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 4 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.
8 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
Build relationships and plan to get together regularly. Whether it is meeting up for coffee or having someone over for dinner, you are craving social interaction and there are ways for you to receive it.
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.
Tip #3: Work outside of the house
If you are not interested in looking into a co-working space or one isn’t available near you, at least get out of the house once a week. The park, coffee shop, what would give you the chance to change your surroundings? The bonus here is you’ll start to get to know new people in your community and having simple conversations with someone other than the day care provider when you pick your kids up, can do wonders.
Tip #4: Schedule regular group chats
For example, The Radical Joy Seeking Women’s Club founders meet weekly via Zoom, to talk about business and strategy and check in to support our collective efforts. As a solo-preneur, you may wish to connect with others who are also working some home and connect on a regular basis to support one another. Having others who experience things similar to you, can help you feel like you are not in this alone. Together with your industry friends, schedule it and make it recurring.
Tip #5: 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 #6: Get out for some fitness
Nothing is more powerful for your brain, emotional health and productivity then working out. Science backs this up consistently. Rather then talking a walk alone which would be nice as well, go out and take a group fitness class, find walking partners, get to know more people in your community. I don’t know of to many more things more energizing than a great group of people at a Zumba class.
Tip #7: Hit up some local meet-ups and #GetSocial
Are there any groups in your area for local entrepreneurs and business owners? If there are no organizations that fit what you are looking for, create it! That is what I did. When I moved back into a community that we lived in before and looked around at what was available for networking, I wanted something different. So, a friend and I created a group of like-minded business owners and business professionals who are looking to connect, support and grow our business’. You are a leader too, and you can start gathering people together and create what you all want. Meet up once a month and notice how much of a difference this makes for you.
Tip #8: Get some in person time
I am not sure how big your team, company or industry is, but why not pitch to others the idea of an in person meet up for social engagements. Volunteer to help get the idea of the ground, show your strengths and talents.
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.
Jennifer Jimbere is President of Jimbere Coaching and Consulting, Co-Founder and Resident Expert at Radical Joy Seeking Women’s Club and would like to explore synergies to work with you. Contact me to partner in possibility and learn how to up your positive experiences.
Maintain momentum and make it a great day.
Image credit and artist: LA artist and old friend Jennifer Verge
Inspired by: My email sign off:)
