Harriette Cole: How can I step away from my workspace when I live there?

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve recently transitioned to working from home full-time, and I’m finding it challenging to separate my work life from my personal life.

While my home office setup is functional, it has made it harder for to me switch off from work mode at the end of the day. I find myself checking emails or thinking about tasks long after my workday is supposed to end. I have often caught myself working late into the evening because my office space is so integrated into my living area.

It’s been difficult to create a clear boundary between work and home life, and I feel like my productivity during work hours is starting to wane as a result.

I want to establish a routine that allows me to be productive while also making the most of my downtime.

How can I create effective boundaries and a schedule that helps me balance work and personal time, ensuring that I stay focused during work hours but also genuinely enjoy my time off?

— Work-From-Home Balance

DEAR WORK-FROM-HOME BALANCE: Establish office hours for yourself, including breaks, and enter them into your calendar. Also, set alarms for key pivot points in the day — such as the start of your day, lunch, breaks and the end of your day.

Train yourself to turn off your computer when your day is complete, unless you anticipate some kind of extenuating circumstances that might require your attention. Turn off the light on your desk, and possibly cover it so that you cannot see your work papers.

If you treat your workspace as singularly for work and shut it down entirely when you are not working, you will begin to think of it as a separate space even though it’s in your house.

DEAR HARRIETTE: After moving to New York to live with my mom, I’m finding it hard to meet new people and make meaningful connections.

I’ve attended a few events lately and joined some clubs, but I still feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

One recent experience was a networking event where I made some small talk but left feeling more isolated than connected. I’m looking for effective ways to network and create friendships without feeling like it’s a constant struggle.

What are some practical tips for a 26-year-old trying to meet new people and build a social network in a new city? I’d appreciate any advice on making this transition easier and more enjoyable.

— Building a Social Network

DEAR BUILDING A SOCIAL NETWORK: Give yourself time. It takes a while to meet people and develop meaningful relationships with them.

Continue to go to networking events, preferably in areas of interest to you personally and to your career. Look up activities that involve groups or even crowds. Take yourself to these events and make a plan to speak to at least three people while you are there.

Go up to people who look interesting, and strike up a conversation with them. Learn something about the person. Share something about yourself and be willing to engage. Don’t give up.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.