1. Minimize distractions. Some people say, "I could never work out of my home because I would have too many distractions." As a rule, don't go to the kitchen to get something to eat, don't turn on the television, don't get distracted by beautiful weather, and don't let yourself get sidetracked by per­sonal activities such as taking the day off to play with friends. However, be­ing able to occasionally indulge in these pleasures during the day is part of the joy of working at home.

2. Know when to stop working. A good friend once told me that she could never have a home office because she wouldn't be able to stop working. When you work at home, you don't have far to go when you get the urge to get one more project finished. If you're single, it probably doesn't matter how long you work, but if you have a family, you will soon hear complaints from all sides.

I used to work every night during the week until midnight. My work was (and still is) so enjoyable that I spent all the time I wasn't giving sem­inars or meeting with clients in my home office. Eventually I burned out. I took a few days off, and realized when I had a chance to think about it that if I maintained my current pace I would no longer enjoy my business. Now my work schedule is more moderate and I enjoy my work even more than before. I also spend more time enjoying myself outside work, with my fam­ily.

When you stop working, really stop. Close the door to your office or close up your desk and concentrate on your family.

3. Don't eat lunch at your desk. When you take a lunch break, leave your office and eat in another part of your home. Changing your scenery and physically removing yourself from your work will help to clear your mind.

4. Schedule regular "dates" with your spouse and children. A freelance artist I know blocks out every Wednesday afternoon to spend with her hus­band. They play golf or tennis or go out to lunch. They both know that ev­ery Wednesday afternoon is their time to play, no matter what else is going on during the rest of the week.

5. Take at least one weekday off per month to play. At the beginning of each month, schedule a day when you are going to stay completely out of your office and do something else. This would be an ideal day to catch up on reading, see a movie you've been wanting to see, or just enjoy the out­doors. Let your answering machine or answering service take your calls. You'll find that taking a day off will prepare you for a month of productive work.

6. Make a list of fun things you've always wanted to do, then start doing them. Maybe you've always wanted to visit the local art museum but never seemed to have the time. Start checking your local newspapers for activities and upcoming attractions. If you have lived in the same city for years, con­sider taking a guided tour of the city. You'll learn more about your city in a few hours than you had in several years. The point is to keep your hori­zons open and not let your work consume your life. The activities you en­gage in will inform your work and enliven your outlook.

7. Use your office only for business-related activities. Rather than go to your office to read your favorite magazine or new mystery, go somewhere else in your home. This will keep you in the mind set that your office is for business and the rest of your home is for your personal life.

8. Don't use other parts of your home for business on a regular basis. If you have a favorite chair where you sit and read or watch television, don't use it for work. After awhile, it will no longer be a place for you to relax and get away.

9. Include your spouse in your business. Even though you may work in unrelated fields, it's always good to get an outside point of view. Your spouse may be able to give you a solution to a problem you've had on your mind for days. The most obvious answer is sometimes not seen by the per­son closest to the problem. Also, if your spouse understands your work and what it involves, he or she will be less likely to resent all of the hours you put into it.

10. If you and your spouse work together, avoid talking about business after hours. I know many successful business partners who are also married. They tell me that one of the keys to making this arrangement work is to get away from work for awhile and relax. When you're finished working for the day, talk about something other than work.