Don't Become A Workaholic When You Work From Home

Work from home and home based business growth has surged
over the last several years.

It is estimated that nearly 50% of small businesses are
work from home or home based businesses.

The reasons people express for wanting to work from home
are many and varied. However most work at home based
business owners credit the ability to set their own hours
as a major factor in their decision to work at home.

Unfortunately many people who run work at home businesses
often fall into a trap. A trap that smacks directly in the
face of their stated desire for time flexibility.

Living and working under one roof is full of advantages.
That does not mean working from home is always stress free.

While not experiencing all or exactly the same negatives
common to a corporate office. The home based business owner
can occasionally experience stresses and frustrations that
are unique to working at home.

For instance some home based business owners have been
known to become workaholics simply because their office is
so easily accessible. No one should become a slave to their
business. It is imperative to get out of your home office
regularly. We all need to renew, revive and regroup
consistently.

Simply because you are a work at home business
entrepreneur. Working from home does not mean you must be
available around the clock and seven days a week. It just
doesn't matter that your business is located in your home.

It is important to learn that your office or workspace is
just an area in your home. It's not your home itself. Make
the office off limits as needed to assure time away.

Just the same as you would take a work break from any
corporate job. Doing the same at home will pay its own
benefeits. Break frequently during your workday.

Work from home people must learn to close the door to their
office and remove themselves from their designated working
area. Make certain and go into your home and live a
personal life.

Many people find it difficult to ignore a ringing phone.
Turning the telephone ringer off and the answering machine
volume way down is a must.

Just turn off your computer if your business is internet
based. All of us must get away from keyboards and monitors
regularly.

Often networking with other home based and small business
owners will help. Connecting with others suffering the same
frustrations or stress can be helpful. Discussing problems
and receiving advice and help from others can be really
useful. Not any one of us has all the answers.

I use the following three methods to help keep me running
on all eight cylinders and reduce stress.

1. Remember why you wanted to become involved with a home
based business. You know, work schedule flexibility, more
time with the family, less stress.

2. Discuss your work schedule with family members and get
their input about the working arrangements and the amount
of time they want with you and you with them.

3. Make good use of your working time. Keep a to do list.
Note your tasks in order of importance. There are many low
cost and effective tools for this. Finding a good day
planner will help you do this.

In the end remember to take advantage of holidays,
weekends. Time off and away from the office is just as
important for those who work from home as it is for those
who leave home to work. Working from home should not mean
giving up your life. It should mean just changing it.