Remote work became much more prevalent in 2020 for all types of jobs. Working online, or working from home can be a great way to enjoy many perks, maybe choosing your own work hours is one of them. However, the downside is that you may feel disconnected from others and even experience feelings isolation and loneliness. Working alone can be a toll on our mental health which is why we have created 9 ways to cope with isolation while you’re a remote worker.
The prevalence of feelings of isolation, loneliness, and in some cases, depression can be common place for remote workers. If you find yourself missing coffee breaks with your colleagues and office banter by the water cooler, here are a few simple strategies to consider implementing into your day:
- Work outside of your home at least once a week. Whether you decide to go to your local library or a coffee shop, getting out of the house and into the world is one of the best ways to combat loneliness. Even if you aren’t necessarily engaging in a conversation with the people around you, the simple change in scenery gives people a sense of belonging. Plus, if you have a friend who also works remotely, there’s no reason for them not to tag along!
- Take advantage of your flexible schedule throughout the day. It’s easy to forget the perks of working remotely when we’ve gotten used to it. Having some flexibility in your schedule allows you to schedule time for socializing throughout the week or the weekend. Whether that means grabbing your morning coffee with your neighbor or taking your dog to the dog park, remember to make time to socialize in ways you wouldn’t be able to do if you were in an office.
- Take a break to do something you enjoy. Spend your break or lunch hour going to the gym, walking in a park, reading a chapter of a book, gratitude journaling, or cooking lunch. Studies have shown that taking short, frequent breaks throughout the day can also boost your productivity, so if you combine it with something you enjoy doing, it’s a win-win!
- Don’t forget to move! You don’t have to go to the gym, but taking 5-10 minute stretching periods or going on a walk outside isn’t just good for your physical health, but can reduce feelings of loneliness, give your mind a mental reset, and increase your energy.
- Make after work plans. Working remotely makes it challenging to draw a line between home life and work life. Scheduling time to do something with a friend or watching a new movie after work can help define that boundary. If you make plans with a friend or family member, they can be an additional source of making boundaries between work, home and social support.
- Use video conferencing tools and phone calls to communicate with your team. Sometimes, it’s just easier to talk it out. Other times, it’s a good excuse to socialize and interact with people. If you’re feeling isolated as a remote worker, chances are, miscommunication and misunderstandings will only enhance those feelings.
- Get a pet. Animals have been shown to reduce stress levels, feelings of isolation, and symptoms of depression in humans. If you’re not a big fan of cats or dogs, you can always opt for a more low-maintenance animal like a fish or a bird. Not only are they great at keeping people company, but they’re also excellent listeners.
- Make your space an enjoyable one. Take some time to invest in your work environment, and dedicate one area of your home to work only. Studies have shown that having your workspace facing natural lighting can give you an emotional boost and make you more productive throughout your day. Although the weather may not always cooperate, natural lighting is always a mood enhancer.
- Don’t stay in one room for too long. Having all of your snacks, chargers, entertainment, and office supplies in one place is convenient and pleasant, but it makes your world feel smaller. But loneliness hits extra hard when it sits with you in one room all day. Whether you choose to move into the living room for a zoom meeting or outside for a breath of fresh air, you’ll notice a positive change in your mood.
The bottom line
Following these simple and effective strategies can ensure that you’re making meaningful connections with people in your life, regardless of whether or not you are face to face with them every day.
This post was written from a lovely Fiverr freelancer, if you have a blog about mental health and need content she does a fantastic job. Mbobek
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References
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/01/break
https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-light-benefits
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation
