How To Deal With Feeling Lonely While Working Remotely

It’s hard to deny that remote work has lots of perks attached to it, such as flexibility in terms of location, more quality time spent with family, flexible hours, and more. Maybe your remote job lets you focus a lot more on your hobbies. Or perhaps, it allows you to look after your pets and ensure they’re not lonely.

It’s a fact; remote work does have plenty of advantages. That said, working by yourself can indeed get very lonely. Maybe you miss the office chatter, team-building exercises, and bonding with your colleagues. Or perhaps you loved brainstorming with your team members and liked being around other people.

We get it. Remote work can make you feel isolated as you lose track of time, tackling one task after another. However, there are ways to cope. Here is a helpful list of ideas that can make things better for you.

Don’t Be Afraid of Networking

If you want to tackle loneliness at work, one of the best ways to feel better is to talk to others who are in the same boat as you. They know what it’s like to feel alone and can probably relate to some of your struggles.

If you’re not comfortable with revealing your identity online, you can choose to stay anonymous and join helpful communities on platforms like Reddit, where you’re likely to find like-minded professionals.

Another option worth considering is going to offline events and meetups organized by other professionals. This way, you’ll get the chance to connect with other individuals from diverse backgrounds and swap stories about challenges at work.

Embrace Co-Working Spaces

Search for co-working spaces near you and consider signing up as a member. Active, lively co-working spaces can present solid networking opportunities. Plus, they’re filled with ambitious professionals from different industries, allowing you to be around others like you.

Simply being around other people can make you feel less lonely, boost your productivity, and make you feel better about life at work. Also, look into pet-friendly co-working spaces if that’s something you would like to experience. Interacting with friendly, furry animals on coffee breaks may help lower stress levels.

Switch Things Up

You could talk to someone from the human resources department or your manager and look into setting up regular team-building video calls and online events to boost morale. This will allow you to interact with your colleagues and get to know them better.Talking to your colleagues and spending some time together will also let you unwind a little. It’s reassuring to know that you’re not alone and have good company. Your workmates understand what it’s like to spend long hours in front of a computer screen all by themselves and can offer tips and anecdotes based on their experiences.

Don’t Neglect Your Social Life

This could seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. You may decide to avoid socializing after a stressful week, especially when you’re tired, distraught, and lonely from another long day at work. However, pushing yourself a little and getting out of the house to meet your friends over dinner can feel like a breath of fresh air.

Simply chatting with your mates and being in a lively setting can make you feel much better. It’s important to know that you’ve got friends in your corner who care about you and want to know about your week. Simply sharing stories with your pals and laughing over a pint of beer can feel relaxing after a tough week.

Consider calling your family members and close friends living in different cities and countries. Make arrangements for long video calls and movie dates with your loved ones. It’s essential to communicate regularly with those who know us well and stay connected with them.

Take Care of Yourself

Your health and well-being are important. Ensure that you set aside some time for mindfulness. Meditate every day and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. You don’t need to hit the gym if you don’t want to. Join a dance class instead or play basketball with your friends.

Being physically active can help you in more ways than one. Experts have already established that exercise is good for mental health and can help fight stress and anxiety. Additionally, being mindful and meditating can help you feel at peace.

Also, if things feel too overwhelming or confusing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for help. You’re not alone and deserve to feel better. And remember – there’s no shame in asking for help when needed.

WRITTEN BY: BOSHIKA GUPTA