Coping with Isolation and Overthinking as a Remote Worker in the Tech World
The continuous demand for digital products to solve our never-ending problems means more work for people associated with the product, from its idea development process down to the person in charge of teaching you how to use the product.
Since COVID became an eye-opener to the benefits of working away from an enclosed working setup to being productive in your comfort, from wherever you are, with only the need for a working computer and an internet connection.
Just like the weekday visits to the office, working remotely also has its downside. Tech professionals deal with isolation and overthinking that affects their well-being.
In this article, we’ll examine some of those problems and provide tips on how you can improve your general well-being as a remote worker.
Effects of working remotely:
1. Absence of physical interaction with others:
The continuous lone work hours can lead to a decline in your social interactive behavior. Also, the barrier caused by the distance between colleagues can exacerbate this issue.
2. Overthinking to craft solutions:
Tech is generally built on the foundation of “problem-solving,” tantamount to critical thinking in developing solutions, which can also lead to overthinking and burnouts.
3. Lack of Physical Activity:
The time spent sitting and staring into computer screens can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, negatively impacting your physical and mental well-being.
4. Communication Challenges:
Communication is vital in the tech atmosphere. The absence of proper communication can lead to feelings of isolation.
5. Social Comparison in the Virtual Office:
Constant exposure to others’ achievements on social media or virtual meetings can lead to unhealthy social comparison.
Tips to Help:
1. Establish a cool-off strategy:
Leverage tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to create virtual spaces for non-work-related conversations. Platforms like these can host channels where team members can chat about hobbies, interests, or even share memes.
2. Scheduled Video Calls:
Schedule regular video calls into your routine. The consistent sight of your colleagues’ faces can foster a sense of connection and help combat the isolation blues.
3. Set Boundaries:
Draft defined work hours and stick to them. It’s important to take time off from screens and allow your mind to reset.
4. Mindfulness Practices:
Meditation and mindfulness practices can be very helpful if included in your routine. Leverage apps that provide short guided sessions to help break the cycle of overthinking.
5. Scheduled Breaks:
Take breaks from your day. Stretch or take a quick walk; use apps or alarms to remind yourself to stand up and move.
6. Home Workout Routine:
Create a simple home workout routine you can do at home. Short, intense workouts can break up long periods of sitting.
7. Clear Communication Guidelines:
Have clear communication guidelines within your team. Define expectations for response times and preferred communication channels.
8. Overcommunicate:
Always provide detailed updates on your progress, and encourage team members to do the same. This will create a circle of communication between yourself and other team members.
9. Focus on Personal Growth:
Pay less attention to self-comparison with the achievements of others. Set realistic goals and celebrate small wins.
10. Limit Social Media:
Limit the time you spend on social media platforms, especially during work hours. Social media can be distracting and cause low self-esteem, leading to unnecessary comparisons.
Remote work in the tech industry has its downsides, just as beautiful as its upside can be. We can only create a healthy work environment when we acknowledge and address the effect it has on the mental health of professionals in the space. Implementing these coping strategies can help professionals navigate through the digital storm, building a balanced and fulfilling remote work life. Prioritizing mental health is not just good as an individual but also contributes to a more energetic and innovative tech community as a whole.
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