Battling Isolation, Loneliness and Distractions when Working from Home

Working from home has its many benefits; zero commuting, comfortable clothes, flexible schedule, custom environment, etc.

But let’s admit it. Working from home comes with some considerable challenges as well.

Loneliness, feelings of isolation and depression are common dangers of working from home. And it can be tough for anyone. Especially during a time like this, when the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic and you are in quarantine - and will be for weeks to come.

Here are some tips that can help you survive these uncertain times and be actually more productive.

A dedicated space to work

It can help you psychologically if that space is solely devoted to work. Plus it can help minimize outside distraction such as noisy kids. Although it doesn’t have to be a separate room with a door that can close, having a dedicated workspace (a desk and a chair) will help you stay organized.

Establish working hours

Flexible working hours is a favorite benefit of everyone working from home. But when you work remotely, the line between work and personal time tends to get blurry. So it’s important that you maintain a schedule for work with planned breaks in between. Start and end your day around the same time every day and be mindful to notify others when you are away.

Regular team meetings

Staying connected to your team over video calls, group chats, or phone calls is important when everyone’s remote. These different methods of interacting with each other helps maintain the team spirit and avoid isolation. Keep in touch with everyone outside work as well; you can form WhatsApp or Facebook groups, separate Slack channels for fun conversations, have virtual lunch calls, etc.

Take regular breaks

Use this time to go outside and get some fresh air or talk to someone at home while enjoying a coffee or tea. A change of scenery other than your computer screen will help you re-energize yourself.

Consider a coworking space

Working from home doesn’t mean you have to work in solitude. Set up coworking days with your colleagues; you can spend these outside your home (i.e. at a coffee shop, your friend’s place, or a coworking space). This will allow you to be surrounded by other people and activity, which can be a much needed change after days of working all by your lonesome.

Allocate time to work out

Schedule in some time to work out in your day to keep fit while working from home This can be a powerful way to recharge your brain and emotional health. To keep things more interesting, you can join an online group fitness class. This will give you another opportunity to connect with more people.