Are you working from home now? If yes, are you feeling lonely, and how do you fight the feeling of loneliness? Here, we are going to cover some of these questions and ways to combat loneliness. People around the world are running their businesses from home offices, however, for many, this is a new experience and we are finding that it can lead to the feeling of isolation.
You might think that working from home is great. No one is there to look over your shoulder and you don’t have to commute to work. That sounds great. But, after a while, you will realize how lonely it can get (or you already did).
The feeling of loneliness can be there for those who are living alone and/or are self-quarantined. It might feel like the days go by without speaking to another human being. The feeling of isolation is normal but you have to get it under a control, or it can lead to feeling burned out.
Here are a few things you can do each day:
Have a virtual coffee
Meet your best friends as you would normally do, just over a Skype or Zoom with a cup of coffee or any other favorite beverage. Social interactions even when they are only digital are better than not having any interactions. Don’t forget that everyone is pretty much in the same situation as you are. Good friends can provide you with support in times of trouble and you can support them. Limit your stories on the catastrophe that’s going around us and keep each other lifted.
Ways to combat loneliness when working from home?
Create your own social community
Start your own call with friends or colleagues in your company or with people online who have similar interests. Be creative, start an online book-club Facebook page and organize call sessions once a week or daily calls with friends or colleagues. Share news and your thoughts on the situation or go beyond talking about the things you will do once this is all over. Stay optimistic.
Invest in Yourself
Without the commute and no face-to-face meetings, you have more time to focus on personal development and growth. Limit your exposure to news and instead read a book, join an online class or catch up on a hobby. Focus on everything that you didn’t have time to do before (that doesn’t involve traveling and going outside of course). It’s important to come outside of this strong, more educated and capable, not weak and scared.
Go Outside
Even if you can go outside on your porch, balcony or backyard, spend some time outside in the sun. If you can, go outside where there are no people, in nature on a beach and continue social distancing. Spring is here, and it will give you a better and more positive outlook on life.
Remain Grateful
Be grateful for the things you have. If you have a job, be grateful because many don’t and they face a time of uncertainty. If everyone in your family is healthy, be grateful because many are suffering right now. Being grateful will boost your confidence, help you with your mental health and better sleep. The more grateful you are, the more optimistic you will remain during these tough times.
Working from home doesn’t have to be lonely, continue to find ways to combat loneliness. Developing a few positive habits can help you reduce the risk of burnout and help you feel more connected and less isolated. Don’t be afraid to reach out and remember that you are not alone in this, although you might feel alone now. Pick up your phone now and call a friend. Invite them to schedule a daily or weekly coffee. Go on your social media and become a member of groups who have the same interest as you do. Be proactive! Join online classes. Be grateful! And go outside, when and if you can.
