I second this. Get dressed, work office hours wherever possible, get into a routine. I have my small office space and I don’t look at it unless I am working. Also, lipstick. For me anyway (beauty industry, it’s an old habit). I wear a slash of red lipstick. Makes me feel polished without having to wear a scrap of other makeup.
Agree with the lipstick- or makeup, shave, shower, hair done- whatever makes one feel work ready.
After years at home, I still get up at the time I used to when I was going in. I use that time to drink my coffee, read here, start the wash, crock pot, etc. I log into my work computer early, just like I did in office. Rushing into that last minute is a no-go.
My desk phone beeps when I log into my virtual desktop- even my dogs know it is time for them to chill. Everything I do is recorded and timed by my system, but 2 way video is basically never- so its not like someone is looking at you the whole time on camera. You will soon forget about all that "big brother" stuff. I'll tell you- after this w@h, or school@home, your sense of what can be accomplished in 15 minutes will definitely change. You will become a master of efficiency. My cell is sent to silent, and everyone knows not to call during my shift - unless it is an emergency.
At first, I simply vegetated during my scheduled breaks, trying to shake off that deer in the headlights anxiety. Now- it's time to get a snack, change the wash, go outside with the dogs, vacuum- depending how stressful work is, etc. Some days I just read or pet the dogs. I don't feel guilty. If I was in my office- I wouldn't be able to change the wash, etc.
Lunch at home is great. I actually have time to eat- not shovel it in. Not driving and stressing all those miles is awesome. My own clean bathroom is the biggest plus! I am rarely ill, my allergies are better, and no one is bugging me for whatever.
Once y'all get this down, you may never want to work in building again.
ETA- of course, you may not want to, nor do you have to start/complete chores while on breaks and lunch. That is definitely a personal choice. But I love having my nights less hectic with more family time. I work on a non traditional schedule: one of my work days is a weekend day, and I work 4 10s, so that is why you see my posting in spurts and odd hours. If we are slow, I am off then too.
Understand these hastily set up virtual systems will glitch, disconnect and frustrate the living beejesus out of you. Remember to breathe, and that you are getting paid to shut down, reboot and set back up.