What to Do When You Feel Like There’s Never Enough Time

Chronic stress and feeling overwhelmed are very real problems in our society today. Not only do we have greater responsibilities piling up, but we have more distractions prying our attention away from key priorities. It’s no wonder why many people get to five o’clock and feel discouraged by what’s left on the to-do list. When you find yourself in the state of not having enough time to get everything done, it could mean that what you really need is to slow down and relax, not speed up.

If you are chronically stressed, overwhelmed and always fighting the clock, this could be an indicator of a life off-balance. Taking control over your schedule is a significant aspect of health and wellbeing because it sets the tone for your emotional and mental states, which are linked to your physical health.

Wellness Solutions to Beat Hurry Sickness

Cardiologists have coined the term “hurry sickness” to describe the constant state of feeling rushed or like you’re running out of time. People who suffer from hurry sickness are generally high-achievers, packing more and more responsibilities into their schedules, taking on too much and then stressing themselves out over it. Hurry sickness is putting people at risk of health problems like heart disease, stroke and diabetes as well as anxiety and depression.

On the other hand, when you stop worrying about time, focus on what’s really important and make more time for relaxation, you will benefit from:

Greater overall attitude and sense of optimism
Better health due to lower blood pressure and heart rate levels
Improved sense of engagement in your work
Deeper relationships that provide a sense of connection

If it seems like a never-ending to-do list runs your life, then here are some ideas to consider on how to bring more balance, awareness and wellness into your life and beat hurry sickness.

1. Get Clear on Your Priorities

Feeling like you never have enough time likely means you’re making too many things a priority. To help manage your time more efficiently and avoid the stress of having too much to do, you need to distinguish between what’s important and what’s not. Priorities give you a sense of direction and purpose, keeping you focused on what you find most fulfilling.

Many people tend to let a sense of urgency control their lives, leaving little room for what’s truly important—health and happiness. Remember that being constantly rushed negatively impacts your health and relationships. Your wellbeing should always be your top priority for you as well as for your family, friends and co-workers. When you put your wellbeing first, you’re placing higher value on your health, and you’ll be less likely to succumb to hurry sickness symptoms.

2. Minimize Distractions

Now more than ever, we live in a world dominated by distractions. These time-wasters take us out of the present moment and into the future where we put pressure on ourselves to get more done. Consciously removing and ignoring distractions is a great way to take control over your schedule and bring a sense of relief into your daily life. Distractions are things like email, texts and notifications that aren’t urgent. Distractions also include multitasking.

The ability to multitask is often worn as a badge of honor. While it can temporarily create the illusion of getting more done, multitasking isn’t usually a sustainable way to operate. Focusing on one thing at a time and bringing your full attention to it is indisputably more fulfilling and engaging. Getting good at doing one thing at a time also improves the quality of your relaxation time, stopping you from becoming too preoccupied with other tasks.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Some people attempt to save time by sleeping an hour or two less per night so they can get more done. But skimping on sleep causes long-term health consequences, creates more stress and reduces productivity levels. Sleep deprivation creates a cycle—the more sleep you sacrifice to catch up on work, the less productive you’ll be and the more you’ll feel like you don’t have enough time.

Studies show that well-rested people are more productive. Those who are sleep-deprived take longer to complete tasks, feel less motivated and are worse at juggling multiple responsibilities. People who make sleep a priority have the mental clarity and stamina to take on the day and perform at higher levels than sleep-deprived people.

4. Maintain a Good Outlook

A sense of rushing and never having enough time is rooted in negative thinking that sets limitations. It’s easy to get stuck in this frame of mind when you’re constantly reminding yourself of how much you haven’t yet accomplished. Staying positive and maintaining a good outlook keeps your confidence levels high, making you feel like you’re up for any challenge. Remember to be realistic about what you can and cannot control, and give yourself permission to let things go.

When you keep an optimistic perspective, you’ll feel more comfortable asking for help and delegating responsibilities. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a weakness. Allowing others to help shows that you care more about doing a good job than proving yourself. You’ll be surprised at how much freedom you’ll feel when you ask for help, as receiving support only further perpetuates a positive outlook.

5. Learn to Relax

A common trait of hurry sickness is never slowing down to take a break. When you’ve got a lot on your plate, you might see relaxing as a waste of time that could be spent being productive. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks and making time for relaxation allows you to get more done in the long-run. Regular relaxation time is also good for your health. Studies have shown that relaxation techniques reduce heart rate and blood pressure levels, ease muscle tension and manage chronic pain and headaches.

Some people find it difficult to relax and unwind. It can be tough to switch your mind from an overly active state to a calm state. In these cases, it’s important to cultivate self-awareness. Notice when you’re rushing, holding your breath or getting frustrated with yourself and others. This is your body’s warning system telling you it’s time to stop and do something else or nothing at all.

Choose Relax The Back for Relaxation Solutions

Holistic wellness solutions can support you as you learn to relax and take much-needed breaks. When you’re always in a rush, it’s all the more important to take time for yourself. Relax The Back can help with our relaxation and pain-relief products. Here are some of our solutions that will help you manage stress and create more relaxation in your life:

PureFit Adjustable Wedge System: If you struggle to shake off the day before falling asleep, use the PureFit Adjustable Wedge System to help you unwind and fall into deeper relaxation before bed. Making time for relaxation before bed can help you achieve a deeper, more restful state and improve your sleep quality. This four-piece wedge system is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect position for your relaxation needs.

Human Touch Gravis Zero Gravity Chair: Encourage more relaxation in your life with a zero gravity recliner. Having your own chair just for relaxation time reminds you to release at the end of the day. The Human Touch Gravis Zero Gravity Chair has built-in targeted massage technology for even deeper total body relaxation. Using a zero gravity chair can also help relieve spinal pressure by supporting you in a neutral posture.

T-800 Long Arm Knot Buster Vibration Massager: When a busy lifestyle has you constantly tensing up your muscles, relieve back and neck pain with a self-massaging tool. The T-800 Vibration Massager goes beyond typical massagers, providing a therapeutic experience through its tapotement/percussion massage technique. Explore a world of myofascial release that helps reduce muscle soreness, alleviate knots, and relieve trigger points, all while promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

If you’re ready to slow down, take a break and relax, then choose wellness products from Relax The Back that improve your quality of life. For information on cultivating more wellness and making more time for relaxation, browse Relax The Back’s Pain Relief Center. We offer blog posts, guides and resources on spine health and how to live a life of total body wellness. Shop our collections today for even more wellness solutions for home, work and travel.

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