Many people may think telecommuting (as I do) is glamorous: all bon-bons and soap operas and hunky UPS deliverymen. In reality, working away from the rest of the pack can be very lonely (yet extremely productive). But there are a few things that help me get through the workday that I've actually learned from the lazy and crazy pets around me.

1. Keep it clean. There have been days where I've been so busy that I look down at 3 p.m. only to realize I still have on the t-shirt that I slept in. Augie reminds me that bathing daily -- even if I never see another living person -- is a very good thing.
2. Eat well. Bugsy could never make it through the day without his noontime treat. Although grabbing a sandwich at my desk would be easy, it's good for all of us to take some time away from the computer to fuel our bodies for the rest of the day.
3. Get some fresh air. There are days when I don't ever leave the house/office. But Thunder has shown me that just the simple act of stepping outside and into the sun for a couple of minutes can be energizing and invigorating.
4. Stretch. Getting up from my desk for a simple stretch and a deep breath is very relaxing. T.J. can stretch to about twice his body's normal length and always looks content when he does.
5. Make some noise. C.J. loves nothing more than to be noticed a couple of times throughout the day with constant meowing. She has taught me that when I need attention or to be in contact with someone in Hammock's Nashville office, I need to do nothing more than let my fingers do the walking. A great conversation with coworkers is only an IM or phone call away.

Now if only I could figure out how to work that two-hour afternoon nap in...

Pictured, top to bottom: Augie, Bugsy, Thunder, T.J., C.J.