Remote work can be awesome. You can work in your pajamas, set your own hours, and save money on commuting. But it can also be lonely. You miss your family, your friends, and your co-workers. You feel like you’re missing out on life. You wonder if anyone cares about you.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight easy and fun ways to fight off loneliness and stay happy while working remotely away from your family.
- Chat It Up With Your Work Buddies
You may not see them in person, but you can still talk to them online. Use tools like Zoom, Slack, or Microsoft Teams to chat, brainstorm, collaborate, and socialize with your work buddies. You can also join or create groups within your organization for regular social connection at work. Try to use video or audio calls as much as you can, as they can help you express and understand emotions and intentions better than text messages or emails.
- Join a Group of Like-Minded People
Another way to beat loneliness is to join a tribe of like-minded people who share your interests, hobbies, or passions. You can find online or offline tribes on platforms like Facebook, Meetup, Reddit, or LinkedIn. For example, if you’re a bookworm, you can join a book club; if you’re a developer, you can join a coding community; if you’re a fitness enthusiast, you can join a workout group. Joining a tribe can help you meet new people, learn new things, and have fun.
- Make the Most of Your Flexible Schedule
One of the perks of working remotely is that you can have more control over your schedule. You can use this perk to plan social events with your friends or family members after work or during breaks. For example, you can schedule a video call with your parents, siblings, or relatives; you can meet up with a friend for coffee or lunch; you can join a yoga class or a hiking trip. Planning social events early in the week can also help you look forward to something and feel less lonely throughout your workday.
- Spruce Up Your Workspace
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Your workspace can have a huge impact on your mood and well-being. If you work from home, try to spruce up your workspace in a way that makes you feel comfortable and happy. For example, you can choose a bright and spacious room with natural light and fresh air; you can decorate your desk with plants, photos, or art; you can play some soothing music or ambient sounds in the background. You can also change your scenery once in a while by working from different rooms in your house or from outside.
- Know Yourself Better
Sometimes, loneliness can be caused by not knowing how to spend your time effectively or meaningfully. To avoid this, try to know yourself better and identify what activities make you feel fulfilled and what activities make you feel drained. For example, you can ask yourself questions like: How do I gain my energy? What tasks do I enjoy doing? What skills do I want to learn or improve? What goals do I want to achieve? Based on your answers, you can create a daily routine that suits your preferences and needs.
- Take Breaks With Your Co-Workers
Taking breaks is vital for your mental and physical health, especially when you work remotely. However, instead of taking breaks alone, try to take breaks with your co-workers. You can use this time to chat about non-work-related topics, share personal stories or jokes, play games or quizzes, or watch videos together. Taking breaks with co-workers can help you build rapport, trust, and friendship with them. It can also help you relax and recharge your energy.
- Work Outside of Your Home Once a Week
Working from home every day can make you feel isolated and bored. To break the monotony, try to work outside of your home once a week. You can choose a place that suits your work style and budget, such as a co-working space, a library, a cafe, or a park. Working outside of your home can help you meet new people, experience new environments, and stimulate your creativity .
- Get a Furry Friend
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If you love animals, getting a furry friend can be a great way to deal with loneliness. A furry friend can provide you with companionship, affection, and entertainment. It can also motivate you to exercise, socialize, and take care of yourself. Studies have shown that furry friends can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. They can also improve your mood, self-esteem, and immune system. However, before getting a furry friend, make sure you have the time, space, and resources to take care of it properly.
Conclusion
Loneliness is a common challenge for remote workers, especially those who live away from their families. However, it doesn’t have to be a permanent or debilitating condition. By following these tips, you can beat loneliness and enjoy the perks of working remotely. Remember that you’re not alone in this journey and that there are many ways to connect with others and yourself.