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Resist Becoming a Hermit When Working from Home

07 September 2021

As conventional 9-5 employees migrate to working at home, most of them do so to enjoy the variety of working time and the independence that was not available in their previous jobs. When these employees venture into new territory, they become so accustomed to being within their boundaries that they purposely have to make human contact. Given the autonomy that working remotely provides, a dark figure lurks in the background, waiting to seduce you into existence as a recluse or hermit. Being too at ease as a remote worker might be harmful to your health and social life.

It can happen to even the most seasoned teleworkers. That happens a lot to those that have worked at home for a long time. You acquire an excellent virtual job, set up your home workspace with a personalized desk configuration, and settle in quickly. Nonetheless, after a while, you become a tad too comfortable. It's been five days since you left your house, and the freezer is empty—which you haven't realized because you've never had a good lunch hour in weeks. When's the last time you wore something other than your sweatpants?

According to a report, work-from-home employees in the United States work 43 percent more than the typical 40 hours per week. While working remotely can enhance productivity, it also increases the risk of isolation and impostor syndrome, resulting in depression and burnout. These dangerous hazards can be worsened merely because you are not held physically accountable, such as the janitor turning off the lights. According to research, a lack of social connection may cause depression, and it is nearly impossible to connect with your productive side when depressed.

Even if you don't become depressed, spending far too much time alone might be a drag. I wanted the flexibility to decide to work anywhere I chose and the benefit of staying in touch with friends and family, so here are a few methods to prevent becoming a total recluse.

Work With a Buddy

Work With a Buddy

If you have several friends or colleagues that telecommute, form a team and collaborate. Or, your coworker does not have to be a remote worker as well. Work with some other friend each week, even if they work a regular 9-5 office job. You may meet after work in a café to work on your tasks together. You could be in entirely different industries, but the critical thing is that you go out of the house and engage with another human being.

Schedule Time to Exercise

Schedule Time to Exercise

Developing a healthier lifestyle is especially crucial when working alone at home because being too comfy at home can be dangerous to health. According to several experts, sitting is the new smoking, and it can cause a bad back and have the same impacts as smoking. The easiest method to counteract this is to set aside time each day to work out, which might be as easy as going for a 30-minute stroll or joining a gym. If you would like to keep active inside your home, even during work hours, you may look into using ergonomic innovations such as a sit-stand desk, an adjustable desk riser, or an under-desk bike. These equipment are perfect for office or home use, promoting movement even while doing a desk job most of your days. They could even be portable, moving from one room to another area around your home.

See all ergonomic solutions for your workspace at home by clicking here!

Choose Phone Calls Over Messages

Choose Phone Calls Over Messages

Emails, SMS, Slack, and even social networks are the most common forms to contact between you, your colleagues, and customers when working from home. Because these modes of communication reduce contact with humans, you could decide on audio or video conversations instead of relying solely on text-only connections. Make work-related calls to teammates and clients before commencing the day's task to stay linked to life outside the house; doing so might help you organize goals for the day.

Plan an Outfit the Night Prior

Plan an Outfit the Night Prior

It may seem ridiculous to select an outfit to wear at home, but it will keep you from donning the same monotonous sweaters and stretchy pants again and again. Approaching your workday as if you were heading to an office assures that you are up and properly clothed. You will be prepared for almost anything. What you consider to be "ready" is entirely up to you, but you should always fix your bed. It also implies that you can use your morning ritual for other purposes.

Establish a Routine

Establish a Routine

Make a habit of getting up around the same time every day, avoiding working in bed, eating well, and working out. Set a definite time for breaks, lunch hour at noon, and stick to it. Set a regular time to end the day, watch your favorite miniseries after work, and hang out with pals when the occasion arises. 

You might also start your brain working in the morning—and the proper direction. Whatever activities you pick, they should be entertaining and interesting enough to keep you motivated to get up and do them day after day, with a dose of new knowledge or the application of creativity thrown in for good measure. Writing and reading on side projects, a short morning meditation, a stroll with your dog or play with your cat, and a shifting collection of overnight oats variations are all options.

Work Outside of Your Home

Work Outside of Your Home

Make use of the fact that you are a virtual worker, which allows you to work from anywhere, whether it's a sandwich shop, a co-working environment, or a new country. A new workspace can encourage you to experiment and can boost your creativity. Being able to work from anywhere also allows you to travel during off-seasons when flights and lodgings are less expensive.

Step Out for Lunch

Step Out for Lunch

Even if you don't have someone to meet up with, you can leave for lunch. Lunch is an excellent opportunity to get out of your home, engage with others, and refuel your thoughts.

Connect and Network

Connect and Network

Networking might be intimidating for introverts and hermits. It could be the most unpleasant aspect of your job. Striking pleasantries with a large group of strangers can be nerve-racking. However, if you shift your perspective, it may be gratifying. It's not that bad if you regard it to interact with like-minded individuals and support others whenever possible. And it's a better method if you're afraid of social relationships in the first place. Begin viewing networking as a platform to communicate ideas and a way to assist others. The more you help others, the more you will receive without really asking anything in return.

Working from home has numerous advantages. You are free to work at your own pace and in your very own space. There are, nonetheless, drawbacks such as isolation, seclusion, and an absence of social engagement. That is why taking time away from the house will help you become much more productive and maintain better mental health.