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Many people experience a constant need to rush through tasks, which can have significant impacts on their well-being.

What is Hurry Sickness?

Hurry sickness, also known as time urgency, is not an official medical condition but reflects a common issue in today's fast-paced world. The prevalence of technological tools designed to improve efficiency often leads people to take on more than they can handle. The increasing pressure to complete numerous tasks quickly can negatively affect one's physical and emotional health.

Signs That You Have Hurry Sickness

Constant Multitasking

Rosemary K.M. Sword, co-developer of time perspective therapy, mentions that many people take pride in their ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. This behavior can mask underlying issues related to hurry sickness.

Speeding in Various Activities

People with hurry sickness often rush through driving, conversations, shopping, and meals, compromising the quality of these activities.

Frequent Time Calculations

Continuously calculating how to fit into another task can indicate a persistent sense of urgency.

Irritability During Delays

Feeling annoyed when faced with any delays is a common symptom of hurry sickness.

Constantly Seeking Time-Saving Methods

An ongoing quest to find ways to save time, often leading to more stress, is typical.

Mental To-Do List

Continuously running through a mental checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten can be exhausting and counterproductive.

Effects on Mental Health

Hurry sickness often leads to anxiety, as people become hyperaware of the passing seconds and the multitude of tasks they need to accomplish. This constant state of stress can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and a pervasive feeling of inadequacy.

Effects on Physical Health

Physically, the effects of hurry sickness include sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. 

Prolonged stress associated with hurry sickness can contribute to more severe health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart issues. A study from 2003 highlighted that traits like time urgency and impatience are linked to an increased risk of hypertension.