Are you bored with and without the quarantine? Maybe especially during the quarantine. Here is the science of how we perceive time.
We all know that we have 24 hours in the day but the perception of the length of a day is different for each one of us. The perception of time is also different for one person on different days. A day on the beach does not feel the same as a day when you are waiting in line at the DMV. Time seems to drag on when we are not having fun.
How Do We Perceive Time?
The most fascinating thing about time is that it is objective and subjective at the same time. Throughout a typical day, our perception of time matches the objective time of 24 hours in a day. However, when our routine changes, our perception of time changes as well. Plus, the lack of activities or intense, negative emotions can also have an impact on how we perceive time.
A psychologist at Eckerd College, Michael Flaherty, Ph.D. studies time and how we perceive it for 30 years. His theory on the perception of time is that it depends on the density of our experiences in one day. When nothing is going on in our day, the density is high with subjective experiences. In those times, you are turning inward. When you are experiencing boredom or any other feelings, the density of your experience is high which results in the perception that time passes slowly.
Negative Emotions and the Perception of Time
Negative emotions cause our perception of time to slow down. Experts even suggest that stress shifts our perception of time. Negative emotions make it hard for us to perceive and process time accurately. When we are in danger, we are under stress, and time seems to be slow down giving us a chance to find the best strategy to deal with a dangerous situation.
How to Avoid Feeling of Boredom?
The perception of time is subjective, therefore, different strategies work for different people. Here are some strategies that can help you with negative emotions and the feeling of boredom.
Have a Routine
We perceive time going faster when we create our own routine. When you have a routine, you create a flow of your day that can help you reduce boredom and other negative emotions.
This is not a surprise and it’s closely related to a routine. When you are busy, you don’t look at the clock all the time. When you are busy, the time will not drag on for you. There are days and weeks when you wonder where the time went. Why? You were probably super busy during that time. When you are bored, you are preoccupied with time because there is absolutely nothing else to focus on.
Do something rewarding, something fun! Find activities that are goal motivated and that you enjoy. When you are having fun, time is not on your mind at all.
Pay Attention to Your Mood
Engage in self-care and focus on habits that will help you deal with anxiety and stress. Activities such as physical exercises, meditation, reading, and listening to music can help you relax. For you, this might be having Skype coffee with your friend or online shopping. Find an activity that will improve your mood and introduce those activities more into your life. Let’s keep in mind that the activity should be a healthy one.
Rather than watching the clock, focus on the present moment and keep your mind occupied with positive emotions, and you will fill your day with activities you enjoy.