Stress and the Future: Coping Through Temporal Distancing

Stress can be a formidable foe. It saps our energy, causes us to lose concentration, weakens our immune system, and may even lead to poor decision-making. Fortunately, there are methods we can use to cope with stress, of which temporal distancing is one of the most effective.

Temporal distancing is the process through which a person takes a stressful situation in the present and imagines how they would view the exact same event in the distant future. By placing the stressful event in another time, the person undergoing temporal distancing is able to put the event in perspective, and create psychological distance between themselves and their current situation. This enables the individual to respond to their stress with a lighter heart, and more easily accept the situation they’re in.

Research has found that people who practice temporal distancing report feeling better afterwards, and often have more pleasant emotions than those who don’t. This is largely due to the mental space created between the individual and the stressor. For example, research has shown that imagining oneself several years in the future can help us achieve some kind of control over the situation, and make it seem less threatening.

On top of that, temporal distancing can also provide clarity when it comes to difficult decisions. For instance, studies show that individuals who imagine their future selves are better able to make decisions based on long-term goals and life satisfaction, as opposed to simply making choices driven by urgency. In other words, by considering how our decisions will impact us in the far-off future, we can ensure that our present decisions are closer aligned with our values and desired outcomes in life.

Temporal distancing also works well in tandem with other stress management techniques, such as regular exercise and mindfulness practices. By understanding the connection between our current and future selves, we become more aware of our health, happiness, and welfare in the long run. In this way, temporal distancing gives us the freedom to actively situation, incorporate healthy practices into our lives, and strive for our wellbeing in the future.

Temporal distancing can provide invaluable aid when it comes to managing stress. By allowing us to observe our current problems from a different angle, this technique helps us prioritize our long-term health, accept whatever situation we’re in, and make decisions that will ensure our well-being in the future.