How To Slow Down Time - The Holiday Paradox

Summary

In this video, Ali explores the science behind our perception of time, discussing how it can feel like it slows down or speeds up. The 'Holiday Paradox' is introduced to explain the difference between how we experience time in the moment versus how we remember it. Ali then offers three evidence-based strategies to help slow down time: seeking novelty, practicing reflection through journaling and photography, and embracing mindfulness to create more vivid memories and a richer life experience.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Traveling and engaging in new experiences can make time feel like it slows down, as opposed to the monotony of daily routines.
• ⏳ The 'Holiday Paradox' illustrates that time can feel like it speeds up during enjoyable activities but slows down during boring or anxious moments.
• 🧠 Our perception of time is subjective and can be influenced by emotions, boredom, and the state of 'flow' we are in.
• 📈 As we age, time seems to pass more quickly, possibly due to the percentage of our lifespan that a year represents decreasing.
• 💡 Learning new things can help slow down our perception of time because it introduces novelty and creates more memories.
• 📝 Journaling and reflecting on our experiences can serve as 'anchors of reflection,' helping us remember and value our time more.
• 📸 Taking photos can act as visual memory anchors, allowing us to look back and relive experiences, thus expanding our perception of time.
• 🧘 Practicing mindfulness and meditation can lead to a slower perception of time by increasing focus on the present moment and memory formation.
• 🔄 Breaking routines and introducing novelty into our daily lives can create more memory anchors and make time feel like it's passing more slowly.
• 🗓️ The balance between 'in the moment' time perception and 'remembered' time perception is crucial for feeling like we are experiencing and making the most of our time.

Q & A

What does the video discuss about the perception of time?

The video explores the research behind our perception of time, why it may speed up or slow down, and how we can make the most of it.

What is the 'Holiday Paradox' mentioned in the video?

The 'Holiday Paradox' is a phenomenon where time seems to pass quickly while on vacation due to constant novelty and stimulation, but when remembered, the time feels extended because of the rich memories created.

How does the video suggest that emotions can distort our perception of time?

The video explains that strong emotions like fear or excitement can distort our subjective time, making it seem to slow down or speed up depending on the emotion.

What role does age play in our perception of time according to the video?

The video suggests that as we age, time seems to pass more quickly, possibly due to the percentage of our lifespan that a year represents decreasing as we get older.

What is the significance of the study on novice skydivers in understanding time distortion?

The study on novice skydivers shows that time distortion is subjective and can be influenced by emotions, with fear making time seem to slow down and excitement making it seem to speed up.

How does the video propose to slow down the perception of time?

The video suggests seeking novelty, engaging in reflection through journaling, and practicing mindfulness as ways to create more memories and slow down the perception of time.

What is the importance of 'anchors of novelty' in the context of the video?

Anchors of novelty refer to introducing new experiences and changes into our routines to create more memories and make time feel like it's passing more slowly.

How does journaling serve as an 'anchor of reflection' as discussed in the video?

Journaling is an anchor of reflection because it helps to document and remember experiences, thoughts, and feelings, which in turn creates more memories and can make time feel more extended.

What is the 'homework for life' technique mentioned in the video?

The 'homework for life' technique is a daily journaling practice where at the end of each day, one is asked to write about the most storyworthy moment of the day to create memorable anchors.

How does the video link mindfulness to the perception of time?

The video connects mindfulness to the perception of time by suggesting that being fully present and focused on the current moment can lead to more memory formation, thus making time feel like it's passing more slowly.