Kids are great isolation busters for those of us who work from home.  I have to get out with Meghan all the time.  We have playgroup, new moms groups, swim time at the pool and more.  But here are some more suggestions to get you out of the house and refocused on what you're doing:

1.  Find networking opportunities, both official and unofficial.  For example, join your local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association, Networking Club or a volunteer organiziation.  Use their meetings both to help your business grow and as an excuse to get out of the house.  Unofficially, take yourself to the pool or the park, just to get out, and pledge to yourself that you are going to meet at least 1 (or 5 or 10, whatever you are comfortable with) new person while you're there.  Introduce yourself to them (comment on their dog, their child, the weather, whatever) and then just chat.  If you can find a way to work your business in, great.  If not, you met someone new, started a new relationship and expanded your comfort zone.  That's enough for the day.  (And it got you out of the house)

2.  When you are feeling cooped up, give yourself "permission" to go out. Shop for supplies, go to the printers, check out the competition by visiting local shops.  Give yourself a day off to just relax.

3.  Make a date with your spouse for lunch.  Make a date with a friend you haven't seen in a while.  You HAVE to eat, so you're not really taking much more time for yourself, and it will break up your day and give you a new perspective.  Allow yourself that time.

4.  Make a date with a prospective client for lunch.  Get to know them better. Wine and dine -- and have fun!

5.  Consider doing home sales parties, at least once per month (for those of you in sales).  It gets you out, helps you meet new people and possible customers and lets you work your business while having fun.

6.  Find something you enjoy doing -- that gets you around other people -- during the week and then do it once a week.  See a movie matinee every Monday.  Or go to a mid-week church service.  Or eat your lunch in the park.  Or call a friend.  The possibilities are endless.

Just implementing one of these suggestions each week will help you feel less cooped up and will give you some time to relax.  Take advantage of it -- you can only run your business if you can think straight!

(c) Marybeth Henry, 1999

Marybeth Henry is the mother to Meghan (born 1996) and Robby (born 1999), wife to Bob and the Founder and Executive Director of WAHMfest.org™, dedicated to helping moms stay home by bringing them face-to-face with business opportunities and resources. Visit our site for more information on working from home and be sure to check out our Resource Library for helpful information. She is also an Independent Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics (visit her site here).