While many people find a great deal of allure behind operating a business from home, many of them fail to realize that the experience comes with a price. While you may save a lot of money in overhead expenses, you lose the ability to separate your work from your home life. Regardless of how hard you try, the business side of you will spill over into the home side. You need to find a way to keep your sanity as work and personal lives collide.

Although many people are able to sustain this kind of environment without repercussions, it may be more difficult for those with a family. No matter how you slice it up, finding time for yourself can make a difference in how you view work and personal lifestyles. What are some ways you can keep your mind clear of the debris left over when this collision begins?



Specific Space – While it may be a bit difficult to do at times, dedicate your office space in the home to be nothing more than work. The physical separation of personal and business lives can be an important one. Don’t let either side intermingle with the other. Once you leave the home office space, you need to believe you are on personal time. This may be difficult to accomplish if your home doesn’t have the means to physically separate the area. Develop a strategy that can be similar in order to keep both sides of you from overlapping.

Time Away – Working from home allows you to spend more time with the family without having to spend money on commutes back and forth from the office. However, prolonged experience from having both under one roof can begin to make you feel constrained. Finding time for yourself away from the home can help you recharge some of that power that is being drained from you. This could be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood, a lunch at the park, or even a nine-hole round of golf – anything to remove you from the home and give you a breath of fresh air.

Scheduling Private Time – You don’t necessarily have to leave the home in order to relax. Some of us are simply more comfortable within the walls of our home. If this is the case for you, scheduling some time that is “just for you” can help you collect your thoughts. If you have a family, inform them that you need an hour to yourself. This isn’t selfish – in fact most therapists will even suggest caring for yourself before you can care for others. Find a slot of time in your schedule that is for you and you alone.



Hobbies – Taking up a hobby can be quite relaxing and could take your mind off of events if even for a short amount of time. Whether you are interested in painting, modeling, or even computer gaming, a hobby can be quite beneficial for you. Just try not to let it consume your life to where it overlaps with your scheduling.

Being able to take care of yourself is an important aspect of maintaining a clear mind. Too much stress can be very destructive to your mental and physical attributes. Find time for yourself and be more relaxed. It could have a positive influence on your home-based business.

This is a guest post by Liz Nelson from WhiteFence.com. She is a freelance writer and blogger from Houston. Questions and comments can be sent to: liznelson17@gmail.com.