{"id":19148,"date":"2019-09-24T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2019-09-24T16:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moneyppl.com\/?p=19148"},"modified":"2022-03-30T23:40:06","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T06:40:06","slug":"40-ways-remote-staff-avoid-loneliness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.moneyppl.com\/40-ways-remote-staff-avoid-loneliness\/19148\/","title":{"rendered":"40 Ways Remote Staff Avoid Loneliness"},"content":{"rendered":"

We live in a digital age where nearly everything can be done online. Years ago, everyone had to show up to an office space to get their work done with their colleagues. Today, it’s as simple as communicating via text messages, email, phone calls, or video chat. <\/span><\/p>\n

In a lot of ways, this makes life so much better. You have a flexible schedule, more time with your kids, and save a lot of time commuting. The only downside is that it can become very isolating, and many people who work from home tend to feel lonely after a while. Here are 40 tips on how to deal with loneliness when working remotely.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Your friends are only a phone call away. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

40. Call Your Friends and Family<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you live alone are feeling lonely, one of the easiest ways to remedy that is to pick up the phone and call your friends or a family member. Text them ahead of time to make sure that it’s a good time to talk. Having a phone conversation is so much more intimate than texting because you can hear the other person’s voice. You’ll instantly feel as though you spent time with someone, even if it was not face-to-face.<\/p>\n

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You parents will always be happy to hear from you. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If your friends and family have the ability to make video calls, you may want to call them via FaceTime instead. This makes the call even more like you are having a face-to-face conversation. Your parents may need some help learning how to do this, but once it is done, they’ll truly appreciate being able to see you no matter where you live.<\/p>\n

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Calling a colleague on Skype feels a lot more like hanging out in real life. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

39. Have Meetings on Skype<\/span><\/h2>\n

A lot of business meetings are done over the phone, but you can ask your colleague or client if it can be done on Skype or Google Hangouts. Sometimes, this is beneficial because you can use screen share to show them what you’re working on. It also feels as though you truly did have a face-to-face meeting with someone even if they are on the other side of the world.<\/p>\n

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It’s easier to laugh and engage over video chat. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the biggest benefits of talking via video chat is that you can see the other person’s smile and facial expressions. It’s also easier to pick up on jokes or sarcasm as well. This feels a lot more like hanging out with someone in-person compared to a phone call.<\/p>\n

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Listening to podcasts can be a wonderful thing. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

38. Listen to Podcasts<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are working multiple side-hustles, you may not have much time to sit down and watch a TV show, but you can still listen to something in the background. Music is great, but it doesn’t always take away the loneliness you may feel when working alone. Podcasts are like talk-radio shows where two people have a conversation about a topic. There are podcasts about pretty much anything you can imagine.<\/p>\n

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There are all kinds of podcasts out there. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, no matter what you are in the mood for, there’s probably a podcast that exists. You may be surprised to hear that your favorite celebrity has been on a podcast as well. Best of all, they’re free. Sometimes, podcasts can be so captivating, you walk away from them feeling as if you just had an amazing conversation with a friend. After listening to enough podcasts, it’ll also give you a lot to talk about with your real friends once you see them again.<\/p>\n

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Dogs will love you unconditionally, and will always be there to hang out. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

37. Get a Dog or Cat<\/span><\/h2>\n

There has been psychological research<\/a> that has proven working with your pets can make you happy, as well as decrease levels of stress and anxiety. It’s truly comforting to have your pet by your side, knowing that they give you unconditional love and support. Even though they can’t talk, they truly do keep you company.<\/p>\n

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Cats may be aloof, but they are incredibly loving creatures. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unfortunately, most workplaces won’t let you bring your pet to work. But if you work from home, you have a huge advantage that most people do not get to enjoy. If you don’t already have a pet, you may want to consider getting one if you can handle the responsibility along with your schedule.<\/p>\n

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You may want to join a book club if you want to discuss novels with people. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

36. Join an After-Work Club<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you were in school, you may have made your best friends during your after-school activities like theater, sports, or the school newspaper. As adults, it’s much harder to find clubs like this, but they do exist. Not sure where to go? Check your local library or community center. There are usually flyers posted on a bulletin board somewhere inviting people to meet up groups that cater to certain interests like a book club or crafting.<\/p>\n

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There may be a private country club in your local area. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can also join a Facebook group for your local town or county. Ask everyone if they know of any after-work activities. If you find out that these clubs do not exist, why not make your own? There may be a lot of people out there who share the same interests, and who are willing to show up for a few hours a week.<\/p>\n

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Sailing is a very fun sport and can be done with a group of people. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

35. Join a Sports League<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even as adults, people still love to participate in team sports. There are some places that have intramural kickball leagues, but you can find an adult version of almost every club. There are usually tennis tournaments, yacht clubs, and country clubs where you can golf. Many of these places will also offer networking opportunities because like-minded people tend to gravitate towards these more expensive sports.<\/p>\n

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Golfing is great for both exercise and networking. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joining a sports league is great because it gives you a way to exercise outside of the gym. You also get a lot of opportunities to meet new people, and potentially make some professional connections, as well. As an added bonus, you may even get access to a sports club lounge once you become a member. You can get your work done there instead of hanging around your house.<\/p>\n

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If you work remotely, you can get your work done in a cafe. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

34. Work in a Coffee Shop<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the biggest perks of working remotely is that you can essentially work from anywhere you want. If you feel lonely, you don’t have to settle for staying at home in your apartment or home office all day, every day. One of the most common ways people choose to surround themselves with others is to go to a coffee shop to work.<\/p>\n

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Working in a coffee shop is more social than working at home. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By working at a coffee shop, you can see people around you, and maybe even eavesdrop into some conversations. However, the one huge down-side of working in a coffee shop is that it can be incredibly difficult to concentrate on actually accomplishing real work.<\/p>\n

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Co-working spaces give you the opportunity to be around other people. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

33. Go to a Co-Working Space<\/span><\/h2>\n

In many cities and towns, there may be an option for you to pay a monthly fee to go to a co-working space. These are large office-type settings where you can bring your laptop and get some work done outside of the house. Sometimes, they will provide cubicles or open desk space, as well as private office options for people who need a bit more privacy. There are usually also conference rooms that you share with the rest of the community.<\/p>\n

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You may be able to make friends in a co-working space. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most co-working spaces have community events, especially since freelancers usually join them in order to meet new people. You may just find yourself meeting other like-minded people. If you are traveling, do a quick Google search to see if there are co-working spaces that offer passes that are good for one day or one week. This way, you can potentially meet other freelancers out-of-state.<\/p>\n

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It may be a good idea to reach out to your clients. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

32. Touch Base With Your Clients<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, if you have a good flow going with your work, it may not be necessary to talk to your clients every day, or even every week. If you are feeling particularly lonely someday, don’t be afraid to ask one of your clients a question or suggest having a meeting to talk about your progress. You should have a plan on what to talk about, of course, so that the conversation is productive and not just a way to socialize.<\/p>\n

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Communicating with your clients helps to make you feel like you work with others. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most clients will appreciate the fact that you’re keeping them in the loop as to what you are doing. After all, they are paying you to get a job done. Ask them how often they would like to touch base and potentially incorporate that into your schedules.<\/p>\n

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You may want to begin going to professional conferences to learn more about your field. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

31. Go to Professional Conferences<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you are self-employed or work remotely, it’s up to you to figure out how you are going to improve your professional development. There are conferences for nearly every field that exists, and they are happening all year long. In some cases, these conferences give you the opportunity to meet celebrities or some of the greatest influencers in your field.<\/p>\n

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Most conferences have influential speakers that you can listen to. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The one and only potential downside to going to conferences is that they can be expensive. You may have to travel out-of-state or out of the country in order to get there in addition to the price of the attendance ticket and flight. Do your research before you go to make sure that you’ll truly be getting a good experience out of it. And remind yourself that if you can make a few new connections, it’s priceless.<\/p>\n

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You may want to start networking with other professionals in your field. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

30. Start Networking More Often<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are feeling isolated in your work, it may be time to start networking with more people. Remember that no person is an island. We need other people to thrive in our businesses. Even if you’re working for one employer remotely, you can still try to think of people who would be great to network with. Write out your goals, and think about what kinds of professionals you would love to meet to help with your projects.<\/p>\n

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Connecting to more people in your field can make a huge difference. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For example, maybe you started a business, but are not very good at SEO and social media. You can reach out to people on LinkedIn, or go to a networking event where it is possible to meet up with people who have the exact skills you need.<\/p>\n

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Traveling will make you feel happy to be a digital nomad. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

29. Become a Digital Nomad<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you feel unhappy working from home, you may need a change of scenery. After all, what’s the point in having the ability to work from anywhere if you continue to stay in one place? When you travel and work at the same time, it can feel very empowering. Instead of feeling sad and lonely in your home office, you’re having an adventure and making money at the same time.<\/p>\n

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When you work remotely, you can work from anywhere. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In fact, if you’re alone, you have the freedom to fly anywhere you want without worrying if your friends and family want to go there too. Once you begin working as a digital nomad, you’ll begin to really love the moments when you get to be alone at home “doing nothing” compared to the hustle and bustle of traveling abroad. Seeing the world also helps put your own life into perspective.<\/p>\n

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You may want to join a workout class. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

28. Go to the Gym<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you love to exercise, getting social interaction may be as easy as getting a gym membership. Many gym packages allow you to take group classes like Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, or Zoomba. Once you join the class and show up on a regular basis, you are likely to make friends. This gives you one or two days a week where you are guaranteed to have people to talk to.<\/p>\n

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Rock climbing gyms can be a great place to meet people. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other specialty memberships, like rock climbing gyms, are even better. This means you are interacting with people who truly love doing the same sport or hobby that you do. The membership fee may be more expensive than your average gym, but many people believe it’s worth it.<\/p>\n

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Painting can be cathartic, and give you a way to connect to others. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

27. Get a Hobby You Enjo<\/span>y<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, feelings of loneliness can spring up if you’re doing the same thing day in and day out. Try to mix it up by doing something you love. Is there a hobby you have always been interested in, but always made an excuse that you didn’t have the time? Today is the day to go out there and buy the supplies you need to make it happen. Once you’re focused on making your own hobby into a reality, it can blossom into something beautiful.<\/p>\n

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You may be able to take a local ceramics class. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enjoying your hobbies makes it much easier to be alone. It can also connect you with other people who enjoy doing the same hobbies, too. For example, if you’re a painter, you may be able to bring your work to a local art gallery to be sold. You could also volunteer to work at local art shows.<\/p>\n

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If you are extremely busy, you may not even stop to feel lonely. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

26. Keep Yourself Busy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Feelings of loneliness often spring up when you do not have enough to keep you occupied when you are working. Ask yourself if you consider yourself to be busy throughout the day. If you do not feel challenged enough, consider asking your boss for more work.<\/p>\n

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Stay-at-home moms are never truly alone. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you are a stay-at-home parent who also works from home, you are probably very busy but you may still feel lonely. This can happen when you have too much time with your little ones who may not understand what you are saying, let alone provide stimulating conversation. If this is the case, try to remind yourself that your kids are only young once. Enjoy these moments while they last, and try your best to have moments of self-care.<\/p>\n

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Collaborating on something new can be very rewarding. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

25. Collaborate on a New Project<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even if your current job allows you to work alone, that doesn’t mean that you cannot collaborate on something completely new. Maybe you want to do a podcast with a coworker or start a new website. Starting a new project can be a creative outlet, but it can also be a new source of income.<\/p>\n

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Teamwork makes the dream work. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once you get a new project going, it can feel incredibly fulfilling. This will give you a scheduled time to work with your partner, as well as the potential to network with other people who are working on a similar project. Suddenly, instead of feeling isolated, you’ll be thrilled to have the freedom to work on your own projects on your own schedule.<\/p>\n

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Volunteering takes a lot of heart and soul. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

24. Volunteer<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have a flexible schedule and need to meet good, wholesome people, consider getting into volunteer work. This can either come from going to your local church, synagogue, or mosque. There are also plenty of organizations that are not affiliated with any church, like Habitat for Humanity.<\/p>\n

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Planting trees is a beautiful way to help the planet. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Incorporating volunteering into your week means that you are doing more for the greater good of other people and possibly the planet. It feels really good to help others, and you can also meet other people who are equally as passionate about volunteering.<\/p>\n

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It may be a good idea to keep a normal 9-5 work schedule. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

23. Keep a “Normal” Work Schedule<\/span><\/h2>\n

First-time freelancers often make the mistake of waking up late and having odd working hours. This makes it a lot more difficult to coordinate with friends. Everyone else may be ready to go out at 6 p.m., but if you didn’t wake up until 12 p.m., you might still be working and you have to say no when someone invites you to go somewhere.<\/p>\n

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Keep track of your hours, and schedule in time to be with friends and family. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In order to avoid this, try to stick to a normal work schedule of 9-5. You may wonder, “what’s the point of working from home, then?” Remember the timing is only one aspect of the bigger picture. You don’t have to suffer a stressful commute, which saves you a ton of time in the morning, even if you are waking up early. It’s also healthier in general to work normal hours.<\/p>\n

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Sometimes, being alone can be a beautiful thing. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

22. Learn to Love Solitude<\/span><\/h2>\n

The more you love being alone, the less lonely you will feel. If you’re extroverted, it might be really difficult for you to see the positives of solitude. Try to take a tip from introverted people. They actually enjoy<\/em> being alone because it gives them time to recharge their batteries from daily life.<\/p>\n

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Stop and enjoy the splendor of nature all around you. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you struggle with this, try to pay attention to your surroundings. Try to appreciate nature and take a moment to feel connected to the Earth. The more grateful you feel for your life, the more comfortable you’ll feel in your own skin.<\/p>\n

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Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with people who have simialr interests. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

21. Join Facebook Groups<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have a Facebook account, you already have access to groups. These are pages where people who are interested in similar things can gather and discuss what they love. For example, if you are passionate about a certain TV show or podcast, you’re basically guaranteed to find a Facebook Group to meet other fans.<\/p>\n

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If you have a Facebook account, you can already join groups. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some groups even arrange to have “secret Santa” and Christmas card exchanges during the holidays. A few may suggest meetups, while others feel satisfied talking to one another online.<\/p>\n

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Separating your work and living space can be tremendously helpful. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

20. Have an “Office” Setup<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, the feeling of isolation and loneliness that you get from working at home comes from having the sense that you are trapped in the same space 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you live in a studio apartment, it truly is going to feel like that, no matter how mentally strong you may be. The only way to fix this is to separate your workspace from your living space.<\/p>\n

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If you have a home office, you can always get up and move elsewhere. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Try to set up a home office in a separate bedroom. Don’t go into the office unless it is during your designated “work hours”. This way, you’re leaving the physical space and giving yourself permission to “turn off” work mode during your breaks and at the end of the day. You may also want to consider renting an office space outside of your home.<\/p>\n

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It’s always possible to chat with a local cashier. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

19. Be Friendly With Cashiers<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you feel lonely, you may be able to go out to your favorite shop and strike up a conversation with the cashier. This actually makes every single interaction a lot better, especially if they recognize you from around town. These people may not be considered your “friends,” but they are acquaintances you can talk to for at least a few minutes at a time. (just don’t hold up the line behind you.)<\/p>\n

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You may make a new acquaintance by simply being friendly. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not sure how to start? Smile, make eye contact, and say “How’s your day going so far?” You may be surprised at how easily people respond with a genuine answer. Keep having these small friendly conversations throughout the day and you may find that you feel completely fulfilled with that much social interaction for the day.<\/p>\n

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Sometimes, all you need to feel better is to go for a drive. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

18. Get Out of the House<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you work from home, there’ll be plenty of times where you can’t hang out with anyone you know at the drop of a hat. By forcing yourself to stay inside, this may create a sort of negative feedback loop of loneliness in your mind. Instead of allowing this to bring you down, take a break from your desk and go outside.<\/p>\n

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You can enjoy how beautiful life is, even if you are alone. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sometimes, all you need to feel better is to take a drive. By looking at some beautiful scenery where you live, you can be reminded that there is a bigger world out there with lots of people in it. It’ll be possible for you to make new relationships, but working from home is part of your journey, and that’s a wonderful thing.<\/p>\n

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Remember to take care of yourself on a regular basis. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

17. Practice Self-Care<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you work from home, it can sometimes be difficult to practice self-care. After all, if you don’t go to an office anymore, who cares if your nails are perfectly manicured? Before you know it, you will suddenly let yourself go and your body will no longer be as well-kept as it once was. Remind yourself that self-care is all about taking care of yourself, for yourself<\/em>. Not anyone else.<\/p>\n

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Self-care can be really enjoyable. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Take long bubble baths after a long and stressful day. Put on a mud mask, or scrub your skin with a dry brush. Do whatever you know is going to help make you feel beautiful and pampered in the comfort of your own home. Or, go ahead and get yourself that manicure and hairstyling.<\/p>\n

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Always make sure there is a good work-life balance. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

16. Give Yourself Work-Life Boundaries<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you work from home, it can often become difficult to split up the time you spend working from the time you spend living your “real” life. It all sort of blends together throughout the day, and you may find yourself working until late at night. This can cause major issues for your mental well-being, and it can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.<\/p>\n

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It can be difficult to split up your time in a healthy way. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of putting 100% of your time and energy into your career, carve out some time that is purely devoted to your relationships. By doing this, you know that you will eventually see the people you care about at the end of the day. This makes it far less lonely when you’re working alone in the mornings and afternoons.<\/p>\n

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Make sure to make time for your friends. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15. Incorporate Socializing Into Your Weekly Routine<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even if you are married with kids, it’s still possible to feel very lonely. Hanging out with toddlers all day is not the same as having adult conversations. It’s still important to have friendships even well into adulthood. Sometimes, it can be far too difficult to include your friends in your life when you work remotely as a freelancer. Even though you have a flexible schedule, there is so much that needs to be done.<\/p>\n

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Shopping can be a good release from work. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Try to make the effort to carve out one day a week to see a friend or family member. You can also rotate who you see each week, so that the other party only has to commit to once a month. It’ll give you something to look forward to. Even on days when you feel isolated, you can remember that it’s not long until you hang out with friends again.<\/p>\n

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Your grandparents will probably be very happy to spend time with you. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14. Visit Your Parents, Grandparents, and Siblings<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you’re close with your family, your parents will likely be thrilled if you asked to hang out with them. And if your grandparents are still alive, they would surely appreciate your company too. Instead of only counting your friends as “hanging out” with someone, put a higher value on your family members. It’s truly a blessing if you get along well with them, and you should be able to count them as part of your friend group.<\/p>\n

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Ask your mom if she wants to hang out. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If your parents are not very busy, you may be able to stop by for a surprise visit. But it is wise to call them and ask if you can come over, or maybe even spend the night. As an adult, you may begin to appreciate your relationship with your parents more than before, and it can make you feel far more connected.<\/p>\n

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Reading a book can take your mind to another place. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13. Read a Book<\/span><\/h2>\n

Literature fans already know that a good book can bring you to another world. Even if you felt lonely before, picking up a good book can transport you into someone else’s shoes. By the end of the story, you may find yourself captivated by the characters in that world, rather than whatever is going on in your own life.<\/p>\n

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You will probably not feel very lonely when reading a book. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once you’re done reading the book, you will most likely have learned something from the story. This also gives you a lot to talk about with your friends and family the next time you see them. If you don’t enjoy fiction, you could read some self-help books on business, success, or even socializing.<\/p>\n

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Sometimes, all you need to feel better is Netflix. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12. Watch a Captivating TV Show or Movie<\/span><\/h2>\n

Just like reading a good book, a truly good TV show or movie will capture your attention. When your mind is transported to another time and space, it becomes easier to love spending time alone rather than feeling lonely. In fact, living alone and working remotely is a great excuse to binge-watch your favorite series. Who’s going to stop you?<\/p>\n

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A great movie can take you to another world. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Catching up with a TV show may also help your friendships, too, especially if everyone you know has been raving about the newest episode in a series. For example, back when Game of Thrones was still on the air, there were some people who could only talk about that. Anyone who wasn’t<\/em> watching it was left out of the loop. Whatever your friends are watching lately, try to catch up and join the conversation.<\/p>\n

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Try to plan a vacation with your family. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11. Plan Vacations With Your Friends and Family<\/span><\/h2>\n

There’s a misconception that working remotely is “easy,” and that it’s not necessary to take a vacation. This could not be further from the truth. Even if you make your own schedule, you may find that you actually work harder when you work from home. As your own manager, you decide how much time off you get. It’s time to make the executive decision that you deserve a vacation.<\/p>\n

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Planning a vacation gives you something to look forward to. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By planning a vacation with your family and friends, this gives you something to look forward to. Even if there is a day or two of loneliness, you can remind yourself that fun in the sun is just around the corner.<\/p>\n

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Going to the library will instantly surround you with other people. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10. Go to the Library<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have a ton of work to do and you think that coffee shops are too distracting, you should head to your local library. These are totally free, even if you do not live in that town. And you do not have to feel obligated to buy an expensive beverage as your ticket to entry.<\/p>\n

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Libraries are a great place to study. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Libraries may not be the place to make friends, but it still puts you in an environment where you are surrounded by people. Once you see how many people are quietly studying or working alone too, you’ll be reminded that you are not the only person with that lifestyle. This within itself can be comforting and make you feel less alone.<\/p>\n

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Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time during your commute. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9. Listen to Audiobooks<\/span><\/h2>\n

We already mentioned how books can help capture your imagination so that you do not feel so alone. If you’re too busy to read, a great solution may be listening to audiobooks. They are perfect to put on in the background if you have something physical to do, like photography, packing online orders, or cleaning. Depending on the book, the recordings can last eight to 10 hours. So you could easily listen to one book a week or more depending on the type of work you’re doing.<\/p>\n

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Audible allows you to take your books on any device. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you’ve never listened to an audiobook before, there are several ways to do it. Many older books have been uploaded on YouTube so you can listen for free. There are even free audiobooks available through your local library’s online borrowing system. But if there is a new best-seller you cannot seem to get your hands on for free, check out Audible<\/a>, where the first two books are free with your Amazon Prime subscription.<\/p>\n

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You can download the YouTube app on your smartphone. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Watch YouTube Videos <\/span><\/h2>\n

YouTube has so much free content online, it would be impossible to see it all in one lifetime. There are loads of people who choose to be “vloggers” or “video bloggers”. Many times, they will simply film their day or even do sit-down videos where they are having heart-to-heart conversations with their audience. There are even “muckbang” videos where you can watch people eating and talking.<\/p>\n

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Watch an unlimited amount of videos on the YouTube website. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When you are done watching one of these videos, it really does feel like you just had a conversation with someone, especially if you get to know them via their videos. Nowadays, nearly every device has the ability to download a YouTube app, including Smart TVs. Or you could pull up the website on your computer. Pretty much everyone should have access.<\/p>\n

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You may want to reach out to your friends on social media. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Interact With Friends on Social Media<\/span><\/h2>\n

Going on social media is a far cry from hanging out with someone in real life, but it may help to alleviate your feelings of total isolation. Go through your Facebook Feed and “like” your friend’s photos and leave a comment. They will likely respond to you, and you both may end up in a private message together.<\/p>\n

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Talking to your friends may be as easy as opening an app. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even if you only spend five or 10 minutes with a friend on Facebook Messenger, it’ll still remind you that you have people who want to spend time with you. Work is only temporary and you can always make plans to see them.<\/p>\n

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Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Find a More Social Side-Hustle<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your full-time job working from home is incredibly lonely, consider if you would ever go back to working a second gig. By having a side-hustle, you could potentially pay off your student loan debt a lot faster, and have money set aside of the future. Working in a retail store is always guaranteed to make sure you speak with a lot of people on a daily basis.<\/p>\n

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Uber is a good way to have a long conversation with someone. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not sure if you want to give up your freedom? You could always become a driver for Uber or Lyft and pick up customers through the app. More often than not, you can have a long conversation with the person you are giving a ride to. Plus, you’d be getting paid to socialize! It’s like killing two birds with one stone.<\/p>\n

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It is okay to only have a few good friends. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Focus on Quality Relationships Over Quantity<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you’re in high school and college, it’s easy to have a lot of friends because you see them every single day. But as you get older in your mid-to-late 20’s, everyone begins to go their separate ways. Many people may even move to different states to find work. A lot of people wonder if there is something wrong with them because the number of friends they have seems to be dwindling. This can cause a lot of loneliness, simply because they compare themselves to other people who seem to still have a lot of friends.<\/p>\n

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A best friend is all you need. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Remember that as you get older, this gives you less time to get close with someone. So if you had the same amount of friends that you did in high school, they would likely be very shallow relationships. It’s actually far better to have a small handful of people who are close in your life that you can trust. Try to remind yourself of the people who really matter and be grateful for their friendship.<\/p>\n

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Meetup.com may help you find new friends outside of work. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Sign Up For Meetup.com <\/span><\/h2>\n

If you move to a new city, it can be hard to meet new people, especially when you work from home. Luckily for you, there is a website called MeetUp.com. They’ll ask you to fill out your interests in a profile. Then, it brings up some options of where you could go to meet up with other people. This may be rock climbing, volunteering, sports, dancing, and more.<\/p>\n

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You may be able to join an existing meetup group. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just keep in mind that these groups will have already been established for a long time before you show up. For example, there may be a group that meets once a week at a soup kitchen. It’s very possible you will be the only person that week who is new to the group, so you’ll still have to use your social skills to introduce yourself and make new friends.<\/p>\n

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Dating apps can be a lot of fun. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Start Using Dating Apps<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your loneliness stems from being single, it can feel nearly impossible to meet someone new when you work from home. After all, with no coworkers to talk to, your potential pool of significant others has significantly dwindled down to nothing. Remind yourself that not all office romances work out like Jim and Pam from “The Office”. In fact, dating a coworker can become a total disaster. So your chances of meeting someone would remain the same, whether you work from home or not.<\/p>\n

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You may find a special connection by using a dating app. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the modern world, people are using dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. Make sure you’re transparent in your profile if you are looking for a relationship, or if you’re just hoping for a short-term fling. Some people even meet friends on Tinder, even if the dating experience does not work out.<\/p>\n

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Get up and stretch every so often. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Give Yourself Regular Breaks<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, if you feel as though your work-from-home experience is depriving you from human interaction, feeling better may be as simple as taking breaks more often. Get out of your desk, stretch, and take a walk around your house. If you live in a small apartment, go outside and go for a walk instead.<\/p>\n

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Make sure you take your breaks throughout the day. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A lot of people swear by the “pomodoro method,” which is when you give yourself a set amount of time to work nonstop before taking a break for several minutes. This cycle of work-break, work-break has helped many people become very productive in the workplace. It may help you get your work done faster so that you can spend more time socializing at the end of the day.<\/p>\n

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It may be a good idea to meet up with your co-workers every so often. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Suggest an In-Person Meet-up with Co-Workers<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you work remotely, you most likely have a team of people you talk to online, but you’ve never met them face-to-face. After working with someone online for years, you may feel as if you know them on some level, but not enough to fall them a “friend.” Well, you can change that. It could be as easy as suggesting that everyone with the company arranges a meet-up event.<\/p>\n

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Meeting your co-workers face to face can be a gamechanger. Credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you volunteer to organize the event, your boss will have less reason to say “no.” It’s very likely that your other co-workers feel curious to meet you, too. Once you all have the face-to-face experience, you’ll feel closer to them the next time you talk online. It may also escalate into feeling comfortable enough to call or text one another too.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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