Working from home has its perks, but it can also be a lonely remote work experience. Feeling isolated can affect your mood and productivity! In this blog post, we’ll share ten simple tips to help you combat loneliness while working from home as remote workers. These tips will help you go a long way. You’ll stay connected, keep your spirits up, and make remote work more enjoyable.
With in-person work declining, this is a topic I know a lot of you can relate to. A lot of people struggle with it. There is a loneliness epidemic! It’s hard to spend your entire day behind a screen at home. It’s probably the biggest struggle I’ve had since working at home.
I’ve been working from home for almost a year now. I really can’t believe that but here we are. I started feeling VERY isolated and alone recently so have found some ways to combat that to keep my mood up. If you too find yourself in a similar situation I hope you can remedy those feelings by implementing some of these strategies. I’ve learned that social isolation is very real and can quickly turn into something you don’t want. The good news? There are many things you can do to help build high-quality connections!
You certainly don’t have to do all of these things, just pick a few that sound fun to you and see if they help. You never know, they might just take your days from dreadful to something you look forward to. Not to mention, you could see your job performance improve. If you have any better ways I’d love to know. I’m always open to new ideas!
1. Find Mid-Day Group Fitness Classes
Finding mid-day group fitness classes can be a great way to break up your day and combat work loneliness. These classes not only provide a much-needed break from your work routine but also offer an opportunity for face to face interaction. Engaging in physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels, making it easier to stay focused and productive for the rest of the day.
Plus, having a scheduled class gives you a reason to step away from your desk and get some movement, which is beneficial for your physical health as well. By joining a group fitness class, you can build a sense of community and shared purpose, reducing feelings of isolation and helping you feel more connected.
2. Pick 1-2 Mornings Per Week to Work at a Local Coffee Shop
Time for a coffee break! Choosing 1-2 mornings per week to work at a local coffee shop can significantly reduce the feeling of loneliness when working from home. This change of scenery can provide a refreshing start to your day, helping you feel more energized and motivated. Coffee shops often have a bustling atmosphere, which can make you feel part of a community, even if you’re not directly interacting with others.
I’ve found the background noise and activity can also help you feel less isolated, and the act of going out can give you a sense of routine and purpose. Additionally, many coffee shops offer comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, making them ideal spots for remote work.
3. Join a Co-Working Space or Look for Day Passes
Joining a coworking space or using day passes can help you feel less lonely while working from home. This option is great for those who like hybrid work. These spaces offer a lively environment where you can meet other professionals and feel part of a community. Even if you don’t want a full-time membership, many co-working spaces offer day passes, so you can drop in whenever you need a change of scenery.
I found a local co-working space that has made such a difference in my mood. Being around others who are also working is good human connection and can make your workday more enjoyable. Plus, co-working spaces often have events and social gatherings, giving you more chances to connect with people.
4. Spend Time Outside
Team leaders, encourage your groups to do this! It will do wonders for your employee satisfaction. Spending time outside can greatly help reduce loneliness when working from home. Taking short breaks to walk in the park, work in your garden, or even just step outside for a few minutes for a short walk can refresh your mind and lift your spirits away from the home office.
Being outdoors provides a change of scenery and exposure to natural light, which can improve your mood and energy levels. Instead of scrolling social media on your lunch, get outdoors!
It might also give you a chance to see other people, even if you don’t have social interaction with them, which can make you feel less isolated. Making a habit of spending time outside each day can help you feel more connected to the world around you and boost your overall well-being.
5. Find a Local Library
Finding a local library to work from a couple of times a week can be a great way to combat loneliness while working from home. Libraries offer a quiet, focused environment that’s perfect for getting work done or even hosting virtual meetings or video calls. Being around a number of people, even in a silent setting, can help you feel less isolated.
Additionally, libraries often have comfortable workspaces, free Wi-Fi, and resources that can aid in your work. Taking regular trips to the library can also provide a sense of routine and give you a reason to get out of the house, making your workweek more varied and enjoyable.
6. Volunteer with a Meaningful Organization
This is one of the best ways to combat loneliness! Volunteering on a regular basis with a meaningful organization can be an excellent way to reduce loneliness while working from home. Get your family members involved, too! If your remote team members live locally it could be a fun thing to do together. If your work hours aren’t flexible, schedule your volunteer work for Saturday mornings. This will give you something to look forward to all week!
If you contribute to a cause you care about, it will provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, participating in community clean-up events, or mentoring someone in need, volunteering offers opportunities to meet new people and build relationships.
7. Skip The Delivery Services
Skipping delivery services and going to the store for your groceries or personal items can help reduce loneliness when working from home. Instead of relying on delivery apps, take the time to visit your local grocery store. It really doesn’t take too much time and can improve your mood. This simple activity gets you out of the house and into a social environment.
At the store, you can have small interactions with the cashier and other shoppers, which can provide a sense of connection and break up your day. Even small talk with the cashier or friendly greetings can make you feel more connected to your community. By making this a regular part of your routine, you’ll have more opportunities for face-to-face interactions, helping to combat feelings of isolation.
8. Plan Regular Social Activities
It’s time for happy hour! This is one of the easiest ways to combat loneliness. Schedule time each week to meet up with friends, family, or colleagues, whether it’s for a coffee, a meal, or a fun outing. These social interactions provide something to look forward to and can help break up the monotony of working alone. Even if it’s just a couple phone calls, it’s better than nothing!
Regularly connecting with others in person helps strengthen relationships and provides a support network, making you feel more connected and less isolated. Especially as young adults, this is super important.
9. Listen to Podcasts
Podcasts are a great idea. They can provide a sense of companionship and keep you engaged, making your workday feel less isolating. Whether you choose topics related to your industry, personal interests, or entertaining stories, having voices in the background can create a more dynamic work environment.
Podcasts can also be a source of inspiration and learning, keeping your mind active and engaged. By incorporating podcasts into your routine over long periods of time, you can feel more connected to the world and less alone while you work.
10. Plan Lunch Dates with Friends
Schedule regular lunch meet-ups, whether it’s going to a local restaurant or inviting friends over for a quick sandwich on your back patio. These lunch dates provide a much-needed break from your workday and offer a chance to connect and catch up with friends as remote employees. Sharing a meal and enjoying good company can provide social connection and help you feel more alive.
You can schedule one with members in your remote teams, but meeting people in person is even better. It will improve your professional life and the quality of the relationships in your life.
Conclusion
It’s not secret our country is experiencing am epidemic of loneliness. Especially in young people, the negative impacts can be catastrophic. Chances are, this can lead to decreased job satisfaction and mental health issues. It’s important to find a good good work-life balance, but sometimes it goes to a deeper level than that. Loneliness is certainly the biggest challenge in the modern work environment. In-office employees just don’t understand!
Whether it’s joining a fitness class, working from a coffee shop, or planning regular social activities, small changes can make a big difference if you’re apart of an online community work environment. Remember, staying connected and maintaining a balanced social life is essential for your well-being and productivity. If you don’t have an in-person office space, try these things to help you feel more social during the work week.
While all of these ideas will take a bit of conscious effort, your mental health is worth it. Make it a priority to reduce those feelings of loneliness regardless of how scared or anxious you are about putting yourself out there more. Hopefully your company culture will support you in finding way to combat loneliness. It’s so crucial to be around lots of people during times of loneliness.
I hope you’ll try some of these tips to make your remote working experience more enjoyable and rewarding!
