Explore techniques to elevate your everyday with these 5 captivating approaches
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of the small miracles that surround us. However, psychologist Jonah Paquette suggests that savouring a moment of awe and writing about it can help decrease the sense of time pressure we often feel.
Experiencing awe, whether it's a breathtaking view of a mountain range or contemplating the size of the universe, is not just a fascinating experience, but it's also linked with a range of positive health benefits. Research has shown that awe can improve mood, lower stress, and even encourage kindness.
A study led by researchers including Bruno G. Breitmeyer in Germany and George Mason University found that our perception of time can be influenced by the environments we encounter. Participants were shown pictures of vast scenes and small, cluttered spaces. The researchers found that people were more likely to think they had been looking at small scenes for a shorter period than they had been, whereas the opposite was true for larger scenes.
This phenomenon, known as "time slowing," can be attributed to our brains working harder as they try to gather information about scenes that we find memorable. Prof Martin Wiener, co-author of the study, suggests that time dilation could be a result of this cognitive effort.
So, how can we incorporate more awe into our lives? By slowing down and being more attentive to commonplace experiences, we open ourselves up to more everyday awe. Whether it's going for a walk and considering the natural miracles around us or seeking out new experiences, such as new places, new things, or meeting new people, slows down our perception of time, according to Dr Steve Taylor.
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Paquette recommends regularly stepping away from screens to experience awe in the analogue world. After all, it's the moments we take to appreciate the world around us that make life truly worth living. So, let's take a moment to breathe, to marvel, and to cherish the awe-inspiring world we live in.
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