Are you constantly rushing through life, jumping from one task to the next, even when there's no external pressure? Do you feel compelled to stay busy, driven by an internal need to meet your own high standards? If so, you might be experiencing what's known as "hurry sickness."
"Hurry sickness" isn't a formal medical diagnosis, but rather a descriptive term for a lifestyle characterized by a perpetual state of busyness and urgency. Individuals with hurry sickness are constantly on the go, often to the detriment of their physical and mental health. It's a state where the pursuit of productivity overshadows the importance of well-being.
Dr. Mark Cox, A&E doctor and co-founder and CEO of Orli Health, explains that "hurry sickness keeps our minds and bodies in a constant state of overdrive." This relentless pace has profound physiological impacts, essentially keeping the body in a heightened state of alert.
The insidious nature of hurry sickness is that you might not even realize you're affected. Some people even enjoy the feeling of being constantly busy, mistaking it for productivity or importance. However, it's crucial to pause and ask yourself: "When was the last time I truly experienced a moment of stillness and calm?"
In a recent study, a staggering 81% of women in the UK reported feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year. This statistic underscores the prevalence of stress and the importance of recognizing the symptoms of hurry sickness.
The chronic feeling of being in a hurry constantly triggers the body's stress response system. This leads to elevated levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. While cortisol is essential for managing acute stress, chronically high levels can have detrimental effects.
Elevated cortisol is linked to a range of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of infections. It can also negatively impact skin health, contribute to weight gain, and disrupt sleep patterns. These are just some of the ways that chronic stress can manifest physically.
Stress is a well-known trigger for digestive problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It can also disrupt the body's ability to process and absorb nutrients effectively. This further compromises overall health and well-being.
The concept of a "Type-A personality" is closely related to hurry sickness. Type-A individuals are typically competitive, goal-oriented, organized, and driven by a sense of pressure and urgency. They often feel a constant need to achieve and accomplish more.
Cardiologists Ray H. Rosenman and Meyer Friedman first identified the Type-A personality in the 1970s. Their research demonstrated that individuals with Type-A personalities were more likely to develop heart conditions, highlighting the cardiovascular risks associated with chronic stress and urgency.
Women, particularly mothers, may be more susceptible to hurry sickness due to societal expectations and the pressures of balancing multiple roles. Women often prioritize pleasing others and struggle to set boundaries or say no, leading to an overburdened schedule.
Psychotherapist Mandy Saligari explains that women face "the dual and often competing roles of motherhood and work." They may feel compelled to prove themselves in male-dominated workplaces while simultaneously shouldering the majority of responsibilities at home, often without adequate support.
Women are often praised for their multitasking abilities, but this can actually exacerbate the problem. Constant multitasking divides attention and increases stress levels, making it harder to focus and accomplish tasks effectively.
Society often pressures women to maintain a constant state of busyness, reinforcing the idea that productivity equates to worth. This pressure can lead to a cycle of overcommitment and exhaustion, making it difficult to prioritize self-care.
Lorraine Collins points out that "hurry sickness is often about avoidance – a way to keep you from facing what truly needs our attention and care." By staying busy, individuals may avoid confronting deeper anxieties or unresolved issues.
Dr. Cox emphasizes that stepping out of the constant rush can have profound benefits for overall health and well-being. Combatting hurry sickness can ward off physical illness, improve sleep quality, and decrease the likelihood of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Creating space to slow down can restore emotional balance, sharpen focus, improve memory, and simply make life more enjoyable. Switching off "hurry mode" can also facilitate healing from negative emotions and improve resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Individuals with hurry sickness often take on more than they can realistically handle. The feeling of being overwhelmed stems from having more to do than time allows, leading to chronic stress and feelings of inadequacy.
If you're someone who tries to "do it all," it's crucial to examine the underlying motivations behind this behavior. Often, early childhood experiences or learned behaviors contribute to the pressure to constantly achieve and overcommit.
For example, if your mother modeled "Superwoman" behavior, you may be more likely to place similar pressure on yourself. Unconsciously, you may strive to emulate her seemingly effortless ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Studies show that women carry out an average of 60% more unpaid work than men, highlighting the disproportionate burden they often bear in both professional and domestic spheres. This inequality contributes to feelings of overwhelm and a lack of time for self-care.
Collins suggests that taking on excessive responsibilities "often hides the pressing fact that we are overwhelmed." By staying busy, individuals may avoid acknowledging or addressing the underlying stress and anxiety they're experiencing.