5 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Social Life as a Remote Worker
Mandy Elliott is a freelance graphic designer and blogger. After working in a studio, she decided to leave the 9-5 life and work independently, as it fits her lifestyle more. When not working in her home office, Mandy finds time to hike and cycle in the mountains.
Once only possible for a select few, working from home has become a popular alternative for workers nowadays. Many traditional office jobs even offer flexible hours that can be done outside of the office. An estimated 20% of the global workforce enjoy the benefits of telecommuting, such as lower costs, flexibility, and increased productivity, but as Buffer's 2018 State of Remote Work points out, loneliness is a major downside to it. When there’s no interaction with colleagues on a daily basis, it’s easy to understand why this can be seen as a major health risk. The social science professors at Maryville University outline how important connections are — whether with friends, family, neighbors or fellow professionals — as they are the "building blocks of the human experience." Our relationships with others are what enrich our lives, and it’s important not to let telecommuting stand in the way of having a full and happy life. Read on for some tips on how to maintain a vibrant social life while being a remote worker.