Feeling Lonely When Working From Home?
For those who long for chats by the coffee machine and the whirr of printers…
The benefits of working from home — such as not having to commute and being able to wear your pajamas 24/7 seemed to greatly outweigh the negatives.
However, there’s always the elephant in the room: loneliness.
Most people who work from home will tell you that one of the biggest challenges is dealing with loneliness mainly if you live on your own.
Even introverts can feel isolated without face-to-face interaction and the presence of colleagues sometimes.
It isn’t just a feeling
Isolation can wreak havoc on our physical and mental health.
And digital technology should not be a substitute for human interaction.
In a world that’s increasingly connected, we are more isolated than ever before.
Loneliness has been linked to a host of issues, including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and even early death.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
You can do plenty of things to combat loneliness, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way.
Related: How to Support Your Team and Avoid Burnout During WFH.
How to cope with it?
According to a survey by Blind — an anonymous professional network, more than half of employees said they have felt lonely while working from home.
These are some tips on how to deal with loneliness while working from home:
Invest in yourself and your work
When you’re feeling lonely, it can be tempting to watch Netflix all day or mindlessly scroll through social media.
However, this will only make you feel worse in the long run.
Invest your time in something that will make you feel good about yourself — whether that’s taking an online course, working on a passion project, or reading a book.
Reach out to your network
It’s important to stay in touch with your professional and personal networks when you’re working from home.
Set up regular coffee chats or video calls with friends, colleagues, and family members.
You can also join professional or social networking groups online.
Get out of the house
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your computer at your house 24/7.
Work at least one day per week outside of your home, whether that’s at a coffee shop, library, or co-working space.
This will help you get out of your isolation bubble and interact with other people.
Even if you aren’t talking to anyone outside, you might find that the simple act of getting out of the house will make you feel like you’re a part of a bigger community and feel better.
Create a routine
A daily routine can help you structure your day and make you feel more productive.
Wake up at the same time every morning, take regular breaks, and set aside time for lunch and dinner.
If you can, create a dedicated space for work so you can mentally disconnect from your job when the day is done.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and reduce stress.
Set aside sometime each day for a quick workout, or try to fit in some activity throughout the day.
Even something as simple as going for a walk can make a big difference.
Get a pet
Pets can provide companionship and love when you’re feeling lonely.
If you’re not ready for the commitment of a pet, consider borrowing one from a friend or family member.
Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress and improve your mood.
Check-in with yourself
Take some time for yourself every day to do something that makes you happy.
This can be something as simple as taking a walk, listening to music, or spending time with your pet.
Dedicating some time each day to activities that make you somewhat feel relieved will help improve your mood and combat loneliness.
If you’re feeling lonely, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. With a little effort, you can overcome loneliness and make working from homework for you.
Have you ever struggled with loneliness while working from home? What tips would you add? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
