Time perception and the stopped-clock illusion

[WORLD] Time flies when you're literally anywhere else but at your desk. Time spent at work goes as slow as molasses in an ice field, while time spent at play goes quicker than hot broth flowing down a slide on a July day. That definitely real adage rings true when it comes to Old Father Time, the entity that makes every Friday of the work week painstakingly slow and every vacation (the ideal vacation length is eight days, in case you were wondering) as seemingly brief as possible.

But when you’re sitting at your desk, periodically checking the clock, you can swear that the darn thing isn’t moving. And it’s not just a one-off occurrence, time proves to be a flat circle and it just keeps on happening day after day and week after week. You haven’t lost your marbles though. As reported by Popular Science, there’s a scientific explanation why you feel so chronologically crippled by that analog on the wall.

To understand this phenomenon more deeply, it’s important to delve into how our perception of time is influenced by our activities and environment. Research has shown that engaging in enjoyable or stimulating tasks can make time seem to pass more quickly, while monotonous or stressful activities can make it drag. This is because our brains are more alert and engaged during enjoyable activities, leading to a faster perception of time. In contrast, repetitive tasks at work can make the brain less engaged, causing time to feel slower.

The phenomenon is called the “stopped-clock illusion,” and it has to do with your brain’s anticipatory ability. According to Amelia Hunt, a neuroscientist at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, looking at the clock creates a disconnect between what the eye is expecting and what is occurring in reality.

This disconnect is further exacerbated by the nature of modern work environments, which often involve long periods of sedentary activity and minimal physical movement. Studies have shown that physical activity can help regulate our internal clocks and improve our perception of time. When we are more active, our brains receive more sensory input, which can make time seem to pass more quickly. Conversely, sitting at a desk for extended periods can lead to a dulling of sensory input, making time feel slower.

The brain readies the retina for a predicted outcome so that we’re mentally prepared for the most likely outcome. This anticipatory reflex is designed so that we aren’t mentally caught off guard, but it comes back to bite us when counting down the hours.

Another factor contributing to the slowed perception of time at work is the psychological concept of time pressure. When we feel pressured to complete tasks within a certain timeframe, our perception of time can become distorted. This is because our brains are constantly monitoring the clock, leading to a heightened awareness of time passing. In contrast, during leisure activities, we are less focused on the clock and more immersed in the activity itself, making time seem to pass more quickly.

In short, your brain makes a map which is too far ahead, and when you look back at the clock, those hands are all off. That’s not where they’re supposed to be, thinks your brain, causing a bit of a short circuit, a bit more mental fog, and in turn, a slower-seeming day.

To combat this, experts suggest incorporating brief breaks and physical activities into the workday. Even short walks or stretching exercises can help reset our internal clocks and improve our perception of time. Additionally, varying tasks and breaking up the monotony can help keep the brain engaged and make the workday feel less tedious.

It’s tough making it through that 9-to-5, but remember, playing hooky is always an option—it’s proven to improve your productivity, and the day will go by a bit quicker. By the way, do you ever look at everyday objects and make out faces in the shapes? Turns out it’s a phenomenon called pareidolia—and it’s a lot more common than you may think.