Ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending game of catch-up, racing against the clock with no finish line in sight?
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Forbes
Why does it always seem like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? If you’re constantly overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list – balancing work, relationships, self-care and responsibilities – you may be experiencing time sickness. This feeling of being perpetually behind, struggling to keep up, is all too common in today’s demanding world.
The term “time sickness” was introduced by Dr. Larry Dossey in his 1982 book Space, Time & Medicine. It describes the anxiety and potential health risks that come from feeling like time is always running out and that no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. At its core, time sickness is the relentless sense that life is slipping away in an unwinnable race.
Meaningful Moments
But your worth isn’t measured by how much you accomplish in a day. Shifting your perspective on time can help you see it not as an enemy to conquer but as something to embrace.
Rather than measuring your day by completed tasks, focus on meaningful moments. Each evening, take a moment to reflect and jot down one or two experiences that brought you joy or connection. Instead of constantly racing against time, learn to work with it. Set realistic expectations, make space for rest and embrace the idea that slowing down often leads to greater fulfillment. At the start of each week, create a balanced schedule that includes both work responsibilities and intentional “me time.”
Scattered Attention
In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere, making multitasking seem like the only way to stay on top of things. We often mistake busyness for productivity. Constantly dividing our attention only leaves us feeling scattered. To regain focus, start by identifying your biggest distractions – phone notifications, emails, or background noise – and set boundaries. When transitioning between tasks, take a brief pause to reset. Rather than trying to do everything at once, commit to fully engaging with one task at a time.
Constantly rushing from one task to the next prevents you from truly experiencing life as it unfolds. When you focus on the present instead of worrying about time slipping away, your perception of time expands, making each moment feel richer and more meaningful.
Time sickness can make you feel trapped in an endless race, always struggling to keep up. But when you step away from the cycle of constant hurry and learn to move with time instead of against it, the path ahead will seem smoother and clearer.
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