Guest post by San Sharma

I live in London, where – at this time of year – the daily commute usually involves travelling at temperatures officially too high to transport cattle. Luckily for me, I work at home. So, while commuters cram into stuffed carriages, I’m keeping cool in my home office – one of the many benefits of working from home. But the downside, for some, is the feeling of isolation that comes with working alone. Here are some ways to overcome that.

1. Close the door
   Working and living in the same space can lead to cabin fever, which is why it’s important to make a distinction between your work space and your personal space. If possible, set aside dedicated space for your work – a study, a spare room, a garden shed, even! – somewhere you can close a door on at the end of the day.
2. Walk to work
   One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard about working from home is this: trick your brain into thinking it’s “going to work” by leaving your house in the morning, walking around the block and returning to your home office. It helps set up a routine, get into a mindset and kick-start a creative thinking cycle!
3. Always have an excuse to leave the house
   Another benefit of working from home is not having to shop at peak times. Do your grocery shopping when everyone else is at work and beat the checkout lines! But don’t do all your shopping at once. I used to do a weekly shop when I worked in an office, but now I pop out when I need something, as it gives me the excuse to get out of the house.
4. A homeworker’s best friend
   Keeping a pet is a great way to overcome isolation when you work from home. I talk things through with my cat, which doesn’t make me feel as crazy as talking to myself! Dog owners have the perfect excuse to get out the house and get a little exercise and are, statistically, more likely to make friends.
5. Use Twitter
   If you work from home and don’t already use Twitter, you really must! It’s great for camaraderie and for sharing ideas – two things you might not associate with working from home.

San Sharma is online community manager at Enterprise Nation, the homeworking website, as well as the voice of @e_nation on Twitter.

Related article: Working from home alone.