With the rise of the pandemic in 2020 came the rise of a new work environment. Parents and kids began working from home through a virtual layout. Teachers would teach classes online, doctors would increasingly engage with patients via video call, and students would complete their homework and tests entirely virtually.
When the pandemic came to an end in 2021, things began to go back to normal.. but not entirely. As a world, we had created and adapted to a lifestyle in which lots of things could be done remotely. And, as we exited the pandemic, we didn’t necessarily leave things that we had created in the pandemic behind, one being the virtual work environment.
Nowadays, it seems like everyone has a job, or at least an aspect of their job, that they can do remotely. Although there are exceptions, like the nursing profession, a lot of jobs have elements that can be done through a computer.
There are both pros and cons of this newly-discovered work environment, but one of the cons that we observe as a society is the loneliness that comes with working from home. When someone is isolated all day, working through a screen and not interacting with others in a face-to-face environment, it’s easy to feel lonely. We’re humans after all, and are highly sociable beings.
If you work from home and are feeling lonely, just know that you’re not alone (no pun intended). I’ve been there, my friends have been there; the chance that you know someone who is feeling similarly is quite high. Just know that you’re not alone in this feeling of loneliness, and that there’s things you can do to help combat it, some of which are listed below.
4 Things You Can Do When You’re Feeling Lonely as You Work From Home:
1. Phone a Friend
One way to combat loneliness is by talking to others. Call your friend, and if they don’t answer, call your mom or dad. Getting a hold of someone and talking with them – whether it’s about how you’re feeling or about your day – will likely make you feel less lonely.
2. Go Sit in a Coffee Shop
If phoning a friend’s not going to do it for you, and you feel you need to see other people in-person, go to your local coffee shop. Being surrounded by others, especially in the buzz of a coffee shop, will help with this feeling of loneliness. And if you’re still feeling a bit down, try starting up a conversation with the person sitting next to you; you never know what talking to someone will lead to.
3. Make Plans with Someone After Work
Invite someone to do something with you after the workday. This way, you’ll have something to look forward to, which will likely bring your mood up and will offset that negative feeling of loneliness.
4. Read a Book or Go for a Walk or Run
Distracting yourself from your loneliness by indulging in a book or going for a walk or run could be the key to combating it. It’s different for every person, but when I feel lonely, I like to go on a run to get some fresh air and see the world. This generally decreases that feeling of loneliness for me, as I’m focusing on something other than that negative emotion.
Closing Remarks
These tips may not work for everyone, but I think they’re worth a shot. And if all else fails, just remember that the feeling of loneliness you’re experiencing is temporary and will pass, just as all emotions do.