Exercise Changes Perception Of Time, Says New Study

Have you ever gotten lost in a good workout, only to look up and realize hours seem to have flown by? Or perhaps the opposite — that dreaded feeling where a 30-minute jog feels like an eternity? It turns out, there’s a scientific reason behind these experiences. A recent study published in the journal Brain and Behavior sheds light on how exercise can warp our perception of time [1].

The research, led by Professor Andrew Edwards from Canterbury Christ Church University, found that people tend to perceive time as moving slower during exercise compared to rest or post-workout phases [1]. This is particularly true for self-paced, maximal effort exercise, which mimics the intensity of competitive sports [2].

This is a novel finding, as previous studies on exercise and time perception often focused on fixed-intensity workouts, which don’t reflect the dynamic nature of real-world athletic experiences [2]. This new research offers valuable insights into the mind-body connection during exercise and could have implications for both enjoyment and performance optimization.

Why Does Time Seem to Slow Down When We Exercise?

There are two main theories behind the time-warping effect of exercise. The first focuses on attention and focus. During intense exercise, our brains become highly engaged in processing sensory information and monitoring physiological responses. This heightened focus narrows our attention, effectively blocking out distractions and external cues that typically help us track time [3].

Imagine you’re on a treadmill, pushing yourself towards the end of a challenging interval. Your mind is laser-focused on maintaining your pace, monitoring your breathing, and pushing through fatigue. In this state, you’re less likely to be aware of the clock on the wall or the passing scenery outside the window. Time seems to slow down because you’re not constantly checking in with external time markers.

The second theory points to the symphony of chemicals released during exercise. Physical exertion triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and adrenaline — all neurotransmitters that play a role in mood, arousal, and focus [3]. These chemicals can alter our brain chemistry in a way that impacts areas associated with time perception. It’s like these chemicals change the “clock speed” of how our brain operates, potentially making time feel stretched out.

Does This Mean Exercise Makes Workouts More Enjoyable?

The study suggests a link between a distorted perception of time and exercise enjoyment. If exercise makes time feel slower, it could potentially make workouts feel less tedious and allow us to push ourselves harder for longer. This could be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with maintaining motivation during exercise routines.

Think about it — if that 30-minute jog feels like it only lasts 20 minutes because you’re so focused and engaged, you’re more likely to stick with it and reap the numerous health benefits of exercise.

Implications for Athletes and Performance

The findings also hold potential significance for athletes. By understanding how exercise warps time perception, athletes can develop strategies to manage their pacing and optimize performance. For example, if an athlete knows that a tough race segment might feel longer than it actually is, they can adjust their mental approach to stay focused and motivated.

Furthermore, coaches could potentially use this knowledge to create training programs that incorporate elements that enhance focus and engagement, further promoting a distorted perception of time during workouts. This could lead to athletes pushing themselves harder and achieving better results.

Future Research and Applications

This research opens doors for further exploration into the mind-body connection during exercise. Future studies could investigate the specific brain regions involved in time perception during physical activity and how different types of exercise — team sports, solo workouts, high-intensity vs. low-intensity — influence our sense of time.

The findings could also be applied beyond the realm of exercise. Understanding how attention, focus, and brain chemistry affect time perception could have implications for other areas, such as educational settings where maintaining focus is crucial. By manipulating the environment or incorporating specific activities, educators could potentially help students perceive time differently, leading to improved learning outcomes.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Time Warp

The next time you’re dreading a workout, remember — it might not be as bad as you think! Exercise can warp your perception of time, making a challenging session feel more manageable. So, lace up your shoes, crank up the music, and get moving. You might be surprised at how quickly that workout actually flies by.