Beating the Work-at-Home Isolation Blues

One of the disadvantages that affect people who work from their home is a sense of isolation. Here are some ways to combat it before things get serious.

Some of the biggest benefits of working from your home is that you have the option of setting your own schedule, can spend more time with your spouse and children, and earn a paycheck without the stress of working in a tiny cubicle. But, as with most anything, there is a downside. One of the drawbacks that plague people who work from their home is a sense of isolation. It may take days, or even weeks to develop, but sooner or later, feelings of loneliness or separation from the human race will inevitably creep up on you. Don't let such feelings take root. If you do, your mood, your mental and physical wellbeing and even your business may be negatively affected.

Many work-at-home entrepreneurs spend the entire day within the confines of their house. Despite the convenience of eating your meals or snacks in your own kitchen and the benefit of being able to interact with family members at will, most business contact is done over the phone or via e-mails. While at first, this may seem like paradise to many just starting out, continued isolation from others can ultimately affect not only your disposition, but the quality of your work as well. Thankfully, there are several ways in which you can actively combat encroaching depression or a sense of seclusion and thrive in your home-based business.

Takes Breaks

Have you ever noticed that many employees who work in offices or structured environments take brisk walks on their lunch break? Not only does the exercise burn calories, but it's also the best way to get some fresh air and release some of the tension and stress that builds up from your job. It provides a chance to meet friends and interact. When you work from your home, try to maintain a schedule of working hours that suits not only your customers, but your temperament as well. Every few hours, try to get outside for a while. Walk your dog. Walk around the block.

Stay Healthy

Because you may spend hours every day sitting behind your computer or talking on the phone with clients, it's important to stay as physically active as possible. Membership at a gym is a perfect way to not only socialize, but to work out on a regular basis. Working at home makes frequent trips to the refrigerator tempting. While walking a treadmill or stationary bike in your garage may provide exercise, it doesn't allow you to get out and mingle with others. Even if you're not inclined to talk much at the gym, you at least get out of your house and away from your 'office', providing a relief from stress or a break from your work.

Go Somewhere! Do Something!

Many of those who work from home have turned what used to be their hobby into their new business. So, it's time to find a new hobby, one that isn't related to your work. Try sports. Many cities have city teams for just about every sport you can imagine. If you're not up to that, attempt to schedule a standing 'movie night' with spouse or friends. Joining local book clubs or other activities offered by your community is a great way to explore new options at a very minimal cost.

Have Laptop, Will Travel

Investing in a laptop computer may be the best decision you will ever make. A laptop allows you to work anywhere, from the beach, the park, the local library, or even your front porch. Most coffee shops and teahouses offer tables and cozy settings, so take your work out for the day.

Think about a Part-Time job

While you more than likely started working from home because you were tired of the typical 9-5 routine and may feel reluctant to get back into it. But if you're suffering from increasing feelings of loneliness and isolation, picking up a part time job may be just the ticket for you. Or, if you don't want the obligations of a regular job, try volunteering at your local school, hospital, or local senior care facilities. The work will encourage you to connect with others and may provide enough of a break from your work at home job to keep you fresh and mentally stimulated. Extra money never hurts.

Join a Local Support Group or Club

Support groups and clubs abound in every community. Groups or clubs that support hobbies, emotional therapies and home-based businesses are there to offer member support and feedback. If you want to gather with others who work from home and there isn't a local group, you may want to think about starting one. Finding out that you're not the only one with specific worries or concerns will help you feel less isolated and the support and/or encouragement you get from others, as well as what you have to offer, will go a long way to soothe negative feelings.

While these are just a few ideas of how to combat separation from others while you work from home, they all provide a common goal, and that is to force you to leave the comfort and isolation of your home and mingle with others. Human contact is as vital to your well being as your physical condition. So take the time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, talk with your neighbors or visit with friends. Your family will thank you and you'll benefit from human contact. So what do you have to lose? Get out there and enjoy your freedom!

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