Harry’s post brought to mind one of the biggest challenges working from home brings to people: isolation.
Working from home has plenty of perks. People can enjoy a job that fits their personality better. They can explore new career paths. They can combine earning income with home life and be with their family more often. Working from home can save on expenses like commuting and lets people establish their own hours.
But working from home has its downfalls too. I’ve mentioned having to deal with interruptions, disturbances, and being taken seriously. That’s a huge problem for many online entrepreneurs. Harry’s problem of isolation is another, and one that most people don’t realize occurs until it’s too late.
When working from home, it’s far too easy to get caught in the cycle of never going outside or seeing other people. Even in a cubicle job, there is always something going on around you and always people to see. Humans are social creatures, and being with others of our kind helps boost the mood and creativity. Those who aren’t mobile and who can’t get out suffer from lack of companionship and socializing.
Personally, I seem to have a built-in gauge of when I’ve been shut up too long. I have a few great days, productive and full. Then I start to feel restless. I can’t focus. Nothing seems to interest me. I feel caged, and start prowling and pacing like a lion. That’s my signal to drop everything and take a screw-off day.
That’s important. Working from home requires scheduling in time to recharge your batteries. Here are a couple of ideas to help:
Schedule time away from the computer. Choose two days of the week, like Mondays and Thursdays, and head to the park for some R&R.
Pair time away from home with exercise. Most people aren’t active enough. Pencil an evening walk around the block into your routine.
Develop the habit of going out. Socializing doesn’t always come easy when you haven’t been going out enough. Force getting outdoors until it becomes second nature.
Don’t be shy. People like to go with friends, but even if you’re alone, get out of the house. Find a nice coffee shop, pick a table and people-watch for an hour.
Buy a laptop. If you feel like you can’t step away from the computer, bring the computer with you. You can get outside and get work done.
Join a club or a gym. Find an activity you like and sign up for weekly lessons. If you don’t have a favorite activity, develop one. Take a course in pottery or archery; something new is always fun.
Even if the time away from home is just an hour or two a week, it’ll work wonders for your mood, your productivity and your creativity. The people around you will notice, and you’ll feel better overall as well.
