The Science of Time: Understanding How We Perceive Time and Its Impact on Our Lives

By Rebecca Raffle

Have you ever noticed how time seems to slow down when you’re anxious or speed up when you’re having fun? Or how certain moments in life seem to stretch endlessly, while others pass by in a blink? I think about this a lot. These experiences aren’t just quirks of memory. They’re rooted in the amazing science of time perception.

Time is one of those things we all take for granted. I know I have in the past. We measure it in hours, minutes, and seconds, but the truth is, time isn’t fixed.

It bends, stretches, and shifts based on our experiences, emotions, and even our speed relative to the universe.

As someone who has studied physics and experienced life-changing events, like surviving cancer, I’ve thought a lot about time.

My Mom died very unexpectedly last year. We were very close. Understanding the science of time has helped me appreciate life’s fleeting moments and live more intentionally.

So, let’s dive into what time really is and how it affects us on both a cosmic and personal level.

Chef Rebecca Raffle, Molecular Gastronomy Private Chef. www.RebeccaRaffle.com

What Is Time? The Basics of Relativity

When we think of time, we usually picture a clock ticking or a calendar flipping through days. But according to Einstein’s theory of relativity, time isn’t a constant. It’s relative, meaning it changes depending on how fast you’re moving and the gravitational forces around you.

Einstein showed that time and space are interconnected in what’s known as spacetime.

For example:

• The faster you move, the slower time passes for you.

• The stronger the gravity, the more time slows down.

This isn’t just theoretical. It’s been proven through experiments with atomic clocks placed on airplanes and satellites.

Time literally ticks more slowly for astronauts in space than it does for us here on Earth. This is often called time dilation.

💡 Fun Fact: GPS satellites have to account for time dilation caused by Earth’s gravity and their high speeds in orbit. Without these corrections, your GPS would be wildly inaccurate!

Why Time Feels Different in Our Daily Lives

While Einstein’s theory explains how time works on a cosmic scale, there’s another layer to time that we all experience every day: our perception of time.

Have you ever noticed how time seems to drag on when you’re waiting or fly by during a fun vacation? This is because our brains don’t experience time uniformly. Instead, they rely on emotions, focus, and memory to perceive time.

Factors That Influence Time Perception:

1. Emotion: Intense emotions can make time feel slower or faster.

2. Attention: When you’re deeply focused, time flies. When you’re bored, time drags.

3. Memory: New experiences feel longer because your brain is working harder to process them.

Discover my background in science and culinary arts here.

Rebecca Raffle with her son, Remington.

Time Perception and My Cancer Journey

When I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s MALT lymphoma, my perception of time completely changed. Every day felt endless as I went through chemotherapy treatment (Rituxan® and Methotrexate), always waiting for results. Hoping for good news.

It felt like my life was on pause while the rest of the world moved forward.

The night of chemotherapy treatment is the closest thing to “hell” I have ever experienced. My lifelong friends and entire family got me through it.

My body rejected the chemotherapy, the poison. One time I ended up in the emergency room for “chemotherapy poisoning.” Oxymoron? That day, my friend, Megan, traveled from San Francisco to spend time with me. I had chemotherapy treatment that morning. I got so violently ill. Megan had to help me into an adult diaper. My father, David, had to call an ambulance.

After all of these years, what remains with me is sadness. Sadness that my friends, and family, had to endure the trauma of the treatment. Twelve years later, my close friend, Ralford, cannot eat at Zanku Chicken. Their chicken was the only thing I could eat for over a year.

After I recovered, time sped up again. Suddenly, life felt like it was moving too fast, and I was desperate to hold onto each moment. This shift in my perception of time made me appreciate how precious and fleeting life is.

Chef Rebecca Raffle, Molecular Gastronomy Chef in Indianapolis.

Practical Ways to Change Your Perception of Time

Understanding the science of time perception can help us live more mindfully and appreciate the present moment.

Tips to Slow Down Time

Here are some practical tips to slow down time and make life feel more fulfilling:

1. Embrace New Experiences

Our brains perceive new experiences as longer because they require more processing. Try learning a new skill, traveling to a new place, or trying a new recipe to make your days feel richer and longer.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Being fully present in the moment can help slow down time. Practice mindful cooking, eating without distractions, or journaling to focus your attention on the here and now.

3. Prioritize Meaningful Connections

Spending time with loved ones and engaging in deep conversations can make life feel more meaningful and memorable.

Time in the Kitchen: Cooking as a Mindful Practice

As a private chef and food science educator, I’ve found that cooking is one of the best ways to slow down time.

The process of chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and watching food transform can be incredibly grounding.

In molecular gastronomy (food science), time takes on another layer of importance. Certain techniques, like spherification or emulsification, require precise timing to achieve the perfect result.

It’s a reminder that time and patience can transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

💡 Curious about molecular gastronomy? Check out my blog on 10 Molecular Gastronomy Techniques Every Foodie Should Know.

Chicken Caesar Salad Dome Dipped in Romaine Lettuce Infused Gel Over Parmesan Shortbread, Topped with Caesar Dressing - Chef Rebecca Raffle

Final Thoughts: Time Is a Gift

Time is our most precious resource. Whether we’re talking about cosmic time or personal time, it’s important to make the most of every moment.

For me, understanding the science of time has helped me slow down, savor life, and live with more intention.

And whether you’re a home cook, a science enthusiast, or someone just trying to make sense of life’s chaos, I hope this exploration of time inspires you to treasure each moment.

Let’s Explore the Science of Life Together!

If you love learning about food science, personal growth, and the mysteries of life, join my foodie community!

📚 Check out my book reviews on Goodreads: goodreads.com/rebeccaraffle

✍️ Read my stories on Medium: medium.com/@RebeccaRaffle

🌐 Visit my website for blogs and courses: www.rebeccaraffle.com

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Let’s unlock culinary creations and explore life’s mysteries—one experiment at a time!

French Lemonade and Guava Key Lime Caviar. This is the first palate cleanser for my 14-Course Molecular Gastronomy Chef’s Tasting Dinner. The caviar explode in your mouth, covering the tongue with sparkling lemonade and a light guava citrus. This makes one’s mouth ready for the next course. Chef Rebecca Raffle.

Looking Forward: My Mission to Make Molecular Gastronomy Accessible

One of my dreams is to make molecular gastronomy approachable for everyone. Whether through my cooking classes, recipes, or content, I want to demystify the science behind these techniques and inspire others to experiment. Food should be fun, engaging, and a little bit magical!

If you’re ready to dive into the world of molecular gastronomy, follow my Newsletter below for exclusive content and upcoming digital classes on spherification and foams!

For more tips and tricks, explore my next blog, Recipes and Culinary Creations: Turning Everyday Dishes Into Art.

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