Working from home gives you the flexibility and convenience you want for your lifestyle. However, it may be challenging for some when they don’t get to have the kind of interactions that take place in a typical office setting.
There are some ways you can overcome feelings of isolation while working remotely. These will also help you take care of yourself when you’re stuck at home.
Get Dressed
When you work from home, you still want to maintain your professionalism. This means making sure that you get up and get dressed as you normally would.
While it doesn't seem like much, you will soon find that this is a crucial step in transitioning to your new work arrangement.
When you stay in your pajamas while working, you may find yourself not as productive as you would be if you had gone to the office.
If your remote position requires video conferences, that is another reason to get up and get ready as normal. The social interaction during the meetings will be helpful for combating loneliness and isolation.
Embrace Virtual Meetings
Since you will no longer meet up with your colleagues in person, virtual meetings are more important than ever.
They bring everyone back together as a team and still allow team members to engage in "water cooler" talk as they would if they were in the office.
Use technology to your advantage as a way to remain social with your coworkers. Regular meetings also help you get things done quickly and more efficiently since everyone will be on the same page and work toward the same goal.
Take Advantage Of The Flexibility
Remote positions offer a fair amount of flexibility. If you become overwhelmed, you can get up and walk away from your desk for a while.
You can go for a walk, take a bath, water your plants, or do anything that will melt away your stress and regain focus.
Self-care is something that shouldn't be overlooked, especially when you are dealing with heavy feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Take a break from work and treat yourself to a bath, which you can make even more soothing with our Muscle Bath Soak.
Soaking in a bath with essential oils can help you relax and find balance. The mild aromatic scents will help melt the stress away without overwhelming your senses.
A warm bath is the perfect ending to a day of work or the ideal getaway when you need it most.
When you use essential oils for bath and soaking, you can get some relief from discomfort while allowing yourself to unwind and experience something luxurious.
Essential oils for bath can ease the mind, relieve stress, and revitalize you.
Make Plans After Work
While you can't go somewhere with your fellow remote employees after work, you can certainly plan for an exhilarating night at home to help you wind down at the end of the day.
In addition to a nice bath, watch a movie you haven't had the time to check out.
Another great way to beat isolation and loneliness while working from home is to invite your family and friends to watch the movie with you in the comfort of your own home.
You can set up a watch party with several people and either do a video call or message one another during or after the movie.
Similar to how virtual work meetings can help you stay connected with others, you want to take advantage of the technology available to you to stay in contact with those you would typically see on a regular basis.
Some even set up virtual coffee dates with friends via Skype or Zoom just to catch up. Here’s a fun tip: have a relaxing foot soak while you sip coffee and talk with your loved ones.
It never hurts to put events like this on your calendar to break up the monotony of your new remote work position.
Overcoming Challenges
With so many adapting to work-from-home positions nowadays, more people may find themselves feeling isolated and facing mental health challenges along the way.
For this reason, you must set up and establish a support system to help you get through these times.
Stay connected with all the people in your life, including your coworkers, and have a system in place for when you begin to feel the effects of isolation.
Use your existing network to reach out, even if it’s just for a quick chat.
Establish A New Routine
Finally, it is important to establish a new routine as you settle into your new position. Don't let your personal time overlap with your work time.
Again, self-care is essential and must be kept separate from work. It is easy to fall into bad habits and not establish parameters for when it is time to work and when it is time to focus on yourself.
For example, schedule work for a set amount of hours during the day; set aside time for virtual socialization with friends, family, and coworkers; and reserve the end of the day for yourself and your health and wellness.
Even during this time of social distancing and self-isolating, take the time to call a friend, read a book, start a new hobby at home, and have a relaxing essential oil bath.
For other aromatic essential oil soaks you can incorporate into your self-care routine at home, visit our online store to see our wide range of products.
If you follow these tips and engage in self-care at home, you can start overcoming isolation and loneliness and make your remote work journey as bump-free as possible.