How To Slow Down Time - The Holiday Paradox

Short Summary:

This video explores the concept of subjective time perception, how it can be distorted, and how to slow down the perceived passage of time. It discusses the "Holiday Paradox", where experiences feel short in the moment but long in retrospect, and attributes this to memory formation. The video then presents three actionable strategies to slow down time: introducing novelty, reflecting on experiences, and practicing mindfulness. Specific examples include journaling, taking photos, and meditation.

Detailed Summary:

Part 1: Time Distortions

The video starts by introducing the concept of subjective time perception, which is how we perceive the passage of time, as opposed to objective time, which is the actual duration of an event.
It cites a study on novice skydivers, where those who were more scared perceived time as slowing down, while those who were more excited perceived time as speeding up. This demonstrates how emotions can distort our perception of time.
The video also mentions that boredom can make time feel slower, while engaging in a "flow state" can make time feel non-existent.

Part 2: The Holiday Paradox

The video introduces the "Holiday Paradox", where a long airport delay feels short in retrospect, while a short holiday feels long in retrospect.
This paradox is explained by the difference between in-the-moment time perception and remembered time perception.
The video suggests that the number of memories created during an experience influences how long it feels in retrospect.
It uses the example of a holiday, where the novelty of new experiences creates more memories, making the holiday feel longer in retrospect.

Part 3: How To Slow Down Time

The video presents three actionable strategies to slow down time:
- Anchors of Novelty: Introducing novelty into routines can create more memory anchors, making time feel longer in retrospect. Examples include learning new skills, taking different routes to work, and trying new restaurants.
- Anchors of Reflection: Reflecting on experiences through journaling, taking photos, or using the "Homework for Life" technique can create more memories and make time feel longer in retrospect.
- Anchors of Mindfulness: Practicing meditation or mindfulness can increase focus on the present moment, creating more memories and slowing down the perceived passage of time.

Notable Quotes:

"If you've built a life you love, then you really don't want it to go by in a flash."
"The more discrete memories you have from a prior experience, the more that experience becomes expanded in time."
"Your life is a highlight reel... most of life is forgotten instantly almost as it's happening."
"The more you write about this stuff, the more you have these anchors of reflection, or these little memories that are associated with the thing."
"There is something really really nice about having a proper camera that's not just your phone that you can use to take more photos."
"Time feels slower in their everyday lives."
"Generally the things that we focus on is what we create memories of."