Operating a home-based business may let you set your own schedule, spend more time with your children, and earn more money but it does have its own set of challenges. One of those challenges can be a feeling of loneliness.

Many home-based business workers spend all their time trapped within confines of their house. They eat in their own kitchen, type email on their own computer, and socialize with their own family once they return from outside world. At first, this might seem like a welcome change from stressful interactions in average workplace, but when continued day after day, it can dramatically affect your mood and your productivity.

Luckily, you can combat those negative feelings and keep your home-based business. Here are a few suggestions:

1) Establish a Routine

Very often flexibility of working at home can deteriorate into disorder and chaos, which usually leads to longer hours and less socialization. A well-established routine allows you to get your work done and have time to mingle. For example, you could set office hours from 8 am to 5 pm. Once you finish working each evening, you'll be free to unwind and interact with people for rest of night without distraction of your business. Plus, you'll be forced to use those time management skills which were so essential when you working for someone else.

2) Take a walk with a spouse, friend, or dog

If you visit any workplace, you are bound to find people walking on their lunch breaks. They don't just do this for calorie-burning benefits, however. It's also a good way to release stress and to enjoy company of other people. You can do same thing, but you may need to schedule your outings so they are convenient for your “walking buddy.” Of course, if you opt to take your favorite canine companion along, he or she will be available whenever need to wander strikes.

3) Join a health club

Exercise is an excellent stress reliever, plus it fights against two other common work-at-home problems: over-indulgence in food and sedentary lifestyles. But exercising on a stationary bike or treadmill in your bedroom won't be enough to fight that feeling of isolation. A health club, on other hand, is a perfect answer because it provides lots of exercise opportunities and a chance to meet new people. Sure, club memberships can be pricey but your health and well-being are worth it.

4) Get a hobby

One simple word can benefit your team so much. It can help you encourage your team members’ commitment to business and keep them enthusiastic. It can help them envision their goals. In addition, when you share your belief in their ability to succeed, you will in turn help them build self-confidence. By exuding a positive expectation for their success, you will motivate them to overcome challenges, which will inevitably come their way.

Here are some tips for motivating your team:

·Recognize success

·Celebrate achievement

·Shower your winners with praise and small rewards

·Offering your sincere congratulations through e-mails, phone calls, hand-written notes, greeting cards.

·Put them in spotlight at team meetings. This will inspire them to accomplish even more! Praise and encouragement are two powerful tools for motivating others.

·Create leadership opportunities. Ask committed Consultants to assist you at trainings and meetings. By asking them to take part in these events gradually prepares them for even greater leadership responsibilities.