4 Ways to Create a Stress-Free Home Office

Think about the stress-free life of working from home. There are no co-workers to interrupt you, no boss looming over your shoulder and no set work schedule.

You can come and go as you please, dress however you like and even stop working early to catch a movie. (I can’t be the only one who does that!)

Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

It is, except for the hidden stress-inducers including interruptions from your family and neighbors, a few household chores screaming for your attention and the lure of a nearby refrigerator. I complain there’s never anything “fun” to eat, but then I remember I do the shopping.

You can’t control all of the stress related to working from home but you can apply a few basic de-stressing strategies:

• Replace outdated equipment. Your old computer may work fine, but how much time and energy are you wasting on old, out-of-date equipment and older versions of software? There are great deals out there so get rid of your old fossil of a computer and buy something that’s faster and has more memory.

• Use a good planning system. Whichever system you use to plan each day — I’ve tried most of the planning systems out there and I promise there’s something for everyone — make sure it fits your needs and comfort level. If you don’t have control over your schedule, your stress level will spiral out of control.

• Get ready for work each day. I’m all in favor of working naked (both literally and figuratively), but you never know when you’re going to need to run out and meet with a client or pick up office supplies so you can finish a last-minute project. You don’t have to dress in a business suit — one of my clients urged me to design a line of home office clothing that didn’t require a bra — but by being dressed each morning, you’re prepared both mentally and physically to take on any situation.

• Set a work schedule. If you leave your work hours up to chance, you may not make it to your desk until 3:00 every day. Your schedule can be flexible — that’s the beauty of working from home — but knowing when it’s time to work and time to play can make each day a little less stressful.

Stress is part of everyone’s life. But thinking about the lack of a commute, the ability to choose your clients and the freedom to catch your child’s next soccer game can bring anyone’s stress level down a few notches.