I’ve just discovered the “90-second rule”, a concept neuroanatomist Dr Jill Bolte Taylor explored in her book, Whole Brain Living, back in 2021. That’s how long our physiological response to emotions such as anger lasts, from the time we formulate a thought to the point at which our blood is “completely clean” of the noradrenaline released in response to it, Bolte Taylor explained to a US news channel.
I read about it in US magazine Bustle, which suggested a 90-second timeout could “reset your vibe”, reframing it, bleakly, as an alternative to a lunch break: “It often feels like a big ask to take an hour lunch … everyone can use just 90 seconds for a quick reset.” Presumably it’s back in the ether because Bolte Taylor appeared on Steven Bartlett’s podcast last November, explaining that if you’re still experiencing emotional reactions after 90 seconds, “you’re rethinking the thoughts.”
Well, yes. I’ve been rethinking some thoughts for decades (doesn’t everyone?). There’s one minor embarrassment from 2009 I relive repeatedly, complete with hot, sweaty, physiological reaction. Is there a way out? Bolte Taylor explained that for 90 seconds, she “enjoyed” her emotion – “I celebrate the fact that I’m capable of anger”– then it passed.
I spent a day observing the 90-second rule to try it out. By 7am I was angry (listening to the Today programme will do that) and started a timer. Ninety seconds is ages, I discovered – I rapidly got bored of enjoying my anger and started planning my lunch.
Next came the familiar clutch of anxiety, which was tougher to enjoy. “You’re an exquisitely tuned fight-or-flight animal,” I flattered myself, as the seconds ticked by. “Getting anxious opening an email just shows what a thoroughbred you are.”
I continued all morning (mostly experiencing anxiety; twice molten fury contemplating Pete Hegseth) before realising that taking 90 seconds to feel every big feeling on a workday was untenably time-consuming.
I would need to take Bustle’s 90-second lunch break to compensate and given lunch is the one time I reliably experience joy, it’s too high a price for emotional stability. Too many emotions, too little time.
