By Nur Nabilahuda Humaira’ bt Abdul Malik Have you ever felt like you’re constantly racing against time, even when there’s no real reason to rush? Do you get impatient at slow walkers, tap your foot in frustration while waiting in line, or feel guilty when you’re not being “productive”? If so, you might be experiencing hurry sickness—a psychological condition that’s becoming increasingly common in today’s fast-paced world.
What Is Hurry Sickness?
The term hurry sickness was first coined by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman in the 1950s. They noticed that people who were always in a rush, living under chronic stress, were more prone to heart disease. Today, hurry sickness isn’t just linked to physical health but also to mental exhaustion and burnout.
People with hurry sickness feel an ongoing sense of urgency, as if there’s never enough time in the day. Even when they have the opportunity to slow down, they struggle to do so because they equate being busy with being successful or valuable.
Signs You Might Have Hurry Sickness
Hurry sickness can manifest in different ways, but here are some common signs:
- Always Feeling Rushed – Even when there’s no deadline, you feel pressured to move quickly and get things done.
- Irritation at Delays – Slow WiFi, long queues, or traffic make you unreasonably frustrated.
- Multitasking Excessively – You rarely focus on one task at a time, constantly switching between activities to “save time.”
- Struggling to Rest – You find it hard to relax or enjoy leisure time without feeling unproductive.
- Constantly Checking the Time – You’re hyper-aware of how much (or how little) time is left before your next task.
- Feeling Guilty for Doing Nothing – Rest feels wasteful, and you judge yourself for not being “productive.”
Why Are We All in a Hurry?
Modern society glorifies busyness. We’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us productivity equals success, and rest is for the weak. Social media makes it worse—watching others achieve milestones can create pressure to always be doing something.
Additionally, technology has made everything instant. We no longer wait for letters to arrive, meals to be cooked, or answers to be found. This has rewired our brains to expect everything to happen quickly, making patience a lost virtue.
The Consequences of Hurry Sickness
While it may seem like a necessary trait for high achievers, hurry sickness has serious downsides:
- Burnout & Exhaustion – Constant rushing drains your energy, leading to chronic fatigue.
- Poor Mental Health – Anxiety, stress, and even depression can develop from the never-ending pressure to do more.
- Weaker Relationships – When you’re always in a rush, you struggle to be fully present with loved ones.
- Reduced Productivity – Ironically, constantly hurrying can make you less efficient due to mistakes, stress, and decision fatigue.
How to Overcome Hurry Sickness
If you recognise yourself in these signs, the good news is that you can slow down and regain control over your time. Here’s how:
- Prioritise, Don’t Overload – Focus on what truly matters rather than cramming your schedule with unnecessary tasks.
- Practice Mindfulness – Be present in the moment instead of constantly thinking about what’s next.
- Set Boundaries with Technology – Limit notifications, emails, and social media to reduce the feeling of urgency.
- Embrace Waiting – Instead of getting frustrated in queues or traffic, use the time to breathe, reflect, or observe your surroundings.
- Schedule Downtime – Just like you plan work, schedule rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.
- Reframe Rest as Productive – Remember, taking care of yourself is an essential part of long-term success.
Final Thoughts
Hurry sickness isn’t just about time management—it’s about mindset. The world may push us to rush, but we have the power to slow down. By recognising the signs and taking intentional steps to pause, we can reclaim our peace, energy, and joy in everyday life.
So next time you feel yourself rushing for no reason, take a deep breath and ask yourself: What’s the hurry?