LinkedIn news asked me to share my thoughts on some of the difficulties people are experiencing while working in isolation. There are a few tricks that really help.
#1 - staying with a morning routine. Every work day I go through a routine of exercise, showering, getting dressed (in my finest sweat pants!) If I miss my routine for any reason - I feel less energetic and less optimistic for the rest of the day.
#2 - When I take a break I often find myself on Reddit. I subscribe to ~100 SubReddits, and include a few where people with problems are asking for help. (subs like LOSEIT, NEEDAFRIEND, STOPDRINKING, JOBS). Many of the problems they are facing are problems that I solved for myself many years ago. I offer my perspective and usually receive a "Thank You." Receiving a "Thank You" from anyone always makes me feel better.
#3 - I now understand that many other people are feeling the same way, so I try to be a host, rather than a guest. I invite my friends over just to talk. When I attend an event, I now understand that many of the smiling faces are just masks, and the people behind the masks are grateful when I say hello and ask them how they are doing.
Knowing that others are feeling the same lonelyness, anxiety, and frustration that I often feel provides me with an opportunity to be helpful, and I really like it when someone sez "thanks!"
#AloneAtWork.
