Working from home and being your own boss certainly has it’s benefits but it is super easy to feel lonely and get those work at home blues. Use these tips to beat those work at home blues!
I have been my own boss and working from home for nearly one year now. Hard to believe it has gone so quickly. As you probably know, working from home really does bring a ton of benefits. Set your own hours, no crazy office drama, flexible, not having to worry about a boss or manager looking over your shoulder, and most importantly having more time for your family. As I sit here and think about my time as a work from home mom I am thrilled with everything that I have gotten to experience in the last year. More time to volunteer at work, less chores on the weekend and not having to worry about working in the evening (unless I want too!). But, there are some disadvantages to working from home as well. Today I am sharing some tips for beating those work at home blues and loneliness.
Beat Those Work At Home Blues
Set Lunch Dates.
When you worked in an office you would partake in the office lunch trips or just a casual quick chat in the hallway. Guess what? You still deserve to have those lunches. Maybe you have some other work at home friends you can set monthly lunch dates with or even call up those coworkers you used to work with in the office. You know they want a break from the every day office grind. Not only do these lunch dates get you out of your home office but it gives you time to connect and socialize.
Find A Mobile Office.
We all get into ruts which means our productivity goes down. I find that if I escape to a coffee shop or local eatery and schedule a 2 hour block to get work done I am on fire! Plus I find my motivation this way. Switching up the scenery for your office can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing and you never know who you will start a conversation with. Connections are great.
Get Up From Your Work.
Talk a walk, do the dishes, or fold the laundry. Take advantage of the benefit of being at home! Feeling attached to your computer or work place can really make you feel stuck. Make rules for yourself to get up and move through out the day. I always feel super tired after a day of being at my computer the WHOLE day. A simple walk about the block or even some housework can really break of that day.
Connect Through Out The Day.
How many of you work at home moms feel like you do not talk to another adult for the whole day? It is so weird when I have days like that. I say goodbye to my husband at 7:30am and do not talk to another adult until he gets home from work at 5:00pm! CRAZY!! So, pick up the phone, say hello to one of your friends or colleagues. Utilize apps like Marco Polo or Facetime to actually see those people. For those that do not like talking on the phone (yes you!) text messages count too!
Self-Care Time.
Yes, you are working and you have work to do but take advantage of the flexible hours you can keep by setting aside some self care time through out the week. Take a bath, read a book, bake your favorite cookies, go get your nails done, or even watch your favorite movie. We all deserve to have hobbies and likes, continuing these things when you are working from home is so important.
I have to be honest, there are days that I miss the office fun and chats but when I am purposeful with my work day and incorporate these tips I know my decision was the best decision I could have made for my career, my family and my mental health!
You Might also like these articles on working from home:
Hello Blog Job
So You Are A Full Time Blogger…Now What?
Building A Productive Work From Home Schedule
I work outside the home, but I do have some friends that work from home and I try to ask them out of lunch dates so they actually get to interact with other adults. Great tips and advice here. I will share with them
You’re totally right, we definitely need time for ourselves, whether that’s enjoying a hobby or relaxing with a book in hand. When working from home it can sometimes feel like a prison and you’re chained to your desk.
These are such helpful tips! My work is a mix of both in and out of home, but more at home so at times, I tend to procrastinate so these pointers really come in handy. I will keep them in mind!
I work outside the home for the most part but on those extended times when I get to work from home I try to get away from the house ESPECIALLY if it’s a nice day. Nothing like sitting outside on a warm, Spring day to quell those work at home blues. Even if it’s just sitting outside in your backyard. Something about the change of venue that helps lift the spirits.
I have worked at home for 7 years now and can totally relate. Great tips!
These are great ways to beat the work at home blues.