Do You Have FOSO (Fear of Switching Off)?
Hi - My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I’m a Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire and also work online nationally.
When Switching Off Feels Harder Than It Should
Many people today find it difficult to fully disconnect from work — even on evenings, weekends, or holidays.
A recent UK survey (icompario.com, 2023) suggested that a large number of workers continue checking emails even when their out-of-office message is on.
If you notice yourself doing the same, you’re not alone.
This experience is sometimes described as FOSO — Fear of Switching Off.
FOSO isn’t a diagnosis. It’s simply a modern pattern that describes the uncomfortable feeling many people get when stepping away from work, resting, or saying “not right now” to demands.
What FOSO Can Feel Like
People often describe:
difficulty relaxing
a sense of being “on alert”
guilt when resting
pressure to respond immediately
the feeling you “should” be doing more
the mind jumping back to work, even during downtime
It can blur the line between work and personal life, and over time, can leave people feeling depleted, distracted, or disconnected from rest.
There’s nothing wrong with you if this happens.
It’s simply a sign that your mind may have developed a habit of staying switched on.
Why the Brain Prefers Familiar Patterns
Humans naturally gravitate toward behaviours that feel familiar or predictable — even if those habits aren’t always restful.
When you’ve spent years responding quickly, staying on top of tasks, or managing constant demands, your mind may continue operating in that mode, even when you intend to rest.
Understanding this can help you approach the pattern with curiosity rather than self-criticism.
A Solution-Focused Approach to Switching Off
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, future-focused space to explore:
what “switching off” means to you
what you’d like rest to feel like
signs that balance is improving
boundaries that feel possible, not rigid
small steps that support a calmer pace
ways to create moments of intentional rest
Instead of analysing the past, we look at what you want more of — clarity, calm, space, boundaries, or simply the feeling of being able to step back.
During the relaxation element (hypnosis), many people describe feeling more settled and better able to imagine the way they want their evenings, weekends, or holidays to feel.
Every person experiences this differently.
Practical, Gentle Ways to Begin
Alongside therapy, here are simple starting points:
1. Micro-Switch-Off Moments
Even 2–3 minutes without screens or tasks can feel surprisingly grounding.
2. A Clear “End of Work” Ritual
Closing the laptop
Changing clothes
Stepping outside briefly
Lighting a candle
Putting your phone in a drawer
Your mind begins to associate these cues with rest.
3. Checking In With Yourself
Asking:
“What do I need right now?”
Sometimes the answer is silence, movement, connection, or simply time to breathe.
4. Allowing Rest to Be Imperfect
You don’t need to relax perfectly. You just need to give yourself permission to pause.
If Switching Off Feels Difficult
It’s very common for people to feel mentally “switched on” all the time, especially in fast-paced roles or environments.
If you’d like a calm, supportive space to explore what healthier boundaries and rest might look like, I offer a 60-minute Initial Consultation — either in person in Upper Heyford or online from anywhere in the UK.
Important Information
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach that supports emotional wellbeing and is not a replacement for medical or psychological care.
If you’re feeling significantly distressed or overwhelmed, please contact your GP or a qualified professional.
Hypnotherapy experiences vary, and no specific results are guaranteed.
Explore how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy can offer a gentle space to unwind and step away from the noise of everyday life.
Book your 60-Minute Initial Consultation today and start your journey towards better well-being
In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).
My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviours for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!
a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.
I’m a registered and accredited member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).
I service the main towns and cities around Upper Heyford, including Bicester, Banbury, Oxford, Kidlington, Witney, Brackley, Charlbury, Northampton, Buckingham, Chipping Norton, Thame, Didcot, Abingdon, Henley-on-Thames, and Aylesbury, along with other local areas.
I also work nationally and offer remote hypnotherapy services online, so no matter where you're based, support is just a click away!