Q: My job has recently changed to require me to telecommute much of the time. I'm used to being part of a large, cohesive team, and am struggling with feelings of isolation. It's hard to stay energized — what suggestions do you have?
A: Make a point of building and maintaining connections, even though the form may have changed.
The inner game
Change can be difficult, especially if it is unsought. And it sounds like this change comes with some losses for you at an emotional level. Acknowledge this so that unexpressed feelings don't sabotage you down the road, taking some time to breathe through the feelings, and get ready to think about possibilities.
Now, consider the factors in your previous arrangement that worked for you. For example, being in an office provides a lot of day-to-day structure, as well as easy access to social engagement.
Think each of these through so that you can develop priorities for the steps you take to make telecommuting work for you.
Also think about the parts of being in the office that you won't miss so much. Most people don't particularly enjoy commuting, for example. Or a neighbor in cube-land with annoying personal habits.
Turning your attention to the realities of working from home, and focus on the advantages of that arrangement. You may enjoy being able to fix your own lunch, take breaks in your living room, or have fewer hassles arranging for repair people to come.
Bring this all together to make a list of the benefits of being home that you want to enjoy, and the gaps that you want to remedy.