In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in emotions and immediate concerns when making decisions. From workplace pressures to personal life struggles, emotions can cloud judgment, leading to choices that might not be in our best interest. However, there’s a simple but effective solution: mental distance. Stepping away from a situation, whether by creating physical space or mentally distancing oneself, has been proven to improve objectivity and decision-making. Let’s explore how mental distance works, why it can enhance our judgment, and how we can incorporate this practice into our lives.
What is Mental Distance?
Mental distance refers to the psychological space we create between ourselves and a problem or decision. This concept involves viewing a situation from a less emotionally charged perspective, which can happen either by physically distancing yourself or by imagining the problem from a neutral, third-party point of view. The idea is that when we’re too emotionally involved in a situation, our judgment becomes clouded by immediate concerns or stress. Stepping back allows us to gain clarity, analyze the situation with more rationality, and make decisions that are less influenced by our current emotional state.
The Psychological Mechanism Behind Mental Distance
To understand why mental distance works, we need to delve into the psychological mechanisms at play. Research indicates that when individuals experience emotional distress or pressure, the brain prioritizes short-term, emotional responses over more logical or objective thinking (Kross and Ayduk 2011). This is a natural survival mechanism, but it often leads to decisions made out of panic, frustration, or fear, rather than thoughtful analysis.
Mental distance, however, triggers the brain’s higher cognitive functions, such as reasoning and abstract thinking, allowing individuals to step out of their emotional experience. This process helps create a broader view of the situation, improving perspective-taking and enhancing objectivity (Liberman and Trope 2008).
How Mental Distance Improves Objectivity
1. Reduces Emotional Bias
When emotions take the lead, decisions are often made impulsively. For example, someone who is angry might lash out or make harsh decisions in the heat of the moment. Similarly, feelings of anxiety or fear can cause individuals to avoid risks or overestimate dangers, leading to overly cautious or irrational decisions. Mental distance provides the opportunity to pause, reflect, and remove the influence of emotions.
By stepping away from the situation, individuals are more likely to return with a clearer, more composed mind. Research by Kross and Ayduk (2011) found that individuals who imagined a stressful scenario from a third-person perspective were more likely to make better, more objective decisions than those who viewed the situation from a first-person perspective. This distancing effect helped participants minimize emotional interference, enabling them to think more rationally.
2. Encourages Perspective-Taking
Mental distance allows individuals to view a situation from a broader perspective. When people are too involved, they might focus solely on their own feelings or narrow details. But when they take a step back, they can better understand the viewpoints of others and the long-term effects of their decisions.
In business, for example, a manager might make a decision based on current problems or the pressure of deadlines, but after taking mental distance, they might realize that the decision could have a more lasting impact than initially thought. Taking the time to consider all perspectives leads to more balanced, thoughtful decisions that align better with long-term goals.
3. Improves Problem-Solving
When under stress, individuals are more likely to get stuck on one way of thinking or a single solution. Mental distance opens up the possibility for more creative problem-solving. Instead of focusing on immediate concerns or setbacks, individuals who use mental distance are able to consider various solutions and weigh the pros and cons more thoroughly.
A study by Van Boven and Gilovich (2003) highlighted that people who used mental distance strategies, such as imagining a situation happening to a friend, were more likely to come up with multiple potential solutions to a problem rather than fixating on just one. This ability to see multiple perspectives encourages innovative thinking and better decision-making.
The Real-World Benefits of Mental Distance
1. In the Workplace
In the professional world, decision-making often happens under intense pressure. Managers, leaders, and employees face constant demands that require quick thinking. However, when emotions or stress dominate, decisions may be reactive rather than well-considered. Mental distance allows professionals to detach from immediate concerns and approach problems with more objectivity.
For example, consider a leader making a critical business decision during a moment of high tension. By stepping back from the situation, taking a break, or consulting with external experts, that leader is more likely to make a strategic decision that benefits the company in the long run. In fact, studies show that business leaders who take mental breaks or pause for reflection are better equipped to make decisions that lead to sustainable success (Liberman and Trope 2008).
2. In Personal Relationships
In relationships, emotional responses can often escalate conflicts. Whether it’s a disagreement with a friend, family member, or partner, acting out of anger or frustration can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Mental distance can help individuals separate their emotions from the situation, allowing them to approach the conversation more calmly and rationally.
By taking a step back during a heated moment, individuals are more likely to communicate their feelings constructively and find solutions that respect both sides. For example, couples who practice mental distancing during arguments are more likely to reach a compromise instead of escalating the conflict further.
3. In Health and Wellness
The benefits of mental distance extend to health and wellness. Often, people make poor choices about their health when they are emotionally stressed or overwhelmed. For example, stress can trigger unhealthy eating habits or lead to decisions to skip exercise. By creating mental space, individuals can make healthier choices that align with their long-term well-being.
Mental distance also plays a role in reducing burnout. Professionals who regularly take mental breaks are less likely to experience the chronic stress that leads to burnout, enabling them to maintain high performance without sacrificing their health.
Practical Ways to Implement Mental Distance
While mental distance is a powerful tool, it requires practice to implement effectively. Here are some simple ways to incorporate mental distance into your life:
- Take Regular Breaks: Whether it’s a walk, a short break from work, or simply stepping away from a stressful situation, taking time to physically remove yourself can create the mental space needed for better decision-making.
- Practice Third-Person Thinking: If you find yourself caught up in a problem, try imagining the situation from the perspective of an outsider or a friend. This can help you view the situation more rationally.
- Engage in Mindfulness or Meditation: Mindfulness exercises allow you to observe your thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them. Regular meditation can help clear your mind, allowing you to approach decisions with more clarity.
- Consult with Others: Sometimes, simply discussing the situation with a neutral third party can provide the mental distance needed to see things objectively.
Conclusion
Mental distance is an incredibly valuable practice for enhancing objectivity in decision-making. By creating psychological space between ourselves and immediate concerns, we can reduce emotional biases, encourage perspective-taking, and improve problem-solving abilities. Whether in the workplace, in relationships, or in our personal lives, learning to step back from stressful situations can lead to more rational, effective decisions. In a world that often rewards quick reactions, taking the time for mental distance can be the key to making better choices that benefit both short-term outcomes and long-term goals.
References
- Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). ‘Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing.’ Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(3), 187-191. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com (Accessed: 30 July 2025).
- Liberman, N., & Trope, Y. (2008). ‘The psychology of transcending the here and now.’ Science, 322(5905), 1202-1205. Available at: https://www.science.org (Accessed: 30 July 2025).
- Van Boven, L., & Gilovich, T. (2003). ‘To do or to have? That is the question.’ Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(6), 1193-1202. Available at: https://psycnet.apa.org (Accessed: 30 July 2025).
Why Your Brain Needs Loose Threads 
