And What It Taught Me About Stress, Business, and Permission
You’d think the moment I realised I had FOMO would be about missing a poolside cocktail or a spontaneous bit of karaoke.
But no. It was about work.
There I was, on a cruise—supposedly unwinding—when I logged into WhatsApp and saw a flurry of updates from my business network. Ideas sparking, actions flying, people making moves. I felt that familiar jolt: Should I be doing more? Have I missed my moment?
And that’s when it hit me.
This is exactly the trap I help people get out of.
That push to stay relevant. Keep up. Stay visible. Do more. Be more. It’s like a silent current pulling so many of us under—and I’m not immune, even as someone who teaches others how to manage stress and regulate their nervous systems.
But here’s what I’ve learnt (the hard way):
Sometimes the most radical, courageous thing you can do for yourself—and your business—is stop.
That moment on the cruise was a gift. It reminded me that rest doesn’t come neatly wrapped in external permission. When you run your own business, nobody’s going to hand you time off with a bow on it. You have to claim it.
You have to choose rest.
You have to protect it.
You have to own it.
As a stress coach, I talk a lot about nervous system safety. But let’s be real—if your self-worth is tied to your productivity, your nervous system never gets a break. You stay locked in that low-level hum of tension that eventually tips into burnout. I’ve lived that story. I know how it ends.
And here’s what I now believe:
– Rest isn’t lazy.
– Rest is leadership.
– Rest is how you create the clarity and spaciousness to think differently—and live better.
Because when you finally slow down, you start to see the difference between urgency and importance. You get a clearer signal beneath all the noise. You notice the whispers of what really matters.
Sometimes your next best idea doesn’t arrive while you’re grinding—it floats in when you finally exhale.
So if you’re feeling that tug—the “I should be doing more” ache in your chest—I want to offer you a gentle nudge:
When was the last time you truly switched off? Not just logged off, but let go?
If you can’t remember… you’re probably overdue.
And if you’re not sure how to even begin, that’s exactly what I help people with.
Because switching off isn’t something you wait to deserve. It’s a skill. One that your nervous system—and your future self—will thank you for.
Don’t let stress dictate your life any longer. Take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced you today. Book a call to discuss your needs. You can call us at 07768 493157, email alison@alisoncharles.co.uk or use the link below to book a complimentary discovery session.
