What are the common signs that someone might be experiencing hurry sickness?

Common signs of hurry sickness include constantly feeling rushed even when there's adequate time, multitasking excessively, experiencing physical tension or restlessness, difficulty relaxing or being present in the moment, and feeling irritated when others move or work at a slower pace. People may also notice symptoms like rapid speech, impatience in lines or traffic, and a persistent sense that there's never enough time to complete tasks.

How can therapy help someone overcome hurry sickness and chronic rushing feelings?

Therapy can help by teaching awareness techniques to recognize rushed thinking patterns, developing time management skills that reduce actual and perceived time pressure, and practicing mindfulness exercises to stay present. Therapists work with clients to identify underlying beliefs about productivity and worth, challenge perfectionist tendencies, and develop coping strategies for managing anxiety related to time constraints. Therapy also addresses the root causes that may contribute to hurry sickness, such as work stress or personal expectations.

Which therapeutic approaches are most effective for treating hurry sickness?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective as it helps identify and change thought patterns that create time pressure and rushing behaviors. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teaches present-moment awareness and relaxation techniques. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people align their actions with personal values rather than external time pressures. Some therapists may also incorporate stress management techniques, breathing exercises, and lifestyle counseling to create a comprehensive treatment approach.

When should someone consider seeking professional help for hurry sickness?

Professional help should be considered when hurry sickness begins impacting relationships, work performance, or physical health. Warning signs include chronic stress symptoms like headaches or sleep problems, difficulty enjoying leisure activities, strained relationships due to impatience, or when rushing behaviors interfere with daily functioning. If someone finds they cannot slow down despite wanting to, or if anxiety about time becomes overwhelming, therapy can provide valuable tools and support for creating healthier time relationships.

What can someone expect during therapy sessions focused on hurry sickness?

Therapy sessions typically begin with identifying specific triggers and patterns related to rushing behaviors. The therapist may use assessment tools to understand how hurry sickness manifests in daily life and explore any underlying anxiety or stress factors. Sessions often include learning relaxation techniques, practicing mindfulness exercises, and developing realistic time management strategies. Clients can expect homework assignments like time tracking, mindfulness practice, or challenging rushed thoughts. Progress is usually gradual, with focus on building sustainable habits that promote a calmer, more balanced relationship with time.

Understanding Hurry Sickness And Feeling Rushed Impacts

January 22, 2026

Hurry sickness is a behavior pattern characterized by continually feeling rushed that can cause significant physical and mental health impacts including elevated blood pressure and anxiety, but responds effectively to therapeutic interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques.

Ever feel like you're racing against the clock even when there's no real deadline? Hurry sickness turns everyday tasks into urgent emergencies, impacting both your mental and physical health in ways you might not expect.

Young woman with short dark hair sits by a bed, writing in a notebook. She wears a gray hoodie and sweatpants, conveying a relaxed and focused mood.

Understanding Hurry Sickness And The Impacts Of Feeling Rushed

Updated February 14th, 2025

Medically reviewed by a licensed clinical social worker

Feeling hurried or rushed can be a normal part of life at times; however, if you find yourself chronically short of time, it may be a sign of hurry sickness. Hurry sickness, also called excessive time urgency, is common in young adults or busy professionals who have a lot on their plate or a long to-do list. People who feel continually rushed may experience both mental and physical health impacts over time.

Although hurry sickness may be highly impactful, it can often be addressed through self-care practices and relaxation techniques. In some cases, it may be helpful to also seek emotional support from a mental health professional like a licensed clinical social worker, who may be able to help address the underlying causes of continual rushing behavior. Here, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of hurry sickness and provide some techniques and strategies that may help reduce symptoms.

What is hurry sickness?

Hurry sickness is a behavior pattern characterized by continually feeling rushed to accomplish tasks. The term “hurry sickness” was coined by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman in the 1970s. While it’s not a diagnosable disorder per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), hurry sickness is a relatively common behavioral pattern, and it may or may not be linked to an underlying mental health concern.

In addition to frequently feeling rushed, people with hurry sickness may also experience excessive restlessness during times of inaction or general impatience with delays. Constant multitasking is also common, usually due to believing that they should be continually productive. Although being productive can be a desirable trait for some people or in some situations, the excessive drive to be this way can have negative impacts on social, physical, and emotional health. Additionally, continual rushing may reduce the overall quality of work that a person is completing.

The roots of chronic rushing

The cause of hurry sickness may vary from person to person, but it often stems from personal and cultural influences as well as technological impacts. Understanding the causes of hurry sickness may help break free from feeling rushed.

Personal and cultural factors

Psychosocial factors such as perfectionism may be linked to feeling hurried or rushed. For example, someone who strives for perfection might feel that it will reflect negatively on them if they don’t seamlessly finish every task put to them. On a societal level, there’s also often a general cultural focus on busyness and having a strong work ethic. In some cases, a job may also place high demands on time and expect rapid results, which can cause feelings of being rushed.

Technological impacts

Technology may also play a role in causing an individual to feel hurried. Advancements in technology now allow people to get information and results instantaneously. This may create an expectation that results in other areas of life should come quickly as well. Additionally, technology-based scheduling systems may make it easier to overschedule due to constant connectivity.

Recognizing the signs: Physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms

Understanding the signs of hurry sickness can help you know when to seek support in reducing anxiety caused by being hurried. Signs and symptoms of hurry sickness can generally be broken down into three categories:

Physical symptoms: These may include elevated heart rate, shallow breathing, and muscle tension, and trouble sleeping is also common.
Emotional symptoms: You may experience increased irritability, anxiety, or frustration.
Behavioral changes: Hurry sickness may cause frequent clock-checking, trouble relaxing or “switching off,” or skipping sleep or meals to save time.

Identifying the symptoms is often the first step in addressing the underlying causes of hurry sickness.

The mind-body connection: How chronic rushing affects your health

Symptoms of anxiety due to feeling rushed may impact both physical and mental health. Anxiety—particularly when prolonged—can change the way that the body responds to stress, likely as an evolutionary adaptation for surviving challenging situations. Someone who is consistently anxious is usually living with a constant fight-or-flight response in their body, which can affect how it functions.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular concerns

One common physical effect of anxiety is high blood pressure, which can come coupled with an increase in coronary artery risk development. This impact is thought to be related to the survival mechanisms in the human body that react to feelings of anxiety and prepare it for a life-or-death situation. Continual stress and anxiety over time can cause the heart to work harder and the arteries to become less flexible, which may cause these physiological effects. This is just one reason why it may be beneficial for people with anxiety or hurry sickness to make a doctor’s appointment to check blood pressure or other effects of stress and receive a treatment plan if needed.

Mental health impacts of hurry sickness

In addition to physical impacts, living with hurry sickness may also lead to related mental health impacts. An increase in stress and anxiety due to feeling rushed are the most common. In a work or school environment, feeling rushed may also eventually lead to feeling burned out. In addition, people who feel rushed and are unable to complete the many tasks on their plate may come to feel like they’re inadequate, which may lead to depression.

When hurry sickness intersects with mental health conditions

In some cases, hurry sickness may also be linked to underlying mental health conditions like an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder. Since untreated mental health concerns like these can cause additional challenges, it’s typically recommended that individuals seek professional support for symptoms as soon as possible.

Anxiety disorders and hurry sickness

Feeling some level of anxiety from time to time is a normal part of life, and feeling anxious as a result of rushing is not unusual. However, someone who feels persistently anxious in a way or to a degree that negatively impacts their daily life or functioning may have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Someone with hurry sickness could be rushing in part due to an underlying anxiety disorder, or they may develop one as a result of constant rushing. Anxiety disorders are considered treatable, but they typically require professional help to effectively address.

Bipolar disorder and hurry sickness

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by periods of mania, or extreme elation, followed in some cases by periods of depression. During periods of mania, someone with bipolar disorder may also exhibit symptoms of hurry sickness. They may become preoccupied with staying busy and it may be challenging to relax. As with anxiety, bipolar disorder and hurry sickness may become a positive feedback loop, as feeling rushed may contribute to instability of mood for people with this condition.

Practical strategies to prevent and manage hurry sickness

In addition to seeking mental health support for any underlying conditions, strategies for preventing and managing hurry sickness can include making lifestyle adjustments and developing relaxation techniques. People may experience hurry sickness when they have too much on their plate or feel unable to manage the tasks that are scheduled. In such cases, it may be beneficial to focus on time management techniques such as setting realistic deadlines and putting some time in between tasks as a buffer.

People with hurry sickness may also benefit from working with family members or their employer to prioritize their to-dos and free up time in their schedule to ease some of the pressure they feel. Making a point to eat regular meals and drink enough water could help manage the anxiety as well.

Mindfulness and gratitude practices

In addition to implementing lifestyle changes, it may also be beneficial to incorporate research-proven mindfulness practices to help manage anxiety from the inside out. Examples can include taking deep breaths and engaging in regular meditation. Practicing gratitude may be another way to improve mental health and reduce anxiety caused by feeling rushed. This could include noting things that you appreciate and are thankful for—including whatever you were able to get done without harm to yourself—rather than focusing on missed events or what could have been.

The traffic light approach to task prioritization

One helpful strategy for managing hurry sickness involves categorizing your tasks using a traffic light system. Red light tasks are emergencies that must be completed immediately. Yellow-light tasks are those that must be done urgently but aren’t emergencies. You can spend more time on green-light tasks, slow and steady, instead of putting yourself in a rush. For example, if you’re in a checkout line and notice the person ahead taking a long time, take a few deep breaths and remember that you’re doing a green-light task. Treating routine shopping like a red-light task may harm your mental well-being and put you at greater risk of sensory overload.

Connecting with a licensed clinical social worker

Although it may be possible to manage the symptoms of hurry sickness without professional help, connecting with a mental health professional can often be more effective—especially for those whose hurry sickness is caused or exacerbated by an underlying mental health condition. A licensed clinical social worker may use a combination of strategies to help someone struggling with hurry sickness, including mindfulness and reflection practices as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques.

For people with hurry sickness, regularly seeing a therapist in person at a traditional office may add more stress and anxiety to an already busy life. In such cases, telehealth therapy may be a more convenient alternative, since it allows you to attend sessions with a licensed clinical social worker from anywhere you have a personal device and an internet connection. This means that you can engage in therapy from home at a time that works for you—and often for a lower cost than traditional in-person sessions. Research suggests that online CBT can be an effective way to reduce anxiety in many cases and may also help identify and reframe negative thought patterns.

ReachLink offers convenient telehealth therapy sessions with licensed clinical social workers who can help you address hurry sickness and its underlying causes. Our platform allows you to connect with qualified professionals from the comfort of your own home, on a schedule that works for your busy life.

Moving forward: Finding balance in a rushed world

While everyone may feel busy from time to time, consistent and persistent rushing may be a sign of “hurry sickness.” People living with this type of behavior pattern may experience elevated levels of anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact both mental and physical health. Mindfulness practices and therapy are examples of approaches that may help reduce the stress and anxiety of hurry sickness and improve overall mental health and well-being.

Understanding that chronic rushing is not simply a personality trait but a modifiable behavioral pattern can be empowering. By recognizing the signs, understanding the causes, and implementing practical strategies—whether through self-care practices or professional support—it’s possible to break free from the cycle of constant hurry and cultivate a more balanced, intentional approach to daily life.

Disclaimer:

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional.

FAQ

What are the common signs that someone might be experiencing hurry sickness?

Common signs of hurry sickness include constantly feeling rushed even when there's adequate time, multitasking excessively, experiencing physical tension or restlessness, difficulty relaxing or being present in the moment, and feeling irritated when others move or work at a slower pace. People may also notice symptoms like rapid speech, impatience in lines or traffic, and a persistent sense that there's never enough time to complete tasks.
How can therapy help someone overcome hurry sickness and chronic rushing feelings?

Therapy can help by teaching awareness techniques to recognize rushed thinking patterns, developing time management skills that reduce actual and perceived time pressure, and practicing mindfulness exercises to stay present. Therapists work with clients to identify underlying beliefs about productivity and worth, challenge perfectionist tendencies, and develop coping strategies for managing anxiety related to time constraints. Therapy also addresses the root causes that may contribute to hurry sickness, such as work stress or personal expectations.
Which therapeutic approaches are most effective for treating hurry sickness?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective as it helps identify and change thought patterns that create time pressure and rushing behaviors. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teaches present-moment awareness and relaxation techniques. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people align their actions with personal values rather than external time pressures. Some therapists may also incorporate stress management techniques, breathing exercises, and lifestyle counseling to create a comprehensive treatment approach.
When should someone consider seeking professional help for hurry sickness?

Professional help should be considered when hurry sickness begins impacting relationships, work performance, or physical health. Warning signs include chronic stress symptoms like headaches or sleep problems, difficulty enjoying leisure activities, strained relationships due to impatience, or when rushing behaviors interfere with daily functioning. If someone finds they cannot slow down despite wanting to, or if anxiety about time becomes overwhelming, therapy can provide valuable tools and support for creating healthier time relationships.
What can someone expect during therapy sessions focused on hurry sickness?

Therapy sessions typically begin with identifying specific triggers and patterns related to rushing behaviors. The therapist may use assessment tools to understand how hurry sickness manifests in daily life and explore any underlying anxiety or stress factors. Sessions often include learning relaxation techniques, practicing mindfulness exercises, and developing realistic time management strategies. Clients can expect homework assignments like time tracking, mindfulness practice, or challenging rushed thoughts. Progress is usually gradual, with focus on building sustainable habits that promote a calmer, more balanced relationship with time.