Working remote is inherently more independent and prone to lonliness
Though there are many advantages to working remotely, there are some concerns. The biggest in my opinion is possible lonliness.
Here are 5 ways I fight social isolation while working remote:
1. Get Outside With Friends
Exercise is essential to keeping a healthy mind and body. Exercise with a group is helpful for keeping a healthy mind and body, and to fight loneliness. Exercise outside with a group is the trifecta. I have found F3 to fit this bill- and it’s been excellent. It’s a nationwide group of men who meet early mornings at a local park to workout. For free! And we usually get coffee to chat afterwards- bonus social time. If you are a man- look this one up.
2. Plan Lunch Walks With People In Your Neighborhood
I believe that 90% of my neighborhood is working remotely. Seriously! Me and the lady across the street were the only ones still going into a traditional office last time I checked. In preparation for my new remote life I texted about 5 of my local friends who I know worked remotely. They all pinged me back- more than willing to meet to walk at lunch.
I made a “walk schedule” and am busy filling up the days- aiming for 2-3 days a week that I will meet someone to walk at lunch- conveniently right out my front door.
3. Work Meet-Ups
During my orientation, I learned that there is a “all hands” meeting every week where all the department meet online to discuss pertinent topics. This will be helpful to not remained siloed in my unit, but broaden my exposure to the entire team.
There are also informal “coffee breaks” where you meet up 1-2 times per week with a few folks from the department and talk about life- the only topic you cannot discuss is work.
I plan on taking full advantage of both of these opportunities to build relationships with those in my online department.
4. Look Into Joining A Fraternal or Religious Organization
Fraternal and religious organizations have long been connecting points and some have argued that part of our loneliness epidemic is due to the fall of these types of outlets. F3 (discussed above) might fall into a loose fraternal organization. But to further build out my social structure I will rely on my religious organization (read Church) as well. I want to commit to attending more Sunday services than not as a way to insure not only a social outlet, but to also feed my soul. Couple that with meeting with my small men’s group from church at least once a month, and that should set me up for success.
5. Friendships
- Friendships:
Lest I loose sight- I already have a group of friends who me and my family are close to. I am aiming to certainly keep those friendships up with routine meals out, Mt. Bike rides, movie nights, or whatever else we can do. The point is- lets do SOMETHING!