1 in 7 Remote Workers Now Hate Rooms in Their Homes – Here’s How to Break the Cycle
While remote work offers freedom and flexibility, it comes with a downside that can’t be ignored: isolation. Fresh research from Headway, the book summary app, reveals that 56% of remote workers go entire weeks without leaving home – with 1 in 5 doing so often. Some 1 in 7 say they’ve spent so much time between four walls that they’ve grown to hate certain rooms in their homes. Meanwhile, 1 in 4 can go days without talking to someone in real life, and 1 in 3 have gained weight since switching to remote work – all due to staying indoors for days on end.
“After a tough day at work, there’s nothing better than ordering fast food and curling up on the sofa,” says Thalia-Maria Tourikis, certified health coach and burnout prevention and recovery expert at Headway. ”However, humans aren’t designed for long-term isolation. Loneliness creeps in, anxiety and depression follow, and the dread of having to face the outside world again keeps you locked indoors”.
“Your sleep falters, your immune system – starved of vitamin D – suffers, and your physical health declines. Soon, your relaxing evenings make you feel worse than ever, and it’s a difficult cycle to break out of,” Thalia adds.
Just in time for Mental Health Month, Thalia prepared 4 effective tips to help remote workers get outside more often – and keep their mental health in check.
Out of office: Top tips to get out if you work from home
1. Take yourself on a morning ‘commute’
Ditching the morning commute is one of the best parts of going remote, but use the time saved wisely. As tempting as it is to hit snooze, get out of bed and take a walk before you start your workday. A quick stroll will get your brain into work mode, making you feel more alert and refreshed, helping you to get through your workload – and enjoy more of your evenings.
2. Take your meetings outdoors
Nearly one in five remote workers have taken calls and answered emails from the beach – and, honestly, they’re on to something. But you don’t need golden sands and crashing waves to break up your workday. You can work from anywhere with a stable internet connection and decent headphones, so what’s stopping you from taking your next call outdoors?
3. Adopt a four-legged companion
It’s no surprise that pet ownership soared during the pandemic – dogs are the perfect excuse to escape the indoors, soak up some sun, and socialize with other pet owners. After a long day glued to your work desk when the couch is calling your name, how will you say no to those puppy dog eyes? If self-motivation isn’t cutting it, a fur baby who depends on you for walks will get you moving.
4. Find your outdoor passion
Whether it’s playing sports, spotting birds, or joining the local fishing club – there must be an outdoor hobby out there for you. Once you discover something you genuinely enjoy, workday fatigue won’t get in your way. And with nearly one in four remote workers going days without speaking to anyone, finding your interest won’t just get you moving; it will offer some much-needed connection with people who share your passion.