It’s very easy, once you start working, to just keep your head down and carry on through the day. But wherever you are working from, the same four walls can get tiresome and start to feel claustrophobic. You could break up the day with a trip to a coffee shop or similar, somewhere with Wi-Fi so you can take your laptop and still work. You may find a change of scene helps recharge your workflow or helps you focus on a particular task. You will also benefit from having other people around you. Even if you’re not interacting directly, you can indulge in a bit of people watching and social niceties.

If you’re working from home or in an office on your own, it’s essential that you have some structure, and self-discipline. You can be distracted from the important tasks and if you let these drag on and don’t complete them, there is a danger you could end up feeling quite low and depressed. The other extreme is that you become so involved in your work that you do not take breaks, have no quality time with your family and no socialising or having fun; then depression and loneliness can set in. We are social animals and thrive on social and physical interaction. (You can read more about this here )

Instead, set a routine, much like you would if you were going to work, and stick to it. That might include scheduling your work, eating properly and getting some air. Think about ways to help you refresh, recharge your mind and body, for example a change of scene or a visit to the gym to give you time to tune into your creative side. It may sound simple, but it takes effort to be self-disciplined. Remember how great it feels when you have completed a task and achieved a goal and try to keep hold of that feeling.

Bearing in mind the risk of feeling depressed, it can really help to have someone to talk to. Not a family member or a friend within your social circles, but someone who is a professional and independent, like a life coach. This will allow you to think in a safe, non- judgmental space, and to talk about your ideas, dreams, troubles and worries. You will receive the support of someone one step removed who can be objective. All sorts of professional people have life coaches and mentors and you’ll probably find they are the ones who are more assured and have more confidence in their plans and goals.
Many people’s reaction when you say you are a business owner and have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, would be how lucky you are not to have to stick to rules and do what you’re told. (Or that you must be mad to give up a secure job.) All they see is the chance to set your own hours, watching daytime TV and waiting in for deliveries. But the reality is much different. Apart from the loneliness factor, your monthly income will probably fluctuate and may never be guaranteed, and you won’t get paid when you’re on holiday or off sick (and therefore more likely to not rest when you should). Talking to someone who understands can be a huge relief. A life coach can work with you to structure your working life, help you set attainable goals and will be a good listener.

Shared workspaces can be a lifeline if you work alone. Not only do they have resources on hand that you may need – broadband, desks, chairs, kitchen areas – but there are other people you can chat with, talk over ideas, have a coffee, and all without office politics or complications getting in the way. You don’t have to go to meetings you don’t want to, be nice to people you don’t like just because you work together, and you can just walk away at the end of the day.
A shared workspace can be a serviced office area, a desk in someone else’s studio, or a hot desk in a working hub which offers great flexibility and adaptability without being tied in. A working environment where you don’t always have to be on your own.
Working alone can be highly productive and successful and comes with many plus points. Just remember to get some structure in place, a good support network and someone to talk to. Good luck!