Alright, goal diggers… This is a topic that I have personally wrestled with but have rarely talked about, and I think many of you can relate. WORKING FROM HOME CAN BE STRAIGHT UP HARD.  People often glamorize working from home and having your own schedule, but there are some challenges we just don’t talk about, aren’t there?

It can be lonely and draining and it is easy to go literally days without seeing anyone besides your roommate or husband. We’ve all been there . I used to be a self-proclaimed “hermit” until I realized that I genuinely needed outside interaction to be my best self. So if you’re like me, in today’s show I share how I combatted the loneliness that can come when you work for yourself from home with my top 10 tips to navigating loneliness in working from home.

1) Simple: Go on Walks

This is how I start every single day because not only will you almost always see a friendly face but it has added bonuses like clearing my mind, actually getting outside and leaving my house and exercise! More often than not, this will lift my spirits and even a small interaction with the outside world can make you feel less alone.

2) Join a network 

There are amazing online communities that may help you feel less alone even if you are *technically* alone. Find a community that offers you support, allows you to ask questions to the people who “get it” and understand you. I talk in this episode about my experience in groups and I cannot be more thankful for my own networks like the Goal Digger Podcast insiders who have been an invaluable support system. Join us here!

3) Join a Gym

Joining our local cross fit gym and interacting with like-minded people each day was a huge part in my not feeling so alone in my day to day. Find a place you love whether it’s your local gym, Cross Fit, Yoga, Barre or running club and bonus points because this will keep you active, fit and your mind fresh while meeting people and leaving your house. This has helped me be consistent in my workout routine, my work routine and has created accountability.

4) Seek out faith connections

No matter what your religious affiliation is, try to find like-minded people and get involved. I’ve found these groups to be intimate which has allowed me to create real bonds with people who share similar ideas which has been so good for my soul. Tune in to the episode where I share my personal story for this tip and how it helped me create a true network and made me feel more at home on Sunday’s in church. Spiritual growth and connection are also so good for your work so this tip comes with double benefits.

5) Rising Tide Society

For those that haven’t heard of it before, the Rising Tide Society is a network for creatives that help bond, support, and uplift one another. You can even meet in person at their Tuesday’s Together events and discuss relevant topics about creativity, business, inspiration and so much more. Listen to the episode to hear about my personal experience with this group and the connections I’ve made and the doors opened in my business because of working with them. You’ll find the people inspiring, genuine and just all around awesome. Connecting with the Rising Tide Society has made me feel less lonely because I’ve been surrounded by creative entrepreneurs. It’s a rare and unique field so being surrounded by like-minded people that get it is invaluable.

6) Prioritize Date Nights

It’s amazing how much quicker your day goes by when you know you have a date that night! It’s exciting and gives you something to look forward to and know you will be getting out of the house that day! These were especially important to me when I worked at home alone and Drew had a 9 – 5. I truly believe that investing in your relationship is one of the most valuable things you can do – for your mental health, business well-being, and soul.

7) Consider a Co-working Space

What is a co-working space? It is an area where people who work remotely can come together in a common community space. You don’t work together in the same business, but you meet in the same space and build a sense of community and see familiar faces. This can lead to friends, business connections, and collaborations. Many big cities have them but even my small town of 1,200 does too, so check it out for yourself!

8) Coffee Shops 

This is the best, most simple way I have learned to feel less alone! Just being out in public, seeing people and interacting with the barista makes you feel more community. Don’t just go to a coffee shop to keep to yourself, strike up conversations! If you become a regular, you’ll start to feel a connection and less lonely.

9) Bring indoor activities outside

If you read books to study your business, change things up and do it in local park or coffee shop! If you are writing a blog post, set up picnic style and get outdoors. Being outdoors alone is energizing, inspiring and you never know who you’ll meet!

10) Connect with your community!

One of my favorite ways to remind myself that my job is so much bigger than myself sitting alone in my office is engaging with and hearing from my audience. I love connecting online and it reminds me that there is the purpose in my solo work (regardless if it can be lonely!) I truly love hearing from you so if you have left a review for Goal Digger, I PROMISE I read every single one and it gives me soooo much fire to work harder. Connecting and outreach remind you of the “why” behind your biz which can instantly get rid of that lonely feeling.

Working from home will be lonely at times, almost without fail! But you can take charge and make small changes in your daily routine that’ll leave you feeling renewed, energized and fulfilled. Do you have any work from home tips to combat loneliness? I’d love to hear them, comment below!

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