Remote Work and Isolation: Maintaining Mental Wellness

COVID-19 caused major and unprecedented disruptions worldwide. But it also stirred people to find new ways of living. Remote work was one of the major changes that came. A few people were doing it before, but now it is being taken with a new level of seriousness. The American Community Survey (ACS) estimated in 2021 that 27.6 million people engaged in remote work, and this number has steadily increased each year.

While working remotely has many good sides, it also poses a fair share of challenges, particularly isolation, that people can easily overlook. In this article, we will learn about the causes and impact of remote work isolation, strategies to overcome it, and tips for maintaining a healthy remote work-life balance.

Causes of Remote Work Isolation

It's important to look after your mental health when working remotely, especially if you have little to no interaction with other people.Photo byWindowsonUnsplash

Remote work isolation comes from the lack of daily face-to-face interactions with coworkers. Working from home can mean you can go for months without ever visiting the office, leading to little or no interaction. The lack of casual conversations, brainstorming sessions, and social engagements in a traditional office setup causes isolation. There is always that feeling of belonging that comes when you walk into the office, greet your colleagues, have a brief meeting in the morning, and work as you interact with other people. After all, we are social beings.

Another cause of isolation for remote workers is the comfort that comes from being home. You might have invested in home gym equipment and you get your groceries delivered to your doorstep, which further reduces your interaction time. It worsens if you live alone, and without a pet like a dog that needs to be taken for walking. Therefore, it is easy for you to go for weeks without going out.

The Impact of Remote Work Isolation on Mental Health

Remember, we are social beings. Therefore, remote work isolation can greatly affect your mental health. Even introverts need to talk to people, and completely isolating yourself because you are working remotely can have serious consequences. The lack of social interaction most times leads to feelings of loneliness, which can escalate to heightened anxiety, especially when you go out after a prolonged period of isolation.

Another effect of remote work isolation is you can end up having burnout and depression. You can unintentionally overwork yourself while working from home, for it is very challenging to have work and personal life balance. Also, lack of in-person support from colleagues is a contributing factor to depression. Work stress, when not dealt with properly, can decrease productivity. Eventually, if you are not careful, you can even lose your job, which will even worsen the state of your mental health.

Strategies to Combat Remote Work Isolation

Dealing with remote work isolation effectively requires discipline and intentionality. The first step is to build a sustainable self-care routine that will nurture your body, mind, and soul. Stick to your agreed working hours- if you don't finish something today, you can push it to tomorrow's to-do list. There is no reward for harming yourself. Also, it is very key for you to build intentional friendships. You can suggest to your friends that you have weekly meetups. It can be dinner, a nature walk, or a dance lesson.

In addition, make it a rule to get out of the house regularly. You can commit yourself to daily walks, or even sign up for a gym membership a few miles away, for these away will beat boredom and loneliness. If you’re single, don’t shy away from finding love- having someone to talk to, joke with, and check up on you always makes a huge difference. And for those who have families, remote work should be an opportunity for you to spend more time with your loved ones. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy, remote work-life balance that brings you joy while being productive at work.

Final Thoughts

Remote work offers convenience and flexibility, but it also has its challenges of isolation, which can negatively impact your mental health. Understanding the causes and effects of remote work isolation and implementing intentional strategies like building a sustainable self-care routine, building meaningful friendships, and maintaining a healthy remote work-life balance can help ensure your mental and physical health is thriving. Remember, prioritizing your mental health by being disciplined and intentional are the keys to a functional remote work environment.

Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.

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Article originally written by Joan Roberts.