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Posted On Sep 20, 2025

Updated On Sep 20, 2025

Are You Always In A Hurry? If So, Why?

Wellness Wisdom

Do you consider every task a top priority? Do you find yourself always pushing to meet a deadline?

Are you constantly multi-tasking? And, do you feel guilty when you have free time on your hands?

If these questions resonate, you likely qualify as having "excessive time urgency" or "hurry sickness" - contributors to stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of well-being. So, why are you in such a hurry? 

Many would say that they worry excessively about keeping to schedules and, therefore, are always hurried. And, for many, "rushing" can become a habit ... even when it is not necessary. You may know someone who always seems to be in motion or running around. If there is not enough going on, this person will find a new project to join in on or to start for themself. They just can't sit still and "chill." Now, if you have a plan to clean out your closets and want some help, this is the person to call! However, being around someone who is constantly "high energy" can be exhausting. One day I realized that my father was always in a rush. He also rushed us, as a family, whenever we had to be somewhere. He worried about how others would perceive him if he were to be late. He came to believe that if someone couldn't get there on time, they shouldn't even bother showing up. That created a lot of stress - not only on my father but on our entire household. 

In addition to "rushing," these people often try to do everything just right. This perfectionism creates unrealistic expectations and compounds the stress. People who rush or hurry are also more likely to make mistakes, which then leads to rework. Rework adds to an already busy schedule. People with "hurry sickness" miss out on the everyday joy around them; They have no time for self-care or playtime.

If you are someone who identifies as having "excessive time urgency" and want to do something about it, here are some ideas on how to break your pattern. First, consider your needs as you proactively plan your down time. Do you even allow yourself down time? Do you ever carve out time to do nothing in particular? 

  1. Focus on one thing at a time. Give your full attention to one thing; see how that feels for a change.
  2. Rethink, reflect and prioritize your tasks. Not everything is high priority.
  3. Separate work from play. Allow time to be flexible with your recreational activity.
  4. Plan ahead. Planning avoids having to rush. Set up some "planning time" so that you can think ahead without the pressure of having to make instant decisions about what to tackle next.
  5. Get realistic about your expectations of time. Are you trying to do too many things in too little time?
  6. Slow down. Pay attention to life and people around you. Listen first before you jump into action.
  7. Allow some down time - just for yourself - every single day. Start with 10 minutes. Use that time to do nothing. It might be uncomfortable. Try it and see what happens.

"Hurry up" is a pattern that leads to burnout and overwhelm. You must slow down. Time can be a gift, not just space that fills with more stressors. Recognize that you have choices. 


Contributed by: Gwen Pettit, PT, PCC, MA, MS