- As people age, they generally feel that time passes faster, especially up to around age 50.
- This phenomenon is partly attributed to a year being a smaller proportion of life as we age.
The Holiday Paradox
- There are two perceptions of time: in-the-moment and remembered.
- Boring moments feel slow in real time but short in memory; novel, busy times feel fast but are remembered as longer.
- The "Holiday Paradox" explains why vacations seem short while happening but long in retrospect.
- As adults, fewer novel experiences lead to fewer new memories, making years feel like they pass quickly.
Strategies to Slow Down Time
Anchors of Novelty
- Introducing novelty into routines helps create lasting memories and slows perceived time.
- Simple changes, like new routes to work or learning new skills, act as anchors of novelty.
Anchors of Reflection
- Journaling and writing about daily events strengthens memory anchors.
- The "Homework for Life" technique involves recording the most memorable daily moment.
- Frequently taking photos (especially with a dedicated camera) supports memory recall and expands remembered time.
Anchors of Mindfulness
- Mindfulness and meditation increase awareness of the present, causing a dilation of time perception.
- Studies show experienced meditators experience less time pressure and a slower passage of time.
- Mindful activities include meditation, yoga, walking without distractions, and focusing deeply on one task.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Subjective Time — How long an experience feels to us.
- Objective Time — The actual measured duration of an event.
- Flow State — Deep immersion in a task where time feels to disappear.
- Holiday Paradox — The phenomenon where busy, novel periods are remembered as longer even if they felt short during the experience.
- Anchors of Novelty/Reflection/Mindfulness — Actions or habits that increase memory formation, slowing perceived time.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Try adding more novelty to your daily routine (e.g., new activities or routes).
- Begin a daily journaling habit or try the "Homework for Life" technique.
- Take more photos to document experiences.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to enhance present-moment awareness.