Happy Holidays! I hope you’ve been taking time to rest, celebrate, and enjoy time with loved ones.

Since kicking off this newsletter, I’ve been having endless conversations about remote work.

Typically, the conversations have been overwhelming positive. I’ve found people love the ability to work remotely – the freedom, flexibility, and greater control over their work. But like all things in life, there are downsides.

When you work from home, or move from place to place, it’s not uncommon to experience loneliness and isolation.

That’s one of the main reasons I started Remote Squad. I’m building a community here where, hopefully, it’s easier to connect with remote workers to chat, learn, and meet in person.

If you’ve been feeling the lack of community in remote work, then this one’s for you. This week, I’m sharing some tips for combating loneliness and isolation that will help you to thrive in the long term.

Enjoy!

🙌 In this issue:

You’ve hit the jackpot and found that epic remote job. Or perhaps you’ve started your own gig and no longer need to answer to a boss. Congrats! 🎉

While the initial stages of remote work can be rewarding with ultimate freedom and flexibility, that flexibility could turn into a curse if you don't have solid routines in place.

You no longer have to get up, get dressed, and head straight to the office. A huge win because suddenly those early morning hours are your own. ☀️

But…

If the option to stay home turns into a lack of routine, not seeing others, and isolating yourself, that can turn negative fast. 😕

Here are some tips for not only working remotely, but thriving while doing so!

Get a solid routine in place 💚

Thriving as a remote worker is simpler if you have a positive routine you can stick to. For me, that means rising early, putting on my active wear immediately, and heading out to walk in nature. My walk is a non-negotiable. I don't walk only if I feel like it, or if the sun is shining - I walk every single day.

Without a commute I could easily stay home all day, get bored, and start to feel isolated.

Instead, before 7:30 I’ve usually walked, meditated and had my green smoothie and I’m ready to dive into work. 😊

For you, it might be heading straight to your desk to plough through work before finishing up work early to head out for a run. It might mean going for a lunchtime swim, having a regular coffee date with a friend, or hitting the gym at the same time each day. 💪

Whatever it is, find it something that you enjoy and can stick to.

Mix up your setting 🏡

Working from home is awesome. However, when your home becomes your workplace, you can grow tired of being in the same space all the time.

Cafes, coworking spaces, and even friends houses are great places to get out of your usual setting and have a refresh. ☕

Working from different locations and settings can help to provide new perspectives, social interactions, and help you to get out of your home more often.

Have a zoom catch up 🖥️

In-person connection is absolutely essential for well-being, but don't overlook virtual connections too. Jumping on a Zoom call with a friend or colleague can, surprisingly, be just as nourishing as a real-life meetup. 👨‍👨

Outside of meetings, don't be afraid to suggest a Zoom catch-up for social reasons too. Whether you chat with a virtual colleague about work, life, or nothing in particular, that social connection can really pay off and combat feelings of loneliness.

Connect with other remote workers 🤩

While the office environment has plenty of downsides, one benefit can be a ready-made community. It's not uncommon for workers to go grab coffee together at morning tea time, enjoy Friday lunches, or go for a drink after work.

When you work remotely, that ready-made community can disappear. Thankfully, all is not lost.

You can create a new community by putting in a little effort. If you work from home all day or move from place to place, it's helpful to find others who do the same.

I’ve found people through Bumble BFF, networking events, and even friends of friends who I can remote work with. 𐦂𖨆

Get outside everyday 🌳

Finally, it might seem obvious, but being cooped up all day can really negatively impact your personal well-being.

Whatever your routine is, whatever hours you work, and regardless of how social you are, make sure you get outside.

Ideally, that will look like walking in nature, spending time in parks, or going to the beach. But even if you're walking in the busiest city in the world, being outside is essential for the soul. 💚🏕️

Have suggestions? Or want to feature as a success story? Feel free to email me: [email protected]

Until next time,
Chloe 👋

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