When I first started working from home, it felt like a dream. Pyjamas all day, no commute, working on my own terms - what’s not to love?
But the more time passed, the more reality set in. The isolation crept up on me, and suddenly, the distractions of household chores, kids, and pets just took over. I lost my creative mojo, my motivation dipped, and the loneliness became overwhelming.
Sound familiar?
If it does – you’re not alone. Remote work can feel like the ultimate privilege, but it can also bring with it some serious mental health challenges - that few people talk about. Today, in line with RUOK? Day this month, we’re exploring some of the hidden struggles that come with working from home—and more importantly, what you can do to combat them.
1. Isolation & Loneliness
Your office mate might be your dog, and the postie’s delivery is the most human interaction you’ve had all day. Yep, remote work can be that isolating. Without the casual chats by the watercooler or the face-to-face interactions of an office, it’s easy to feel disconnected and isolated. And while Zoom calls can help, nothing beats the power of real human connection.
Solution: Schedule regular catch-ups with colleagues or join online groups to stay connected. Even better - get out of the house. Heading to a coworking space just once or twice a week can break the cycle of isolation and remind you what it’s like to work alongside others. A 30 minute chat over coffee can do wonders for your mood and motivation.
2. Lack of Boundaries Between Work and Home
The line between work and home life can blur quickly when your ‘office’ is your dining room table. It’s easy to get sucked into work at odd hours, leaving you mentally logged on long after the day should be done. Before you know it, you’re answering emails at 9pm and folding laundry in between meetings.
Solution: Establish clear boundaries. Set specific work hours - and stick to them. If possible, designate a separate space for work. And if the distractions at home are too much, consider working outside of your house for a day or so a week. Having a designated workspace outside of your home can help you keep work and personal life separate, so you can fully switch off when the day is done.
3. Burnout & Overwhelm
There’s a weird pressure with remote work to always be “on.” Maybe it’s because you’re at home, where your personal and work life blur, but it’s easy to overwork, skip breaks, and feel the creeping overwhelm of burnout.
Solution: Prioritise self-care. Take regular breaks, go for a walk, and don’t be afraid to close the laptop at a reasonable time. Coworking spaces can offer a great balance - giving you the structure you need to stay productive without the pressure of overworking. Plus, built-in breaks like a communal coffee machine (and the chatty people around it!) can help you step away from your screen and reset.
4. Distractions, Distractions, Distractions
At home, distractions are never far away. From laundry and dishes to Netflix and the kids, there’s always something vying for your attention. This constant distraction can leave you feeling frazzled and unproductive by the end of the day.
Solution: Structure is your friend. Set a daily routine and stick to it. If the distractions are still overwhelming, consider taking your work to a coworking space where you can focus in a productive environment – away from the chaos.
Reading this left you feeling like you need a change of scenery? Book a free trial day at The Foundry and see how coworking can help boost both your mental health and productivity.
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