Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Stress is an inescapable part of modern life, impacting people of all ages and backgrounds. While anxiety, pressure, and a lack of control are often identified as primary triggers, the role of time and its perception is often overlooked. In my workshops, we do a short 2-minute exercise which is invariably an eye-opener for all the participants.
The modern world is governed by schedules and deadlines, imposing a constant sense of urgency and fostering an environment where time is often perceived as a scarce resource. This perception frequently contributes to stress, as individuals struggle to balance work, family, and personal demands within limited hours. The relentless march of the clock can significantly contribute to stress levels, leading to a variety of negative health outcomes.
One of the key causes of time-related stress is the fear of not having enough time to complete tasks or meet responsibilities. This fear can create a sense of helplessness and can trigger anxiety, leading to increased stress levels. Additionally, the pressure to maximize time and achieve numerous goals within a limited timeframe can lead to burnout and a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed.
Moreover, the relentless exposure to technology and constant connectivity has blurred the boundaries between work and personal time, leading to a pervasive feeling of being always “on the clock”. This intrusion into personal time can disrupt relaxation and leisure activities, further contributing to elevated stress levels.
The human experience is intricately woven with the passage of time, both from an external and internal perspective. While external time is measured and dictated by clocks and schedules, our body operates on its own internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. When these two rhythms fall out of sync, it can lead to a range of stress-inducing consequences, impacting everything from mood and cognition to overall health and well-being.
The misalignment between external and internal time can be largely attributed to the demands of modern living, which often prioritize productivity and efficiency over the natural ebb and flow of our internal rhythms. This misalignment can lead to a phenomenon known as "social jetlag," where individuals may experience increased stress and fatigue due to discrepancies between their internal and external clocks.
When our body clock runs faster or slower than real time, it can disrupt various physiological processes, leading to heightened stress levels. An accelerated body clock can result in a persistent state of alertness and heightened stress response, even during times when rest and relaxation are needed. On the other hand, a slower body clock can lead to feelings of sluggishness, disorientation, and difficulty in meeting the demands of external schedules, further contributing to stress.
An accelerated body clock can also result in a feeling of “I am running out of time” whereas a slower body clock can result in the illusion of “I have a lot of time for this”. Either way, it causes stress. On an average in my workshops, only 10% of the total number of participants have their internal and external clocks aligned! That indicates the state of today’s world.
Moreover, the misalignment of internal and external time can disrupt essential biological functions, including sleep patterns, hormone regulation, and metabolism, thereby impacting overall health and exacerbating the effects of stress on the body and mind.
To mitigate the stress caused by the misalignment of internal and external time, it's crucial to prioritize strategies that promote harmony between these two rhythms. This may include establishing consistent sleep-wake cycles, creating routines that honor the body's natural inclinations, and fostering environments that allow for flexibility and adaptability to individual rhythms. It is also important for individuals to cultivate time management skills, establish boundaries between work and personal life, and develop strategies to combat the sense of urgency that often accompanies modern living. Additionally, mindfulness practices and stress-reduction techniques can be invaluable in counteracting the detrimental impact of time-related stress. Nirmiti Nidra does just that.
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