“Your system isn’t allowed to slow down.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on hypervigilance, the perception of time, and time poverty.
Why does it feel like you’re always short on time, even when there’s nothing special on your schedule? And why does free time cause stress instead of providing peace of mind?
In this episode of “Stress as a BFF,” stress expert Elke Van Hoof explains what’s really behind the feeling that there’s never enough time. It has nothing to do with a packed schedule or poor planning. It has everything to do with a nervous system that has learned that slowing down is dangerous.
When the stress response system remains chronically active, your perception of time changes. Time is no longer just a clock; it feels like a threat. Tasks take longer than you expect. Rest feels unsafe. And even though your day is packed, you feel like you’re falling behind.
Elke starts with the concept of hypervigilance. She also explains how time poverty arises and what you can do about it. It’s not always about planning better, because as long as your stress system remains in overdrive, that’s of little use.
