6 Signs You Might Be Struggling With Time Blindness
Time slipping through your fingers? Explore psychological insights that offer solutions to overcome the challenge of time blindness.
By Mark Travers, Ph.D.
October 21, 2023
By Mark Travers, Ph.D.
October 21, 2023
Mark Travers, Ph.D., is the lead psychologist at Awake Therapy, responsible for new client intake and placement. Mark received his B.A. in psychology, magna cum laude, from Cornell University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder. His academic research has been published in leading psychology journals and has been featured in The New York Times and The New Yorker, among other popular publications. He is a regular contributor for Forbes and Psychology Today, where he writes about psycho-educational topics such as happiness, relationships, personality, and life meaning. Click here to schedule an initial consultation with Mark or another member of the Awake Therapy team. Or, you can drop him a note here.
Time is a concept that is ingrained within most living organisms, both mentally and biologically. Thanks to this, we as humans are able to accurately perceive and sequence the passage of time. However, some people may have difficulties regulating this internal clock—this is what psychologists refer to as “time blindness.”
According to research, a person with time blindness will likely have difficulties with activities and responsibilities that involve managing time—such as planning, scheduling, assignments and even goal setting. Although time blindness is usually a common indicator of ADHD, studies show that our perception of time is closely related to our well-being and emotional states, and changes in these can influence how we perceive how time is passing.
For instance, in the moments where time seems to drag on forever, it’s usually a sign that we’re distressed in some kind of way. Conversely, when time feels like it’s flying by us, it is usually an indication of hyper-focus or heightened arousal. However, for someone with time blindness, the under- or overestimation of the passage of time is more severe, which can lead to difficulties with impulsiveness, staying focused and more.
Common Symptoms Of Time Blindness
If you’re concerned that your internal clock may be running fast or slow, here are some indicators from research that show you might be struggling with time blindness:
How To Manage Time Blindness
If you struggle with time blindness but aren’t sure how to effectively manage your time, keep track of your appointments or deadlines or avoid committing to things you can’t finish, here are some tips to help you manage:
