It is known these days that being a programmer is a profession that is on the rise, and the demand for labor is far above the supply of the job market, but many of these vacancies are for freelancer programmers and remote work.
Yes, there are many advantages of being a freelancer and working from home, but to enjoy them you need organization (on our blog we have a text giving tips on how to organize yourself during home office). But what about the social life of a freelancer who works from home, how is it?
When you’re a freelancer and work remotely, it’s quite possible to get lost in your routine. Not having time to wake up, work and do any other activity and this is one of the biggest mistakes that can be done, after all, you are working remotely and not on vacation.
Routine is extremely important for your organization at work and also for your social life, which we cannot leave aside, because as we already know depression and anxiety are part of the life of a programmer (read our text on this subject). And our text today will be about how to maintain a healthy social life as a freelancer. Come and read!
Programmer’s social life
Everyone knows that the programmer spends many hours sitting in front of a computer, without interacting with other human beings and without seeing the light of day, and today, with the home office, contact with the team is often online. So, how is social life? Here are some tips for not becoming a caveman (hahaha).
Organize your routine
It is essential to know how to split your working hours and your personal life, schedule your professional activities only during your working hours. If necessary, create alerts and use specific equipment that you can disconnect during your downtime.
Knowing how to stop is very important for your health, after all, taking care of our physical and mental health is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.
Talk to your company colleagues about subjects apart from work
When working from home, we lose the important opportunity to meet at the cafeteria and/or lunch with co-workers, and this can make our routine heavier, to avoid this, at some opportune moments, have conversations (even if online) about subjects that are not related to work, this can make the routine lighter and more pleasurable.
Try to work in a different location at least once a week
If possible, try to go to your company’s office at least once a week, if that’s not possible, find a shared space, like a coworking space, so you get out of the house and can see and meet different people.
Do some work out
It can be outdoors in a park or on the street or in a gym. It is scientifically proven that when we exercise, our body releases several substances, such as endorphins, that promote well-being, increasing our motivation, joy, and disposition. These hormones give us the feeling of well-being that lasts for hours after the physical activity.
In addition, it can be an opportunity to meet and chat with friends and colleagues, making it a time to relax and disconnect from the heavy routine of work.
Have a hobby
That preferably is not connected to technology or games. Today there are several reading groups or groups on other subjects that meet once a month to talk and discuss. This can be a good opportunity to meet people who have the same interests as you.
Leave home regularly
Today we have this tendency of not having to leave the house for anything else, but avoid that. Try to get out at least a little, even if it’s to go to the bakery, supermarket, or a quick lunch.
Remember that leaving the house is important for your physical and mental health. Take a moment out of your day to take a short walk, walk on a public park, or do something outdoors.
Share your home office with another person
Invite a friend to work with you at your house from time to time.
Avoid the excessive use of social networks
A study carried out by the company A.T. Kearney points out loneliness as one of the global trends between the years 2019 and 2024, the excessive use of social networks can collaborate and a lot for this, as they make people feel more insecure, vulnerable, and sad. So, avoid excessive use of social networks in your routine and prefer real social interactions like a call with a colleague or even a happy hour.
Study
Enroll in a course that is related with your professional interests or something you like.
In-person meetings
Suggest face-to-face meetings when possible.
Book a lunch or happy hour
Have lunch or happy hour with colleagues, even occasionally.
With a little organization and small gestures, we can improve our routine and make our work and social life much more pleasant, happy and peaceful.
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