Mindfulness Meditation Slows Time Perception

How Mindfulness Meditation Changes Your Perception of Time

Do you constantly feel pressed for time? New research suggests mindfulness meditation may help you feel like you have more time—without changing the clock.

The Science Behind Time Perception and Meditation

A groundbreaking University of Kent study led by researcher Robin Kramer reveals how brief mindfulness practice alters our experience of time:

1. Participants trained to associate shapes with short (400ms) and long (1600ms) durations
2. Two groups tested:
   • One practiced 10-minute mindfulness meditation focusing on breath
   • One listened to an audiobook (The Hobbit)
3. Key finding: Meditators perceived time as passing more slowly post-session

Why Mindfulness Makes Time Feel Slower

The study, published in Consciousness and Cognition, suggests:

• Internal focus during meditation increases time awareness
• Reduced external distractions prevent time from "slipping away"
• Attention regulation enhances perception of moment-to-moment experience

Practical Applications for Daily Life

This research offers valuable insights for:

• Time-stressed professionals seeking better work-life balance
• Individuals with depression (who often experience prolonged sense of time)
• Anyone wanting to savor moments more fully

"If things feel like they're running away, slowing things down might help you deal with them more easily." — Robin Kramer

Simple Mindfulness Exercise to Try

Experience the time-expanding effects yourself:

1. Set a timer for 10 minutes
2. Focus on your natural breathing rhythm
3. When distracted, gently return attention to breath
4. Notice any changes in your time perception afterward

Future Research Directions

Scientists plan to study:

• How long the time-perception effects last
• Whether different meditation types produce varying effects
• Potential clinical applications for mental health

This article originally appeared on Greater Good, the online magazine of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center.