So the idea is that during the holidays, there are more stressful situations — family visiting, friends coming by — that would make things more difficult, speech-wise.

I think for me this is somewhat true — there is certainly more time spent at home during the holidays with family. But on the other hand, I’m more relaxed being at home and away from the stresses of work. Where I am, there’s usually a big crush at the end of the year to get money spent and projects done. This year was no different, but many things were set in motion many weeks before. They got done when they needed to.

My boss even sent out an e-mail the weekend before the holidays saying he’d be checking out. So that was another burden lessened. I was quite happy to be home for more than ten days without any work to worry about. Just kids, the time to fill, and wherever we could go.

So I would ask all of you — when you’re facing the stresses of upcoming work, what are you doing to counteract it? And not just in terms of speech — bigger picture — just what are you doing to reduce the load on your mental health? I know for me just being around my children helps. Talking to them, being in their world, having silly conversations — completely removes me from corporate America.