EP 59 - Mental Time Travel

Mental time travel is a blessing and a curse because our memories aren’t perfect video recordings...

TRANSCRIPT

Mental Time Travel

Mental time travel is a blessing and a curse because our memories aren’t perfect video recordings. Every time we recall an event, it’s like we’re telling a story, and stories can change with each telling. Details might blur, get exaggerated, or even forgotten. This means the past we remember might not be 100% accurate.

Secondly, when we think about the future, our predictions are based on our past experiences and present beliefs. We might overestimate how good or bad a situation will be, leading to unrealistic fears or hopes.

Thirdly, constantly dwelling on past regrets or stressing about future uncertainties can be mentally draining. It might even contribute to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. It’s easy to get stuck in a loop of “what ifs” and “if onlys.”

Lastly, mental time travel can pull us out of the present moment. If we’re always thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, we might miss out on the joys and experiences of today. Finding a balance between remembering, planning, and living in the moment is crucial.