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.
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.