Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness While Working from Home
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The benefits of working from home are obvious: no commuting, flexible hours, and the comfort of your own space. The major downside, however, is loneliness. Isolation sneaks in because of the lack of social interactions like in a regular office setting, and this negatively affects your mental well-being and productivity. Following are some ways that will help you as a remote worker to overcome feelings of loneliness while working from home.
1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Also, regular video calls or chatter apps, at least, to say hello, are important for colleagues. You can keep yourself in a connected and team atmosphere by putting a weekly or daily check-in schedule. Tools like Zoom, Slack, or Microsoft Teams can help you to be in touch with them and give the feel of camaraderie in the office even while working from home.
2. Take Social Breaks
The long hours put into a job, often without human contact, greatly contribute to loneliness. Long breaks are necessary to have coffee, lunch, or at least a brisk walk with friends and family. When meeting in person isn't possible, use video chats or phone calls to recharge and ease the feeling of isolation. Taking a social break is great for your mental well-being; it serves to reset your brain and keeps you more productive.
3. Participate in Online Communities
There are a plethora of online communities, forums, and social networks of which a remote employee can be a part. Whether it is something as professionally oriented as LinkedIn or something a little more casual that's focused on hobbies or interests, these websites make you feel like you are part of something bigger.
4. Get into a Routine
Set up your day to allow work, but also provide for a social need. Take breaks often, and integrate personal care into your routine-exercising, meditation, or hobby time. A well-rounded schedule can help keep feelings of loneliness at bay.
Appropriate measures undertaken in this regard could easily ensure growing out of loneliness, connected, and productive while working from home.