For many of you, the social distancing forced by the coronavirus emergency means it's the first time you'll be working at home for an extended period. Here are some tips to ease that transition.

Start and end your day with a routine: Getting dressed, eating breakfast or taking a brisk walk before diving in can help you focus. An after-work routine (think coffee or glass of wine, or another walk outside) is a critical signal that the workday is over and homelife begins.

Maintain a dedicated workspace: Establish a tangible boundary to maintain the separation between work time and home time, and so that you don't waste energy getting physically set up every day.

Use a VPN: Some employers have their own VPNs for remote use, but if yours doesn't, VPN software is readily available and a good security precaution for both work and personal data.

Learn teleconferencing etiquette: The mute button is your friend, especially in a house full of kids, a partner also working from home or noisy pets. Don't fear the webcam; videoconferencing can offer visual clues as to how ideas are accepted, but do make sure there's nothing in your camera's view that you wouldn't want to share with a colleague or customer.

Take breaks; allow for personal time: Set an alarm or timer to remind you that it's time to get up, stretch, grab a coffee, leave the house or head to the kitchen. Your eyes and your brain need those short moments away. If your job responsibilities allow, turn email notifications off overnight. 

Maintain relationships: At the office, you'd take a few minutes here or there to chat with your coworkers. Keep that going via social media, Slack or some other means of staying in touch.

Minimize online time: While social media is a great way to keep tabs on friends, family and colleagues, remember to carve out a small period to deliberately disconnect. Close the laptop. Turn off the phone. Studies show too much social media is bad for mental health, after all.

Manage expectations: Understand that there will be a learning curve with new communication tools, virtual meetings, rethinking paths to access to information and the like. Be clear about what can be accomplished from home. Overcommunication is key. Finally, be candid about what works, what doesn't and what you need to get the job done.

Source: Crain's Cleveland Business