Always rushing? 'Hurry sickness' is quietly stealing your health: Experts say slowing down could save your life

If you find yourself racing through tasks and darting from one responsibility to another, even when nothing urgent is chasing you, you may be experiencing what experts call “hurry sickness.” Dr. Mark Cox, an NHS accident and emergency doctor and co-founder of Orli Health, told The Sun that this relentless drive “keeps our minds and bodies in a constant state of overdrive,” with long-term risks for both mental and physical health.
The hidden toll of always being on the go
Research shows that stress from perpetual rushing can keep cortisol levels high, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, infections, poor skin health, digestive problems, and sleep issues. “Stress is a well-known trigger for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can wreak havoc on how our bodies process and absorb nutrients,” Dr. Cox explained. The condition has also been linked to anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Experts note that women, especially working mothers, can be particularly vulnerable. Psychotherapist Mandy Saligari pointed out that the dual demands of work and home life leave many women juggling people-pleasing tendencies with relentless pressure to perform. CBT counsellor Lorraine Collins added that multitasking, often seen as a strength, can in fact deepen the cycle of hurry sickness by avoiding deeper emotional needs.

Not just ambition, but avoidance
Hurry sickness is not always about drive and ambition. “At its core, hurry sickness is often about avoidance – a way to keep you from facing what truly needs our attention and care,” Collins said. Constant busyness can mask feelings of worry or inadequacy, while society’s emphasis on productivity reinforces the cycle.

Breaking the cycle
Experts say that slowing down does not mean giving up success. Dr. Cox explained that “creating space to slow down can restore emotional balance, sharpen focus, improve memory and simply make life feel more enjoyable again.” Simple steps such as prioritizing tasks, saying no without guilt, and resisting the urge to fill every spare moment can make a powerful difference.

Habits to rethink now

• Taking on too much: Overloading your schedule only fuels overwhelm.
• Not prioritizing: Write down tasks and eliminate what doesn’t serve you.
• Always saying yes: Boundaries matter, and “no” can be healthy.
• Multitasking: Focusing on one task at a time helps reduce stress.
• Not relaxing: Embrace downtime without guilt—it’s a biological necessity.

For Dr. Cox, tackling hurry sickness is about more than managing time. It is about protecting health. “Rest is not a luxury, it’s a biological necessity,” he stressed. By slowing the pace, people can find balance, strengthen relationships, and safeguard both body and mind.