Why are we so annoying slowness

Once upon a time, say scientists, cognitive scientists have patience and impatience was evolutionary motivated.

But then everything changed. Due to the accelerated pace of life lost is our internal timer. As a result, we're having expectations that can not be met quickly enough - or satisfy all. And when it takes longer than we expect, an internal timer even suit us tricks, stretching expectation and causing anger because of procrastination.

What influences the perception of time

1. expectations

Psychologists and economists conducted an experiment by asking participants to choose what they would prefer: to get a little now or a lot later. For example, $ 10 today or $ 100 in a year, two pieces of food now, or six - ten seconds. More often than not the participants chose the option "now", even if it is less profitable.

And according to the results of another study, people who showed "the principal symbol of the culture of impatience" - logo McDonald's, increased reading speed, and they are more likely to chose a small but immediate remunerationToo Impatient to Smell the Roses: Exposure to Fast Food Impedes Happiness. .

Our aversion to the slowness becomes especially pronounced when it comes to technology. Now we need to page loads in the second quarter, whereas in 2009 we were ready to wait two seconds, and in 2006 - and all four.

The result is a vicious circle. Accelerating the pace of life is restructuring our internal clock, which is triggered in response more often, causing us to get angry and act impulsively.

2. emotions

Our perception of time is very subjective: sometimes one event flies in the blink of an eye, and sometimes lasts forever. And most of all influenced by our perception of strong emotions.

"Time is stretched when we are scared or excited. For example, people who have got into an accident, they say that for them the events took place as though in slow motion "- says psychologist and author Time Warped Claudia Hammond.

But this does not happen, because in such situations, the brain works faster. The perception of time is distorted because we are experiencing a very vivid experience. Every moment that we are in danger, seems new and saturated.

Psychological survival mechanism enhances our perception and packs in a short period of time, more memories than usual. Therefore, the brain seems to be that the more time has passed.

3. on the state of the body's signals

In addition, our brain (namely, the insula, associated with motor skills and perception) measures the elapsed time, combining the various signals of the body, such as heart rate, feeling the wind on your skin or a fever when we angry. In this case, the brain evaluates the elapsed time with respect to the quantity of signals received from the body. If the signals arrive faster, the brain will count them anymore and we would think that more time has passed.

"Our brain has special hours count down the time, but he is constantly collecting information about everything that happens in the body. This information is updated every second and is used when we are trying to determine how much time has passed, "- says Mark Wittmann.

When we are scared, worried or upset, the body sends the brain more signals. So ten seconds appear to be fifteen, and one hour - three.

How to fight it

Strength of will

To stop being angry because of the slowness, will have to find a way to restart our internal clock. You can try to resist his feelings with the help of willpowerBut it is not always obtained.

In addition, according to psychologist David Destin when we resort to willpower to keep from something one, we become vulnerable to other temptations. For example, if you hold back and try not to get angry while waiting in line for coffee, you may be tempted to buy a cake, as soon find yourself in front of the cashier.

Meditation

According to research, to deal with impatience help meditation and mindfulness practice (focus on the present moment), although it is not entirely clear why. Perhaps people who regularly meditate, better able to cope with the emotional echoes of impatience, simply because they have more practice.

Thanks

However, impatient people are rarely engaged in meditation. Therefore, Destin offers to deal with the emotions with other emotionsGratitude: A Tool for Reducing Economic Impatience. .

The quickest way to patience - thanks.

Just remember what you thank destiny (even if it has nothing to do with the slowness with which you are experiencing). "It will remind you of the positive aspects of human society and about how important it is not to be insolent" - jokes Destin.