stress-free home office

Working from home sounds so laid-back and stress-free. Then you try it.

Most people who work from home soon discover that real life is far from the fantasy. Many lead a lifestyle dominated by deadline pressures, erratic hours, and competing demands from multiple projects—and that's when things are going well.

Yet working from home does work for some people. Take me, for example. I've been happily working from home for nearly 30 years, so it's clearly a lifestyle that suits me. The built-in stress is very real, but it's also manageable. Below are my best stress-busting tips for those who call home the office.

Dress to de-stress.

One of the biggest perks of working at home is that you can do it in your sweats. But there's a fine line between comfy and comatose on the couch. If its noon and you still haven't combed your hair, it may be time to stage an intervention for yourself. Put on your good clothes and go do something business-y, such as lunching with a work friend. The self-esteem boost is an excellent motivator.

Meet with colleagues.

Speaking of work friends, make sure you have some, because social isolation is a major source of stress for home-based workers. Online contacts are great, but you also need face-to-face interaction. Join a networking group. Or consider a working arrangement, in which you spend some of your work hours in a shared office space.

Take housework breaks.

If you hit a mental block, don't just sit there growing more and more anxious. Take five, and use those few minutes to tackle a tedious household chore. Fold the laundry, unload the dishwasher, or mop the floor. The chore should require only a modicum of attention—enough to distract you from the anxiety, but not enough to derail you from the primary mental task at hand. This helps you relax and restore your mental focus. Note: If a brilliant idea comes to you mid-fluff and fold, drop what you're doing immediately and return to your desk. The laundry will wait.

Count your blessings.

When your neighbours are trudging off to work in bad weather, congratulate yourself on your commute. When you're having a slow day so you slip out for a matinee at the movies, remind yourself how terrific it is to set your own hours. When your friend is complaining about her horrible boss, think how lucky you are to have such an intelligent and sympathetic supervisor (you).

Go home at night.

When you work from home, it's tempting to never really leave the office. There's always one more thing to be done, and it's calling your name from the next room. Ignore it. Learn to close the door and walk away at a reasonable hour. The next morning, you'll be more relaxed, refreshed, and ready for a new day at the home office.