5 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Social Life as a Remote Worker
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Mandy Elliott is a freelance graphic designer and blogger. After working in a studio, she decided to leave the 9-5 life and work independently, as it fits her lifestyle more. When not working in her home office, Mandy finds time to hike and cycle in the mountains.
Once only possible for a select few, working from home has become a popular alternative for workers nowadays. Many traditional office jobs even offer flexible hours that can be done outside of the office.
An estimated 20% of the global workforce enjoy the benefits of telecommuting, such as lower costs, flexibility, and increased productivity, but as Buffer's 2018 State of Remote Work points out, loneliness is a major downside to it. When there’s no interaction with colleagues daily, it’s easy to understand why this can be seen as a major health risk.
The social science professors at Maryville University outline how important connections are — whether with friends, family, neighbors, or fellow professionals — as they are the "building blocks of the human experience."
Our relationships with others are what enrich our lives, and it’s important not to let telecommuting stand in the way of having a full and happy life. Read on for some tips on how to maintain a vibrant social life while being a remote worker.
1. Find a co-working space
The rise in the number of remote workers has created a demand for co-working spaces. Whether this is a cafe, a library, or an actual establishment dedicated to remote workers, these spaces create opportunities for social interaction. Plus, it’s also a great way to network with fellow professionals. SIMPLEnetworking’s Chi Chi Okezie claims that networking also helps develop interpersonal skills, aside from the obvious purpose of networking, which is to advance your career.
A note from Jason Scott Montoya on coworking spaces: Coworking spaces are an incredible opportunity to meet new people and network. I've attended numerous events at these spaces and have had a variety of connections, new clients, and great friends. It's also easy to host events and have a place to work when traveling.
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2. Interact with people in public places
If you prefer to work in the comfort of your own home, you should still make it a point to get out of the house regularly.
Take your dog for a walk, get a cup of coffee, pick up some groceries, and find different ways to get some fresh air. And while you’re outside, strike up a conversation with other people if you can. For example, talk to a fellow pet owner, the barista at your favorite coffee house, or the bagger at the supermarket.
Even engaging in small talk is already a big step up from being stuck in front of your computer all day. You never know, it might even lead to some meaningful connections.
A note from Jason on people and public spaces: These public spaces can be both physical and digital. I once struck up a conversation with a fellow Twitter (now X) user and it turned out we both lived in Atlanta. We got together in person and have been great friends ever since.
There have also been many moments along the journey since I moved to Atlanta in 2005 where I've met people including clients by taking the step to talk with strangers in public. You never know where it might lead.
3. Join online communities
There are some instances where going outside might be out of the question.
So how do you interact with other people? Simple: you do it online. Many remote workers suggest joining and participating in online communities like Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and forums.
These groups often share their personal experiences, which can foster a sense of belongingness among the members.
Or, it can also be about topics unrelated to remote work, which is a great way to broaden your horizons.
A note from Jason on online communities: Staying connected with our industry network and friends is easier than ever with digital communities. There are friends, family, and colleagues I stay in touch with because of the way technology makes it possible. I've also got clients all around America, and digital networks make it seem like we're right near each other.
4. Make it a point to meet up with family and friends
You might be tired from working, but it’s important to set aside time to meet up with your family and friends to avoid loneliness. This is why you need to establish boundaries with the way you do work.
It might be tempting to slack off when there’s no supervision, but that just takes away from the time you can spend nurturing personal relationships.
A note from Jason on friends and family: I understand the importance of staying on top of our freelancing work and taking care of our clients. But, don't forget about the people you care about most. No one, on their deathbed, regrets not working more, but people regret not prioritizing time with the people they love. If it is not happening, schedule time with people you love into your calendar.
5. Attend fitness classes
Before you scoff at this one and leave the page, hear us out: going to the gym is a great way to meet and bond with people.
Well + Good contributor Emily Laurence recommends signing up for fun group workouts, like circuit classes, and trying something out of your comfort zone, like meditation. This sparks an immediate connection with fellow participants and you can talk about your experience.
Additionally, you’ll also get to incorporate more physical activity than you probably get with remote work.
A note from Jason on health and fitness: Two of the checkpoints in Path of the Freelancer are about staying healthy and building an emotional support community. Working out and going to the gym can be a way to make both of these happen, particularly if you're not living out these ideas elsewhere.
Concluding Thoughts From Jason
Working remotely is an incredible privilege that technology has made possible. When we live and work with people in person, many dynamics unfold organically. So, when we work remotely it's vital we understand those lost dynamics and intentionally recreate them so we can continue flourishing as freelancers.
If the journey does take a toll, it may be worth exploring mental health choices to keep yourself mentally strong. SafetyWing provides the option to add wellness therapies and mental health care to your plan. If you're a remote worker, check out their package and see if it can help you flourish in your freelancing path.
Additional Resources
- Working from Home: A Guide to Creating a Healthy and Productive Workspace
- The young professional’s guide to mental health while remote working and career planning
- A complete guide for businesses: Making remote working actually work
Hero Photo by The Creative Exchange on Unsplash
