Temporal environment
The human temporal environment refers to the way that time and temporal structures influence human behaviour and experience. This includes both the objective, measurable aspects of time (such as the duration of an event or the passage of seconds, minutes, and hours) as well as the subjective, perceived aspects of time (such as the feeling that time is moving quickly or slowly).
The human temporal environment includes things like the daily and seasonal rhythms of life, the structure of the workweek and the calendar year, and the way that cultural and societal expectations shape our understanding and experience of time. It also includes individual differences in how people perceive and manage time, such as the ability to plan and schedule, the tendency to procrastinate, or the experience of time moving more quickly or slowly depending on one's age or state of mind.
The human temporal environment can have a significant impact on an individual's well-being, as well as on the functioning of organizations and societies. For example, research has shown that disruptions to the daily and seasonal rhythms of life, such as those caused by shift work or jet lag, can have negative effects on physical and mental health, while conversely, having a sense of control over time and a clear sense of the future can be beneficial for well-being.
The human organism organizes time through a variety of internal and external mechanisms.
Internally, the human body has an internal biological clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates many physiological processes including the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, hormone production and metabolism. The circadian rhythm is controlled by a small group of cells in the hypothalamus called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which receives light input from the eyes and uses this information to synchronize the internal clock with the external environment.
Humans also have the ability to perceive and process time through various cognitive processes. This includes the ability to estimate the duration of an event, to keep track of time through counting, and to use memory to recall past events and plan for the future. Additionally, humans have a sense of temporal perspective, which allows them to understand the past, present and future as distinct entities and to plan and make decisions accordingly.
Externally, human societies have developed a variety of tools and structures to measure and organize time, such as calendars and clocks. These tools have been used to create a shared understanding of time, which allows for coordination and communication between individuals and groups. Additionally, cultural and societal norms and expectations shape how people understand and experience time, and how they use it in their daily lives.
Overall, the human organism organizes time through a combination of internal biological processes, cognitive processes, and external social and cultural structures.
People use various time scales to plan different aspects of their life, including:
Short-term: Usually less than a month, for planning daily tasks, appointments, and short-term goals.
Medium-term: Ranges from a few months to a year, used for planning projects, vacations, and intermediate goals.
Long-term: Usually more than a year, used for planning career goals, retirement, education, and major life events.
The time scale used for planning often depends on the type of event or goal and an individual's personal preference and priorities.
It is difficult to determine the exact amount of time the average person spends thinking in each time scale, as it can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may spend more time thinking about short-term plans, while others may focus more on long-term goals. Additionally, individual circumstances, such as work demands, family responsibilities, and personal interests, can also impact the amount of time spent thinking in each time scale.
However, generally speaking, people tend to spend more time thinking about short-term plans, as they require immediate attention, while long-term goals may receive less attention until it becomes necessary to take action. Medium-term goals often receive a balance of attention between short-term and long-term planning.
There is evidence that different types of thinking, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term thinking, are associated with different patterns of brain activity and physiological responses. Some of the differences between these types of thinking include:
Short-term thinking: Short-term thinking is often associated with increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, which are involved in processing immediate stimuli and regulating emotional responses. Physiologically, short-term thinking can trigger the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Medium-term thinking: Medium-term thinking may involve a balance of activity between the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, which are involved in working memory and long-term memory, respectively. Physiologically, medium-term thinking may be associated with a moderate level of stress, which can be beneficial for motivation and goal-directed behaviour.
Long-term thinking: Long-term thinking may involve increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and the medial temporal lobe, which are involved in planning, decision-making, and forming memories. Physiologically, long-term thinking may be associated with lower levels of stress and a more relaxed state, as the focus is on long-term goals and outcomes, rather than immediate concerns.
It's worth noting that these are general trends, and individual variations and differences can exist, and the specific brain and physiological responses will depend on the type and complexity of the task and the individual's own experiences and motivations.
