The Hurry Trap: Hurry Sickness is Real

Hurry Sickness Defined

I used to believe that being constantly busy was a positive thing, assuming that if I kept myself occupied, my days would be productive and my efforts worthwhile. I didn't see the need for rest until vacation, and even then, vacations were just opportunities for more activities. I made it a habit to see every friend and cram everything into my schedule, often resorting to overworking just to afford a once-a-year vacation. When I found myself lacking energy, I resorted to watching television, as my mind was always racing with thoughts, leaving me drained and seeking the path of least resistance.

In the car, I'd constantly search for the fastest lane, addicted to the feeling of hurrying even when there was no particular destination in mind. I'd strive to gain the upper hand with rapid consumption, listening to everything at 1.5X speed or fast-forwarding through dull parts of movies. My pursuit of the best in life became a competition, whether against myself or others, driven by a deep-seated fear of falling behind or missing out on something, even when it wasn't healthy.

I felt the need to fill every moment with activity, as stillness scared me, leaving me alone with my thoughts. When notifications appeared on my phone, I felt compelled to check them immediately, whether it was the latest email or promotion. I couldn't ignore a text unless I was upset or overworked. If these stimuli weren't enough, I'd mindlessly scroll through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube if I wasn't watching TV.

I'd even resort to reading articles about trivial matters if I wasn't engaged in any other activity. Instead of appreciating what was in front of me and finding joy in the present moment, I'd constantly dwell on the future.

Simply writing about it now makes me want to slow down and scream. If any of this resonates with you, please know that there's nothing inherently wrong with you. The digital age has imposed this lifestyle on everyone. If you're wondering whether you're affected by this sickness, here are the major symptoms to watch out for below.

Symptoms of Hurry Sickness:

The main symptoms are rapid consumption, overworking, competitiveness, avoidance of stillness, frequent interruptions, and perpetual planning. Here are some examples of each of these symptoms to help you recognize if you are experiencing this sickness:

Rapid consumption: This includes speed reading, quickly switching lanes while driving, fast-forwarding through movies or podcasts, or swiftly swiping left or right on dating apps. It involves consuming information or products without taking time to digest or reflect on them, often leading to impulsive decisions and consequences.

Overworking: Constantly pushing oneself to work longer hours or take on additional tasks in pursuit of success and recognition. This can result in sacrificing personal time, relationships, and well-being for career advancement, accompanied by feelings of guilt when not being productive.

Competitiveness: Always comparing oneself to others, feeling threatened by their success, and striving to outperform peers in various aspects of life. This mindset can lead to a cycle of comparison, causing overconsumption, impatience, and a lack of joy.

Avoidance of stillness: Filling every moment with distractions like music, podcasts, or constant activity to avoid silence or being alone with one's thoughts. This avoidance can hinder self-reflection and inner peace.

Frequent interruptions: Difficulty focusing on tasks due to constant notifications from emails, messages, or social media, leading to fragmented attention and decreased productivity.

Perpetual planning: Always making elaborate plans for the future without taking action, obsessing over details, and feeling anxious when things deviate from the plan. This can result in excessive worry and a lack of spontaneity in life.

If any of these symptoms resonate with you, know that there is a cure for hurry sickness. It requires deliberate effort but can be highly effective!

Are you experiencing hurry sickness? Do you want to know the cure? You may already have an idea of what it entails; now it's about putting it into practice.