Everyone feels rushed at times. It's like your heart is racing, your mind is racing, and your body can't find peace. Sometimes the cause is obvious, like work stress or too much caffeine. But often, the feeling seems to arise out of nowhere.
In this article, I explain what causes a feeling of being rushed, the associated symptoms, and how hormones and lifestyle play a role. I also offer practical tips and discuss natural tranquilizers that can support you.
Feeling rushed can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, or hormonal fluctuations; sometimes medical causes or an inappropriate living or working environment also play a role.
Symptoms range from palpitations, tense muscles and poor sleep to worrying, concentration problems and irritability, often in combination with physical and mental signals.
Practical tips like breathing exercises, exercise, regular sleep schedules, and limiting caffeine and screen time can help; natural supplements can also provide more peace and balance.
A feeling of being hunted can have many different causes. The most common are:
Stress and tension – When you're stressed, your body produces more stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline). This temporarily provides extra energy, but with long-term stress, it can lead to constant restlessness. (1)
Lack of sleep – Lack of sleep disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters and hormones, which can make you more irritable and restless. (2)
Caffeine and Stimulants – Caffeine (as found in coffee and energy drinks) activates the central nervous system, which can increase agitation and heart palpitations. (3)
Hormonal fluctuations – Especially during menopause or with thyroid problems, a feeling of being rushed can be more prevalent.
Health problems – Sometimes there is an underlying medical cause, such as heart rhythm disorders or anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of feeling hunted
The complaints vary from person to person, but I often see a combination of physical and mental signals:
Physically :
Palpitations
Tense muscles
Sweating
High breathing
Bad sleep
Mental :
Worrying
Restlessness
Concentration problems
Irritability
It's good to know that a feeling of being rushed can be temporary, but if symptoms persist or worsen, I advise you to visit your GP or specialist.
What role do hormones play in feeling rushed?
Do you feel rushed without any clear reason? The answer often lies in your hormones.
These little messengers control all sorts of processes in your body, including your stress response, and small changes can make a big difference:
Cortisol – This stress hormone should be high in the morning and low in the evening. But with prolonged stress, it remains elevated, giving you the feeling of constantly being "on." You often notice this as heart palpitations, rapid breathing, and restlessness. (1)
Adrenaline and noradrenaline – These hormones make you alert in stressful situations, but if they are active too often or for too long, you usually also experience tension, heart palpitations and insomnia.
Estrogen and progesterone – During menopause, these hormones fluctuate significantly. Many women experience hot flashes, heart palpitations, and a feeling of being jittery. The drop in progesterone plays a significant role, as this hormone normally has a calming effect. (4)(5)
Thyroid hormones – When your thyroid is overactive, your metabolism goes into overdrive. You feel restless, your heart beats faster, and you often sleep less well. (6)
The big picture: Your living and working environment as a cause
Not every feeling of being rushed is solely due to stress or hormones. Sometimes something more fundamental is at play: your daily environment or work simply doesn't align with who you are.
For example, if you're creative and thrive on freedom, but constantly have to perform tightly structured tasks, or vice versa, you'll experience constant tension. You'll feel like you're constantly swimming against the current .
This can mean that the feeling of being rushed never actually goes away, no matter how well you take care of yourself or do relaxation exercises.
That's why it's helpful to consider not only lifestyle and hormones, but also the context in which you live and work . Sometimes the solution isn't just getting more rest, but finding an environment that suits you better.
Try these 8 tips when you feel hunted
Feeling stressed or anxious is anything but pleasant. And you want to get rid of that feeling as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do today to experience more peace. Here's what works for me:
Mindful breathing – Place your hand on your belly and inhale for a count of 5 and exhale for a count of 7. If you notice your breath coming from high in your chest, return to this exercise. Deep abdominal breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers your heart rate and relaxes your body. (7)
Determine your coffee limit – I find that I get tense more quickly after two cups of coffee. I find it difficult to stop completely, so I often choose decaf. What's your limit?
Create a realistic schedule – Do you find yourself overscheduling your days and constantly running behind? Take a critical look at your calendar. Ask a partner or colleague to help you: is it feasible and does it allow for rest periods?
Get moving – Take at least a 20-minute walk every day. Fresh air and a good rhythm help release tension and give your mind more space. (8)
Sleep at regular times – Get up and go to bed around the same time. A consistent routine helps your body relax more easily.
Take mini breaks – Every hour, stand up, stretch, or take a short walk. Short breaks reduce muscle tension and give your energy a fresh boost.
Talk about it – Share your feelings with someone you trust. Just saying what's on your mind can help you vent and release stress. (9)
Reduce screen time – Excessive screen time is linked to increased stress and anxiety. (10) Set simple rules: Leave your phone outside the bedroom and use sleep mode, for example. I like that my phone automatically switches to black and white in the evening. It makes me less likely to pick up my phone and check my apps.
Natural tranquilizers as a supplement
These lifestyle tips are a good start and work quickly and effectively for most people. But sometimes that's not enough, and you need extra support . In such moments, nature can be a wonderful addition.
Plants and herbs have been used for centuries to help us relax. Where teas and tinctures were once brewed, today we can concentrate that same natural power in supplements. This way, you get a potent and reliable dose of the active ingredients.
Relax Plus
A good example is our natural supplement : Relax+. It combines six ingredients that enhance each other's effectiveness.
It contains:
Rhodiola rosea , an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in times of stress, is standardized in this formula to Rosavins and Salidroside.
RelaxComplex with valerian , passion flower , chamomile , hops , and L-theanine E. This combination is often chosen to support relaxation and inner peace.
What makes Relax+ special is precisely that synergy: the power of multiple natural tranquilizers in a single capsule, carefully formulated and non-addictive . This makes it a valuable addition to your lifestyle and the tips you're already using.
Curious about more options? Then check out our overview page of natural tranquilizers .
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
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