Are You Suffering From Hurry Sickness?

2 Nov

Hurry sickness isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but it’s something many of us know all too well. It’s the endless need to rush, the constant urgency—even when there’s no real reason to hurry.

This feeling of “I need to do more, and I need to do it faster” can push us to the edge, leaving us anxious and drained.

The effects go deeper than we realise: hurry sickness impacts not only our mental and physical health but also our spiritual well-being.

Studies back up what we’re experiencing. Research from the Harvard Business Review shows that people who feel constantly rushed report higher levels of stress and lower life satisfaction. A full third of adults say they often feel rushed, and for young professionals and parents, the number is even higher. And this non-stop pace doesn’t just wear us down mentally; it impacts our bodies, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, sleep issues, and burnout.

In one of my favouritre books, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, pastor and author John Mark Comer describes hurry as “violence on the soul”—a striking phrase that gets to the heart of the issue. When we rush through life, we miss out on God’s peace.

The Bible encourages us to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). That stillness is so countercultural, but it’s where we reconnect with Him and find peace in His presence.

Here are ten signs that you might be dealing with hurry sickness, and some ways to start finding freedom from it.

1. Irritability

When we’re always rushing, it’s easy to get frustrated or snap at the smallest inconvenience. This irritability often spills over into our closest relationships, creating unnecessary tension where we should be finding calm and support.

2. Hypersensitivity

Hurry can make us react more strongly to setbacks. Even small criticisms or unexpected changes feel like big deals. This hypersensitivity is often a sign that we’re running on empty and not allowing space to recharge and take care of our emotional health.

3. Restlessness

Sometimes, it feels almost impossible to slow down and truly relax. If you’re always on to the next task or your mind won’t stop racing—even when you want to rest—that’s a key sign of hurry sickness.

4. Workaholism

When our self-worth is tied up in our accomplishments, it’s tough to pause. It’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring ourselves by productivity alone, sacrificing health, family, and time with God in the process. This constant drive can burn us out and keep us from the rest God has for us.

5. Emotional Numbness

A non-stop pace can make us numb, even to our own feelings. When we’re always busy, it’s hard to pause and connect with others, let alone notice what’s going on in our own hearts. This distance can rob us of the deeper relationships God wants for us.

6. Disordered Priorities

If your schedule leaves no time for things that matter most, like family or God, you may need to reorder your priorities. Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33), a reminder that we’re called to keep Him and the people we love at the centre of our lives.

7. Neglecting Self-Care

Hurry sickness can make us skip self-care basics, like sleep, exercise, and nourishing meals. But the Bible encourages us to care for our bodies as “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Taking time to rest and recharge isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

8. Escapism

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s tempting to escape into screens, endless scrolling, or binge-watching. These can offer temporary relief, but they often prevent us from truly processing life or turning to God for renewal.

9. Slipping Spiritual Disciplines

Prayer, scripture, and quiet time are often the first things to go when we’re too busy. But when we skip these, we miss the deep peace that comes from spending time with God.

10. Isolation

Busyness can make us feel alone, even when we’re surrounded by people. This disconnection is the opposite of the community God desires for us. The Bible reminds us, “two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9), showing the importance of being there for each other.

Escaping hurry sickness isn’t easy, but it’s possible with some intentional changes. Here are a few small steps you can take:

Reframe Your Relationship with Time: See time as a friend, not an enemy. Psychologists remind us that thinking everything is urgent leads to stress. Consider what really needs your attention now, and let other things wait.

Build in Sabbath Moments: Rest doesn’t have to wait for the weekend. Find small “Sabbath” moments daily—five minutes to pray, breathe, or just sit quietly. If God rested on the seventh day, we’re invited to follow His example and find moments to pause.

Practice Mindfulness in Simple Tasks: Try doing one activity—like having a meal or taking a walk—without rushing. These small changes can help recalibrate our pace, letting us be more present in the moment.

Reconnect with Spiritual Disciplines: Prioritise time for prayer, worship, and reflection to nurture your soul. Drawing near to God reminds us that our worth is in His love, not in what we accomplish.

Embrace Intentional Living: Recognising hurry sickness allows us to make small changes that bring us closer to a life grounded in God’s peace. Comer suggests adopting a “Sabbath mindset,” finding gratitude and calm even on busy days.