By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.
The pace at which we live is making us sick. Most of us are so busy, we "don't have time" for friendships, recreation, loafing, or rest. If we sleep very long at night, we awaken to a morning rush to
get ready to go to work. We join the "rush hour" traffic. We hurry to arrive at the job on time. And by the time we do arrive, we're ready for a morning break, almost too tired to work, and wanting a cup of coffee.
Not only are we speeding through daily life at a frenetic pace, the rate of change going on around us is so rapid, if we attempt to "keep up," we run the risk of exhausting ourselves. It seems we even "burn out" in a hurry.
I work with many people who are feeling pressured to do more than ever before and in less time. In their attempts to accommodate the pressure, their work becomes inefficient, and they overwork, become irritable, resistive and demoralized. Their bodies are stressed, and they more easily become sick...a cold, flu, or worse. More than three quarters of the problems for which we seek medical attention are related to the speed and stress with which we function.
We do indeed seem to be suffering from what Native Americans once called, "hurry sickness." We are so busy running in multiple directions, meeting endless deadlines, and participating in so many activities, that even our thought process races. Peace of mind is forgotten. A serene internal environment is lost. And internal chaos becomes "normal."
For those of us who have forgotten how to slow down or are suffering from hurry sickness, here are a few suggestions.
We do not have to suffer from hurry sickness. We can maintain an internal environment which is serene, even if chaos reigns outside ourselves. Make your goal a peaceful internal state, and instead of hurry sickness, you may just develop "leisure wellness."
Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D. has 30+ years experience as a Life Coach and Licensed Psychologist. He is available for coaching in any area presented in "Practical Life Coaching" (formerly "Practical Psychology"). Initial coaching sessions are free. Contact him: (970) 568-0173 or E-mail: DrLloyd@CreatingLeaders.com or LJTDAT@aol.com.Curing "Hurry Sickness"
Dr. Thomas is a licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and life coach. He serves on the faculty of the International University of Professional Studies. He recently co-authored (with Patrick Williams) the book: "Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills and Techniques for Enhancing Your Practice...and Your Life!" (W.W. Norton 2005) It is available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.