Thanksgiving is now behind us and as I write this Insight,
there are only 27 more days until Christmas and 34 more days until we welcome
2018. Where has the time gone? This past year has flown, and I am left spinning
from the Tasmanian Devil-like speed of 2017.
“Why does time go so fast?” I ask the question, so many
ponder this time of year.
According to a guest blog written for Scientific American
online magazine, author Gordan James Lewis presented many scientific studies as
it relates to our perception of time and why it seems to go so quickly. The
studies indicated that although aging plays a role in the perception of time,
it is the notion of “time pressure” – trying to get our “to do” list completed
and thus, missing out on the present moment, that contributes to the speed that
times appears to travel.
Lewis gives the following example: “When you’re a kid on
December 1, you’re faithfully counting down the days until Santa brings your
favorite Hot Wheels down the chimney. When you’re an adult on December 1,
you’re a little more focused on work, bills, family life, scheduling,
deadlines, travel plans, Christmas shopping, and all of that other boring adult
stuff. The more attention one focuses on tasks such as these, the less one will
notice the passage of time.”
The stress of adult life, Lewis continues, may be
interpreted as the feeling that time is passing too quickly. This is something
not only experienced here in America. The studies also indicated that time
pressure is a cross-cultural experience as the results were similar among the
German, Austrian, Dutch, Japanese, and New Zealander participants.
So, what can be done to slow down time, or the perception of
such?
One suggestion I came across was to take advantage of new
and unique experiences. Stepping outside of the same, everyday stressors that
blind us to the passage of time, can switch us more into the present moment.
Although it may not shift the perception of time in a vast way, it will help us
to use time more wisely. (Check out the Calendar of Events and go to the
Chamber Tree Lighting, the Live Nativity Scene at Windham Christian Academy or
the Christmas in the Barn event for something different to do.)
But what may be more important is spending time with those
you love. Lewis suggests, “While the feeling may be inescapable, appease
yourself by knowing that time is not literally getting faster as you age. Take
a moment to slow down this Christmas, enjoy time with your family and friends,
and be assured that the fancy Rolex that Santa brings you . . . is doing its
job just fine.”
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