While the laptop lifestyle has tremendous benefits, one of the hidden dangers of remote jobs can be feelings of extreme loneliness and isolation and at times challenging to stay energized, this blog post shares tips with you to keep you energized.
Millions of people dream of no longer being chained to an office and yearn to experience the freedom that comes from working from home, or from anywhere they choose in the world.
As the President of Jimbere Coaching and Consulting and Co-Founder and Resident Expert of The Radical Joy Seeking Women’s Club and someone who has been successful at working from home for the last 6 years, I understand this predicament. I’ve been there and it can be tough. Let’s be honest, it can feel really lonely working from home.
Working from home might not demand much human interaction, but your soul does.Feeling isolated and alone can produce serious negative consequences on your emotional health, your productivity and team performance. There are things you can do to increase your positive emotions and remain focused.
That’s why I was excited when a recent client and a newly-minted work-from-home professional, wanted to partner with me for support. During one of our conversations, she shared,“At times I understand why isolation is an effective punishment in prisons.”
If you’re feeling isolated and at times lonely working from home, these tips are for you.
5 smart strategies for fighting online loneliness while working from home — which, increasingly, is becoming a real problem for modern creatives. For many, it’s a challenge they feel a sense of shame or embarrassment over. I am here to assure you, there are positive ways to shift this feeling and your thinking around it.
Tip #1: Get your social fix outside of work circle
Build relationships and plan to get together virtually. Whether it is meeting up for coffee or brainstorming session for your business growth, interaction is important and there are ways for you to receive it. Now is not the time to shy away from the work that needs to be done to grow your business. Consider joining the Productivity & Profitability Think Tank or another Mastermind to keep you taking action and showing up confidently to share how you serve during this uncertain time.
Tip #2: Consider a co-working space
Remote work is growing quickly and there are others who are in the same position as you. Have a look around your city and see if an opportunity is available. You’ll get to meet others who are in the same position as yourself. Your workplace may be looking for flexible options at this time and there may be an option near you that has put great measures in place to allow you to work remotely. Touchdown Coworking Space seems to be more strict then the hospitals in terms of procures to keep us safe. This is a viable option for a healthy workspace for you to consider.
Tip #3: Take regular phone free or computer free breaks
Sitting and starting at your computer for more than an hour at a time is not healthy for you. Research suggests that if you work for 45 minutes straight, taking a break for 10 minutes can increase your productivity. Take your lunch break away from your computer screen and really try to re-charge.
Tip #4: Pause for some fitness
Nothing is more powerful for your brain, emotional health and productivity then working out. Science backs this up consistently. Take a walk by the water or in the forest, the fresh air will do you good. Turn on YouTube and do a group Zumba class, that will certainly energize you. If you do not like a formal class, simply turn up the music and move.
Tip #5: Remember to get in some quiet time
Savour a cup of tea, read a good book, do what recharges you. We are all in the busyness of our business and taking time to reflect, energize and focus will pay dividends for our performance.
Your soul requires connection and real face to face time.
These ideas are just a start, and I am confident that you have some great ideas too. I’m curious about your take on this topic.
Can you relate to the loneliness and isolation that can come from working at home? How do you make sure to stay emotionally connected?
Specifically, what works for you and what doesn’t to overcome feeling lonely working from home?
If you have friends, clients or colleagues who are having a hard time adjusting to working online, share this post. It could give them some actionable ideas to stay healthy and productive.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing. If your business is struggling right now or you are not sure what to do next, schedule in a Java with Jen now to shift from struggle to solution in one 2-hour coaching and consulting session. There is no need to struggle alone when you can have a trusted confidant by your side.
Jennifer Jimbere is the President of Jimbere Coaching and Consulting, Founder of Jimbere Business Academy (private level access) and Co-Founder at Radical Joy Seeking Women’s Club, Jennifer Jimbere is an entrepreneur, International best-selling co-author in the Dream Boldly I Dare You Series. World Class Coach and Business Consultant.
As well, she is a recognized authority on the psychology of performance, negotiations and organizational turnaround. She has served as an advisor to thousands of individuals and organizations around the world for more than 20 years. Jennifer has also been named Influence Magazine 100 Authority. Recommended and inducted into the Who’s Who of America for 2019.
Maintain momentum and make it a great day.
