How do you prevent feelings of isolation or loneliness while working remotely? Share one activity or practice you find helpful for combating these emotions.

Question

Remote work has become increasingly common, but it can often lead to feelings of isolation. This article presents practical strategies for combating loneliness, drawing on insights from experts in remote work and mental health. Discover actionable tips that can help you foster connections and maintain a sense of community, even when working from home.

Dr. Sam Zand · Answer

As someone who leads a largely remote team at Anywhere Clinic and also works closely with patients navigating isolation, one practice I find incredibly helpful is scheduled micro-connections throughout the day—especially voice or video check-ins with people I trust. Whether it's a quick Slack huddle with a teammate, a voice memo to a friend, or a short patient support group I facilitate, these intentional touchpoints create rhythm, warmth, and a sense of shared energy.
Working remotely can make us feel untethered—like we exist only behind screens and tasks. But when we infuse our day with relational moments, even brief ones, we remind our nervous system that we're not alone. Loneliness isn't cured by noise or distraction—it's eased through authentic, low-pressure connection. I build that into my calendar the same way I would a meeting, because mental health is a task worth scheduling.

Vikrant Bhalodia · Answer

One thing we've made a habit across our team is what we call a "virtual commute." It's a simple idea: before starting work, we each take a short walk outside. No screens, no calls. Just a chance to reset and step out of the house, even if it's just a walk around the block. We do the same at the end of the day.
It helps mark a clear start and end to work, which can otherwise blur together when you're working remotely. Over time, this has made a noticeable difference not just in how connected we feel to ourselves, but in how we show up for each other during the day.
We've seen that small routines like this, when shared or encouraged as a team, can take the edge off that quiet isolation that creeps in. It's not a big program or tool. It's just a habit that works because it's easy to stick with and doesn't feel forced.

Kristin Marquet · Answer

As someone who works remotely while running multiple brands, I've definitely faced those waves of isolation. One practice that's been a game-changer for me is scheduling connection-based co-working sessions a couple of times a week, even if it's just a 45-minute Zoom call with another founder or creative where we both work on mute and check in at the start and end.
It's not about constant conversation--it's about shared presence. It creates a sense of community, accountability, and even creativity that's hard to access alone. I also rotate in short walking calls with collaborators instead of email threads when I can, which helps break up the day and build stronger rapport.
My advice? Make connection part of your workflow, not just something you "add on" when you're feeling lonely. Proactive connection prevents burnout more effectively than reactive coping.

Jade D'sa · Answer

I set up a co-working day with a friend or friends who also work from home. We meet once a week at a local cafe and work side by side, sharing ideas and taking breaks to chat, which makes the workday feel less solitary. Sometimes, I work out of their home with them, or they come over to my house to work more comfortably while saving money on food and coffee outside.
This routine boosts my productivity, lets me learn something new about other industries from friends, and allows me to learn about their work dynamics (who doesn't like good office gossip?).

Stafford Wood · Answer

I have a dog. We visit the dog park during lunchtime when people who work in person are often taking their dogs out as well. This means the random conversations are usually about work or projects, so I feel like I have a "water cooler" group of colleagues to talk to pretty much every day.

Matt Bowman · Answer

Every Wednesday morning, I schedule 30-minute casual conversations with different team members that deliberately avoid work topics.
During these sessions, I've learned about colleagues' photography hobbies, home renovation projects, and favorite travel destinations - creating personal connections that previously only happened in office break rooms.
The structured approach makes these interactions part of my regular workflow rather than something that happens randomly or not at all. What makes this practice particularly effective is maintaining these connections during busy periods when social interaction would typically be sacrificed first.
During an especially intensive project launch last quarter, these brief personal conversations became essential anchors that prevented the complete work immersion that often leads to burnout in remote settings.

Mimi Nguyen · Answer

As an introverted small business owner working remotely with a global team, one practice that has helped pace my emotions and focus on my work is committing to a dedicated work routine. I typically start my day by going on my morning runs and eating a filling breakfast to help set the tone for the week ahead. Afterward, I go into my private office and spend the first half of the day responding to emails and attending virtual meetings I have lined up.
The key to making this routine stick is taking regular breaks with other people. My husband also works from home, so I like to go on short walks with him and expose ourselves to the greenery outside. It's a short but needed break that really relaxes my nerves and re-energizes me to finish any remaining work I have. I get to unwind with my friends once the weekend comes too, which helps keep me socially connected and content with working remotely.

Derek Pankaew · Answer

Remote work has a subtle way of compressing your world--everything happens through the same few pixels and Slack pings. And indeed, sometimes that breeds a subtle kind of loneliness. Not the loud, dramatic kind. More like background radiation. It's ambient, and you don't realize how much it's affecting you until your brain feels foggy and you've refreshed Twitter seven times in two minutes.
So here's an unusual technique that works for me: I start my mornings by texting one very specific kind of message to a friend--something they're excellent at that I admire. That's it.
It's not performative or scripted. I just wake up, think about someone I haven't talked to in a while, and send a message like:"Hey, I was thinking about that time you handled that nightmare client and still kept your cool. I swear you've got ice in your veins. I need to channel that today."
Why does this work?1. It breaks the isolation loop. Instead of waiting to feel "social," I initiate it--but in a way that doesn't ask for anything in return.
2. It re-roots me in gratitude and connection. I remember I'm part of a network of people who are doing cool, inspiring, gritty stuff.
3. It surprises people. You'd be amazed how many say, "Wow, I needed that today." That feeling alone is incredibly grounding.
It's not about "networking" or maintaining relationships in some corporate way. It's about human moments. And when your work life exists in pixels, those moments matter more than ever.

Aaron Whittaker · Answer

Joining a local coworking space for just one day per week dramatically reduced my feelings of isolation while maintaining remote flexibility. 
After working exclusively from home for years, I noticed increasing difficulty separating work from personal life. The simple practice of physically leaving my home office environment once weekly created both social connections and helpful work boundaries.
What makes this hybrid approach particularly valuable is the community aspect that extends beyond my company. Interacting with professionals from different industries provides fresh perspectives that remote work often lacks. 
The relationships built at the coworking space have evolved into a diverse professional network and genuine friendships. 
For remote workers struggling with isolation, even minimal regular exposure to work-adjacent social environments creates significant psychological benefits that improve both well-being and creativity.

Fahad Khan · Answer

Sometimes, working remotely can be challenging. It can give you a feeling of isolation, as if you're in a remote place like Iceland. I've gone through this phase often, but by integrating one practice, I've learned to stay connected. This not only keeps loneliness at bay but also enhances my work productivity.
Every week, my colleagues and I hang out over virtual calls to chat, discuss work-related issues, and many other things. It feels more friendly and open; even while working, it keeps boredom away. It keeps me grounded and relieves formal tension. This reminds me that I am part of a community and sparks joy, motivating me to work.
This practice of connecting makes a point to listen and share things openly. For those who are struggling with loneliness, try this too. Reach out to your co-workers, plan a call, and let these conversations lift your spirits.

Justin Belmont · Answer

I set up casual "no-agenda" video chats with a few work friends every week—basically virtual coffee breaks where we talk about anything except work. It keeps that human connection alive without feeling forced or awkward. When you work remotely, it's way too easy to turn into a productive little hermit. Building in regular social time—even just 15 minutes—makes a huge difference in feeling like part of a real community, not just a Wi-Fi signal.

Sovic Chakrabarti · Answer

Working remotely requires intentional connection and routine. One thing that has been a game-changer for me is virtual coworking sessions. These are informal video calls with a friend or colleague where we both work on our own tasks but stay on camera, kind of like a digital library or quiet office.
We don't talk much, except maybe for a quick hello at the start and a wrap-up at the end. It recreates the feeling of being in a shared space and breaks up the solitude of the day. Just seeing someone else working can be really energizing.
This simple practice combats loneliness and also provides accountability. It's not about productivity hacks or forced social time—it's about gently inserting human connection into an otherwise solitary environment. Now I look forward to it.

12 Tips to Combat Loneliness for Remote Workers

12 Tips to Combat Loneliness for Remote Workers

Schedule Micro-Connections Throughout Your Day

Implement a Virtual Commute Routine

Organize Connection-Based Co-Working Sessions

Meet Friends for Weekly Cafe Work Days

Visit Dog Parks During Lunch Breaks

Plan Non-Work Conversations with Team Members

Establish a Structured Remote Work Routine

Send Admiration Texts to Friends Daily

Join a Coworking Space Once a Week

Participate in Virtual Hangouts with Colleagues

Set Up No-Agenda Video Chats Weekly

Engage in Virtual Coworking Sessions