Working From Home is No Baloney!
Like many of you, I run my business from my home office. I love the independence, but I'm not great at setting boundaries. Let me give you an example.
I was in my office, deep in concentration, putting the finishing touches on the script for the latest episode of my podcast, "Fluent & Fearless." The door slowly opens. It's my husband. Holding a package of bologna.
He asks me, "Does this baloney look bad to you?" I'm on a deadline, not feeling especially festive, and the last thing I want to look at is green lunchmeat.
"Yes," I manage to utter through clenched teeth. "It's green." Green like the Grinch. And I'm feeling kinda Grinchy right now. But that's my fault for not setting boundaries and making it clear that I am not to be interrupted for the rest of the workday. And it's also my fault for trying to do too much with too little time during the holidays. I'll bet many of you can relate!
If you’re feeling more stressed than festive, you’re not alone. Here are a few simple ways to manage stress while working from home during the holiday season:
✨ Create a “soft start” to your day
Before opening email, take 5 minutes to breathe, stretch, or set one realistic priority. Calm first. Chaos later.
🎧 Protect your focus windows
Block small chunks of uninterrupted time, even 30 minutes. Let others know when you’re unavailable. Boundaries are not rude; they’re professional.
🗓 Lower the bar (just a little)
This is not the season for perfection. Aim for clear and done, not flawless.
🚶 Schedule movement like a meeting
A short walk between calls can reset your nervous system more than another cup of coffee.
🗣 Name the stress instead of pushing through it
Saying “This is a busy season, and this feels stressful” actually reduces its power. Awareness = regulation.
The holidays don’t require you to be endlessly productive and endlessly cheerful.
They just ask you to be human.
What’s one small thing you’re doing to protect your energy this season?
Have a very festive holiday season from all of us at ProNounce Speech and Accent Specialists!
