It was a moment when I just dreamed of working from home, but oh, it was a lively one. I’ve spent so long working out of my home for over two years now and I’ve learned one thing: it’s not for everyone. It’s difficult. I sincerely think that there are some individuals who are simply unable to do so and are productive and prosperous, at least not without a few fundamental guidelines.

That’s not what it looks like to work from home in the real world.

I have created a list of five easy tips for home work. I don’t guarantee that you will become dirty rich or even succeed a bit, but those aren’t even opportunities unless the simple steps that you can discipline yourself:

1. Get up early every morning and get dressed

Yes, you work at home, and perhaps you even set your own schedule to some degree–but our schedule isn’t completely ours every time we work for others. Perhaps no one save the dog looks at you all day, so if you’re in pajamas or old sweats you think that doesn’t matter. But I promise you–you will begin your day well before going to a desk to wake up, shower, get dressed and eat lunch, before you sit.

2. Create a specified room for your home office

Even if you do not have a whole room for work at home, you need an area which is all yours, even if it’s only for the duration of your workday. A dining table, a guest room, everywhere you can set up your computer or other trade equipment, there is a certain degree of privacy. This is particularly important if children or other people are present in the house during the day you work–teach them to respect the limits of your workspace.

3. Take breaks all day long

It would feel you don’t have the time even for a few minutes to leave your office, but it depends on your productivity. Studies have shown that when we spend time at the workplace all day relaxing, giving our brains a little break and allowing us to be more productive and concentrated as we sit at the desk. For me, I discover the dog out to potty to be nice even for 5 minutes, for I get fresh air, sunshine, and a little scene change.

4. Don’t be an hermit

Even when you are working from home, it is essential to have a support system. Take a few minutes to talk to others, or even a family member, each day, who do the same type of work. Although you are at home, isolating you from the remainder of the globe is not healthy.

5. Set and maintain regular office hours

That’s just like your clients are great for you. Know that you will work every day between 9 and 5 (or whatever timetable you set) and you will stick with it. When 5 p.m. arrives, it’s time for the rest of the day to close down shop. It is simple to believe when you operate from home, “Just an hour more,” but you have missed supper before you realize it, and time goes out. It is important to get away from the desk so that you can rest and relax. Tomorrow you can bring it back to it.