The other day I was thinking about how I try to balance work and family as I wrote a post on this blog and it got me thinking about how I keep in touch with the world while working from home, by myself.

Most notably, I had realized there had been a few high notes in my business this week and one of the people I always share news with was unavailable.  My husband, Marco, is always here and listens well, but I share a lot with my mother as well and she was golfing in PEI, with her sister from Toronto and another friend .  Marco, the consummate manager, always takes a business-view of my happenings and questions; but Mom has a different take on things. Sometimes their opinions are the same, sometimes they offer very different perspectives – both of which I respect.

Mainly I realized that I missed sharing the news with her this week. Many of my friends work, so sharing news with them in the daytime is out of the questions (see blog notes from Wednesday). My mother is retired and when not out golfing, swimming, playing bridge or walking (she does keep busy) she is usually there to chat when I take a break to talk (see Tip # 3 from Wednesday’s post).

It made me realize how important those calls to her can be. Having people to share and bounce news and ideas with is vital.   It’s a release and contact with the “outside world”.

Working from a home office you have to make sure you schedule in time to get away and be with others – even if it’s on the phone.  It does not always have to be business related either. Getting out with others keeps you healthy, in mind and spirit, so you can continue to have inspiration to work.

I meet a girlfriend every Tuesday morning and we walk our dogs, coffee mugs in hand; another friend and I have started a “Learn to Run” program and go out 3 times a week; my husband and I have started going out “on dates” again (with each other!).  Simple things, but they keep me in touch and in contact with people outside business and keep me from being lonely.  I have never felt alone working at home, because I have a few outlets that allow me to escape my office.

So, if you work from home, my advice is to make sure you plan “away time” and follow through with it. Your mind and body will thank you in the end, and so will your business.

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