Slow Your Roll
I have some questions for you:
Is your daily schedule packed to the brim?
Do you get frustrated when you don’t get everything done on your daily TO DO list?
How about getting anxious waiting in line, even if you don’t have a pressing reason to be somewhere?
Do you attempt to multitask constantly, often to the detriment of the quality of your work?
I know I answered YES to every question, and I bet you did too. In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, time is one of our most precious commodities. Every second seems to count, and we’re under pressure to squeeze productivity out of each moment. This mindset has led to a condition many people experience without even knowing it has a name: “hurry sickness”. It was first coined by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman in the 1950s to describe a behavior pattern associated with an increased risk of heart disease. But today, hurry sickness isn’t just about physical health; it’s a psychological and emotional state as well. The need to be faster, do more, and achieve instant results has become pervasive. Then you add all the extra pressure of the holiday season we are in right now and, BAM, it’s enough to push you over the edge.
The behaviors associated with hurry sickness may feel like normal parts of modern life. But when left unchecked, they can seriously impact one’s mental health, relationships, and physical well-being.
Some of the most common effects are:
1. Increased Stress Levels: The perpetual rush and focus on productivity trigger the body's stress response. This can lead to heightened cortisol levels, which over time can contribute to various health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and immune system dysfunction.
2. Mental Exhaustion: Constant rushing takes a toll on the mind. Hurry sickness often leads to burnout, which manifests as chronic fatigue, irritability, and decreased motivation. The brain is designed to function best with periodic rest, but people with hurry sickness rarely allow themselves breaks, leading to cognitive exhaustion.
3. Reduced Attention and Decreased Quality of Work: Multitasking and rushing tend to reduce the quality of output. Studies show that people are more prone to errors and less creative when they’re constantly switching between tasks or moving too quickly through their work. Hurry sickness might give the illusion of productivity, but the reality is often the opposite.
4. Strained Relationships: Those with hurry sickness may find it challenging to engage fully with others, whether family, friends, or colleagues. They might become impatient in conversations, and anxious to move on to the next task. This can cause loved ones and coworkers to feel undervalued or disconnected, leading to strained relationships.
5. Negative Impact on Sleep and Physical Health: Hurry sickness is often accompanied by a lack of adequate rest. The constant worry about ticking off items on the to-do list can make it hard to unwind or fall asleep. Moreover, chronic stress and insufficient rest can lead to an array of health problems, from high blood pressure to digestive issues.
If any of the above symptoms feel familiar, you may be dealing with hurry sickness. Fortunately, there are several strategies to help you slow your roll and regain control over your time and mental well-being.
Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, which can help reduce the urge to rush through tasks. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings, pray, or meditate can foster a sense of calm and slow down the racing mind. Taking a short stretch break can provide some much-needed relaxation and it will re-energize you too. Try my latest Express Desk Stretch video here.
Prioritize Tasks with Purpose - Not every task on your to-do list is equally important. One way to reduce hurry sickness is to prioritize tasks that truly matter and let go of activities that aren’t essential. Stephen Covey’s time management matrix, which categorizes tasks by urgency and importance, can be a useful tool for this. If you are not familiar with this practice, learn more here.
Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries - Set boundaries around work and personal time. For example, establish a rule not to check work emails after a certain hour or limit your meetings to allow time for deep, focused work. Setting realistic daily goals also helps; instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, break larger projects into manageable steps.
Embrace Single-Tasking - Research shows that single-tasking, or focusing on one task at a time, is often more productive than multitasking. By giving each task your full attention, you’re likely to complete it more efficiently and with greater satisfaction. Try time-blocking, where you allocate specific times to focus on one activity before moving on to the next.
Cultivate Patience - One of the best ways to combat hurry sickness is to embrace a slower mindset. Waiting in line or for a meeting to start can feel like wasted time, but these moments can become opportunities to practice patience. Instead of feeling frustrated, use these moments to pause, breathe, and let go of any urgency you may be feeling.
Breaking free from hurry sickness doesn’t mean abandoning your goals or slowing down your career. On the contrary, many people find that taking a more balanced approach to time management improves their productivity and quality of life. When you allow yourself to slow down, you’ll likely experience:
Improved mental clarity and focus
Better physical health and energy levels
More fulfilling relationships
Higher quality of work and creativity
In a world that constantly encourages us to do more, go faster, and be productive every second, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hurry sickness. Recognizing the signs and taking small steps to slow your roll can have a significantly positive impact on both your personal and professional life. Instead of hurrying through each day, try to enjoy the journey, embrace patience, and allow yourself to breathe. Life is too short to be spent in a constant state of rush. After all, who won the race between the tortoise and the hare? Taking the time to slow down is not only essential for our health but it can also make life more productive, as well as more meaningful and enjoyable.
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