While working at home, people end up working in isolation for days. As human beings, we need social interaction, in the absence of which we start getting alone. So here are a few solutions to cope up with the loneliness problem.
Meditate
This is the most effective approach to bring inner peace. Many renowned businessmen believe that mediation can, in fact, calm down our senses. Bill Gates, in one of his interviews, has said he believes that mediation is simply an exercise for the mind in a way sports are to our muscles. Exercising the brain is important to revive it from the daily workload. It keeps mind fresh and brings in positivity, a trait critical while working alone.
Arrange coworking sessions
This is a good option to catch up with colleagues. Frequent virtual coworking sessions over video calls can keep the employees accompanied. Having conversations while working gives a feeling that the employees are in fact sitting together, which subsequently helps in straying away from the loneliness.
They can also indulge in watercooler conventions or informal talks every now and then. Gossiping, pulling each other’s legs strengthens bonds and also lets them vent the work stress. Such coworking and get-together sessions are very important and should be exercised regularly.
Connect with family and friends
The family never leaves hands even if we get busy in our own lives. They are always there. So are true friends. It’s never a bad idea to pick up that phone and make a call and talk to them. Just like having a secure job, being in touch gives a sense of safety net that we have someone to turn to when things go south.
Switch working places
One of the unknown reasons for getting frustrated working from home is sitting in the same place for days. No change in the working environment is bound to make anyone sick of it. In ideal scenarios, people can go out to parks, cafes, etc. once in a while to get some change in ambiance and fresh air.
But since during the homestay they cannot go out, people need to make changes within their homes itself. It’s a good idea to try working near windows or balcony to get fresh air and sunlight. Or if shifting is not possible then making the work corner bright and lively can do wonders to bring positivity and keeping away the gloomy and negative vibe.
Get some music
Listening to music while working is a great way to uplift your mood. Nobody feels lonely while hitting those rock or EDM music. According to a Workplace Insights report, half of the employees under the study agree that listening to music while working makes them more productive.
In fact, different music genres have different impacts on mood and concentration. For example, listening to fast music like rock, EDM helps in increasing one’s enthusiasm and productivity, while turning on soft music helps in concentrating on work.
Take advantage of the time
Since working from home gives the advantage of working at one’s comfort, might as well make some use of it. Taking frequent breaks helps in refreshing and replenishing. Employees should be encouraged to adopt some hobby to pursue in free time. Doing nothing in the free time is dangerous and that’s what leads to loneliness the most. It’s important to have at least one hobby of interest which anyone can turn to when bored.
Structure your day
Getting all haywire is never a good option. It only creates more confusion and one may end up doing nothing, and consequently feeling low and sad. It’s important to plan each day, giving equal time to work and oneself. As long as it is important to complete the work, self-care is also important. It’s advisable to divide the day accordingly where they complete the office work, household chores, and get some personal time as well, to stay away from all the negativity and loneliness.
Embracing the change
At last, we all must learn to accept the situation we are in. We are all hoping and praying for things to go normal so we can start going back to our offices again. But till then, we have to adopt this new routine and keep finding new ways to keep ourselves busy and motivated.
Embracing it and acting accordingly is the only way to move forward. Don’t resist the change. The more the resistance, the harder it gets for anyone to adapt to the situation. Welcome the change with open arms and go with the flow. It becomes way easier than to accommodate in it and change the routine. This is the best way to keep us all occupied and happy in any situation.