If you feel like time is slipping through your fingers, you may benefit from experiencing more awe. A growing body of research suggests that awe can slow our perception of time, also known as time dilation. In a recent study by George Mason University, 100 participants were shown pictures of large, awe-inspiring scenes and small, cluttered spaces. The results showed that participants were more likely to think they had been looking at small scenes for a shorter duration than they had been, while the opposite was true for larger scenes.
Co-author of the study, Prof Martin Wiener, suggests that time dilation could be a result of our brains working harder as they gather information about memorable scenes. Experiencing awe is linked to a range of positive health benefits, such as improved mood, lower stress, and a greater propensity towards kindness. So, what is awe, and how can we incorporate more of it into our lives?
In his book Awestruck, psychologist Jonah Paquette describes awe experiences as having two key components: encountering vastness and experiencing transcendence. Vastness can come in the form of an expansive view or a concept that is difficult to grasp, such as the size of the universe. Here are five ways you can experience more awe in your everyday life:
1. Embrace nature: The natural world is awe-inspiring, not only because of its physical vastness, but because of the tiny miracles that are hard to comprehend. You can experience this awe by going on a walk and paying attention to these natural wonders.
2. Notice the small things: Many of us rush through life, scarcely noticing the finer details of the everyday. By slowing down and being more attentive to commonplace experiences, such as the smell of dinner or the sound of birds, we can open ourselves up to more everyday awe.
3. Escape your comfort zone: Awe can also come from new experiences. Unfamiliarity, such as encountering a new environment, can slow our perception of time. Consider trying new things, visiting new places, and meeting new people.
4. Go analogue: Stepping away from screens allows us to exist in the analogue world, where we are more likely to experience awe.
5. Savour the moment: When you encounter something awesome, instead of taking a photo, try to savour the moment. According to Paquette, you can decrease the sense of time pressure by writing about the experience when you get home.
Awe experiences have significant health benefits and can positively impact our perception of time. By seeking out awe in our daily lives, we can enjoy a more balanced and uplifting view of the world
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