Why is distorted our perception of time and how to fight it

The causes of the distorted perception of time

1. All we have in mind

Our perception of time depends on how rapidly the brain processes the sensor signals, as well as the generation of various chemical substances such as dopamine. According to a recent study, it seems that time passes faster when we are doing something pleasurable, that is, when the increased activity of dopamine in the brainMidbrain dopamine neurons control judgment of time..

Furthermore, perception of time associated with memory. If a period of time is filled with a large number of events, we remember him as a long.

2. Body constantly adapts to the times

The most obvious reaction to time - aging. As we age, our bodies change, with with it and changes the perception of time. It seems that time moves faster.

In addition, we have an internal mechanism that synchronizes our mental and physiological processes with the cycle of day and night on the planet - the circadian clock. failure circadian rhythms It affects the well-being and productivity.

3. Culture and language impose a certain perception of time

Western Europeans and Japanese value punctuality, but the Brazilians are comfortable with the delay. In Germany, will be waiting for you to come before the appointed time, and in Mexico, everyone will expect that you came later, because Mexicans do it and do it.

Some tribes measure time by events in their daily lives. For example, they did not agree to meet at seven o'clock, and "when the cows go out to pasture." And in the East African language Shambala there are no past and future tenses. Talking to describe it, the word "today" and "not now."

Similar examples of how the language associated with the perception of time, can be found in Russian. After all, the question of how far is the nearest cafe, we often answer: "A five-minute walk." This use of the time to indicate the distance common in many western countries, which are all used to value time. We believe that time is money - so we do not want to lose a minute, and it accelerates the pace of life.

4. Internal time does not coincide with the time of others

The perception and sense of time are very individual. Problems arise when our internal time differs from the time taken in our environment.

For example, if you have to force yourself to be a morning person, but you are more productive in the afternoon. Or if you have taken on the job to work on a project, and you prefer to take a few at a time. Even work with customers from other time zones can bring down your perception of time.

5. Technology mislead us

Clocks and calendars to help us to structure life, but they will inevitably affect the way we perceive time. This is especially true of electronic watches. If the analogue clock are while the process (and we can location arrow to see how much Time has passed and how much is left), the digital show only one time and can knock avail.

How distorted perception of time affects our productivity

We expect bad times

Every day we look forward to the time to plan something, and more often than wrong. We usually underestimate the amount of time it will take us to the completion of the case, in spite of the previous experience.

When we are busy with several things at the same time, we are even more difficult to estimate how long it will take each of themPerception and Estimation of Time.. In addition, we often forget to include in their calculations time breaks. As a result, we are nervous and do not have time.

Psychologists believe that the way we count time and affects our perception of ourselvesRethinking Procrastination: Positive Effects of «Active» Procrastination Behavior on Attitudes and Performance.. If we are confident in their ability to perform the required task, we prokrastiniruem less, then our time calculations are more accurate.

We choose unsuitable methods of time management

To everything in time, we are trying to work faster, to do several things at the same time, less sleep, or combine several time-management techniques. We forget that not everyone is suitable for our work or character, and some even contradict each other.

For example, advice to "find their ideal time" and "first do the most unpleasant" together can become counter-productive if your ideal time - morning. In this case, no need to spend it on unpleasant things, it is better to take on the most important thing.

Techniques such as time management Pomodoro also not universal. They are suitable for administrative tasks, but not for creative work. In addition, they can cause stress and negatively affect the quality of the work, because you need to keep within a certain period of time.

How to deal with a distorted perception of time

1. acknowledge the problem

Think about times when you seem to have lost track of time, or much mistaken in assessing the duration of an event. What were you doing? What influenced the distortion of perception? By answering these questions, you will understand what caused the distortion.

2. Analyze what you spend time

If you still do not know where it goes your time, try to keep track of it. This can be done actively or passively.

In the first case, you need to record data manually in a conventional notebook or in a special application, such as Toggl or SaveMyTime. Set a reminder to not forget to write down what you're doing. Note that this method does not fit all. He forces distracted from work.

Passive tracking of time suggests that you rely on a special program, for example, RescueTimeWhich automatically collects data on time spent.

Then study the collected data. Has your productivity increased at a certain time? Do you divide the working time into blocks? How much time do you spend on social networks? So it will be easier to figure out which method of time management is right for you.

3. Reduce the effects of negative factors

When you understand how you spend your time, you should be clear what causes the difference to your perception of time and reality. Now try to reduce the impact of these factors. Here are a few tips that will help in this.

Be aware of the transience of time

During work hours put in front of you, or even better than analog sand. Thus visualizing the course of time, you will perceive it consciously. When we see how the leaked second by second, it is easier to stop prokrastinirovat and focus on business.

Train to estimate time

To train yourself always spend the same amount of time on repetitive tasks (parse mail, household chores), work with the countdown. For example, if you are comfortable to work with music, choose a playlist, the appropriate length for your task.

More try to record their assumptions about the duration of an event, to understand how they usually differ from the actual time spent. This will help in the future to avoid planning mistakes.

Change is in your power

Based on the results of track time, get rid of applications that lead to procrastination, Or at least reduce their use to a minimum.

Also try to change their attitude to unfinished business. Be honest with yourself. If you often say, "I do not have time for that" may actually have to say, "It's not so important."

try new

If you have never engaged in volunteer activities or meditation, it's time to try. Both of these classes have a positive effect on the perception of time. Volunteering helps to see how much can be achieved in a short period of time, and meditation improves the ability to concentrate.

Use new methods of time management. When you understand what to spend the time, you will be able to choose what is right for you.

4. Recognize that it is impossible to fully control

No matter how you try, some time will always be wasted. You get stuck in a traffic jam. You'll have to wait until the colleague did not send the necessary files. You see another video on YouTube. Time will pass, indifferent to our problems.

You just need to accept that you are human and not a robot that always works with the same speed and never gets tired. Create the appropriate schedule for yourself and do not get hung up on how much time you have already spent.