Stuck at home? Get working

Avoid turning on the television for news updates, just in case you get sucked into This Morning or The Wright Stuff. If you must, listen to the radio instead.

Do not under any circumstances attempt to "just sort out a bit of washing" before getting on with the tasks you've set yourself.

If you carry a laptop to and from work, keep a spare battery at home so you're never caught out.

Make sure you have a few ways for people to contact you – a mobile, a landline, email and instant messaging – so if one goes down for a while, your colleagues will still have a way to reach you and vice versa.

If you find yourself unexpectedly in charge of the kids because they've been sent home from school, try to work round them (a decent DVD works wonders), or structure your day so you can catch up later in the evening.

Make sure you have a comfortable space to work from. Be aware of your posture and take regular breaks from the computer screen.

Make sure your family and friends understand that working from home does not necessarily mean you can have long leisurely lunches or frequent coffee breaks. Try not to let them distract you, and stay focused on your work.

Do, however, take proper breaks and a decent lunch hour – it's amazing how just because you are in your comfy home environment, you forget to eat. And remember to stop working at more or less your usual time too.

If you need important documents emailing, ensure you are aware of confidentiality issues.

Try not to make important telephone calls just as your screaming toddler has come inside for a cuddle because she's slipped in the snow. Have a quiet area set aside for phone calls (the loo is a particularly useful option).

Don't let people make you feel guilty for not going into the office. You've probably got far more work done at home because there are fewer distractions and interruptions.