Even if you’re a massive introvert, it’s not unheard of to feel a little bit of loneliness as a freelancer.
You might love being a sole trader and not miss having colleagues. But the truth is, we all need a little human contact to stop us from isolating ourselves. Or worse, suffering major mental health problems (see, Poor Mental Health, Freelancing and Me).
So, if you feel stuck in a self-imposed rut, or you want to bookmark this article to look back on it in four years when you finally feel a bit lonely working on your own, carry on reading.
13 ways to overcome loneliness as a freelancer
Feeling lonely at work can happen if you’re in an office full of people. But that loneliness is highlighted more when you only have yourself for company. Here are thirteen ways to help you get a little more human contact to stop yourself from going stir-crazy:
One. Get dressed
What?
Getting dressed is good for working, psychologically and your mental health.
Sitting in your PJs puts you in a lazy mindset. You don’t have to stick a suit on, just have a wash and put on some comfortable clothes. Staying in your pyjamas makes you feel like you don’t care, and if those thoughts start creeping in, you’re in for a lot of negative self-talk.
And when you’re being negative about yourself, that makes for some very long work days.
Two. Structure your day
Buy a page-a-day diary and write what you’re going to do that day (including tea/coffee and lunch breaks). Seeing what you have to do keeps you motivated.
Fill that dairy with stuff like:
- Write a blog post
- Create social media images
- Post on LinkedIn
- Email a past client to see if they need work
- Clear out the stock room
Even on the quietest days, there’s always something to do in your business.
Keep yourself busy, and you’ll spend less time in your head.
Three. Work in a cafe
Cafes are great for people-watching, WiFi and eating sausage on toast, right?
Absolutely!
But they’re also great for working in. They’re always busy, and you feel the buzz of the people around you. Sure, you’ll get distracted, but it’s better than staring at a wall (which we all do). Working in cafes is a particular favourite of mine because I find I’m pretty productive.
Try and work outside your home or office at least one day per week, once a fortnight minimum.
Four. Work in a co-working space
If you can’t afford an office, co-working spaces offer free days or affordable rates if you want to drop in and out whenever it suits you.
Co-working spaces give you the feeling of working in an office, helping to reduce loneliness as a freelancer.
You can also meet and collaborate with people working in businesses that complement yours, expanding your network and giving you the opportunity to get more work.
Five. Get outside as often as you can
A study by Mentalhealth.org.uk states that “Ten minutes of brisk exercise is enough to improve mental alertness, energy and mood.”
Walking before and after work is great to break up your working day – especially if you work from home. It’s like commuting to and from work, and you know in the evening that work is over for the day when you get back.
If you work in a shop or office, get out during your lunch break, or ditch the car and cycle instead.
Six. Meet a friend for lunch
Struggling with isolation working from home?
Then choose to work in a cafe near where a friend works – then meet them for lunch.
Seeing a friendly face will boost your mood and make you feel completely relaxed. I meet my friend Wendy every couple of weeks because it gives me a chance to vent or listen to how a good friend is doing.
Seven. Attend networking events
Networking events are a great way to market your business while chatting with like-minded business owners. How much work you get from these events is debatable, but for me, getting work from them is secondary.
When I go to a networking event, it’s because I need to get out and spend time around people.
It’s an hour out of my day, but it boosts my mental health.
Eight. Join an online coworking session
Sign up for Freelancer Magazine’s Virtual Coworking, they run three times a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Want more?
Then sign up to Being Freelance and join Steve Folland for three 25-minute working sessions and a game of Blankety Blank (and he does the first Monday of every month too).
If you’re freelance, there are loads of us on these calls, so join in and get a bit of company!
Nine. Listen to music
Music improves mood and creates a sense of connection.
Yes way!
Music is scientifically proven to do both of the above.
So, if you feel a bit of loneliness as a freelancer, put on your favourite tunes, turn up the volume and dance around (which will get your blood pumping and improve your mood!)
Ten. Outsource stuff
If you’re rushed off your feet and feeling overwhelmed, see if you can outsource some work to others. It could be web design, your social media posts, accounting or blog post writing, the latter of which I can help you with (sorry for the self-indulgence, but hey, I’m running a business here :D).
Outsourcing gives you someone to speak to fairly regularly.
Eleven. Download Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a FREE app, filled with loads of dead useful stuff.
There’s music, meditations and talks on loads of different subjects like, self-esteem, confidence, self-worth, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness and overwhelm.
Keep on top of your mental health, download this and you’ll have thousands of handy tools to help fight your loneliness as a freelancer.
Twelve. Watch something you love
Always take your lunch break and when you do, watch something you love. It boosts your feel-good hormones when we watch something familiar and comfortable.
Pop on a comedy, a documentary or start a film – whatever you love to watch, fill your downtime at lunchtime with it.
Thirteen. Take time for yourself
Embrace the silence and enjoy distraction-free working.
Working on your own doesn’t always lead to isolation. If you approach it in the right way and implement any or all of these tips you’ll find you rarely, if ever, feel lonely. Embracing working alone gives you the chance to get your work done, so you can take half days to sit in your pants eating Monster Munch.
Feel overwhelmed with loneliness as a freelancer?
I love my own company, but even I’ve struggled with my mental health, partly caused by feeling isolated in my work. But when that loneliness turns to depression, it’s a whole new ball game.
If feel you have nobody to talk to, these services can help:
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (it’s free!)
- Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line
- SANELine on 0300 304 7000
- CALM on 0800 585 858
Don’t suffer alone; start implementing these thirteen tips today – or contact one of the services above if you need professional help.
Until next time,
Matt
