Feeling Lonely? 5 Ways to Cure the Entrepreneurship Blues

I’m prone to squirreling myself away, binging Netflix and hunching over DIY or writing projects without coming up for air. Suddenly, I’ll catch myself in a one-sided conversation with the dog. I lean a little introvert on the personality spectrum, but even introverts get lonely.

There’s plenty of proof that introverts make great entrepreneurs, and it can be assumed, more equipped to thrive in the isolation that comes with the lifestyle. Alone and lonely, however, are two very different things.

Loneliness has been linked withan increased risk of heart disease and cancer,and poor social networks can contribute to a number of other health concerns. Cabin fever, it seems, is a more worrisome diagnosis than I thought. And, it’s an epidemic:the rate of loneliness has doubled in the past 30 years, with 40% of Americans reporting feeling lonely.

Entrepreneurship’s “dark side” is thepsychological tollthat can put business owners at higher risk for mental health issues, andloneliness is a slippery slope.

For solopreneurs, the company safety net doesn’t exist and the networks don’t come standard.

Three years ago, I made the leap from office to remote life. I’d tell you it’s my preference—that I’mmore productive, less distracted—but the truth is, I do miss the energy of others (my dogs notwithstanding). Frankly: I get lonely. At home, I don’t benefit from spontaneous group discussion or connections made at the coffee maker.

When I work from home, though, I still have access to Slack chatter and can hop into regular meetings on Hangouts. There’s a desk waiting for me on the other side. For solopreneurs, the company safety net doesn’t exist and the networks don’t come standard. In both cases, combatting loneliness requires a little proactivity. And, the advice here can contribute to your overallpersonal growthplan.

Beat work-from-home isolation with a few tricks from the entrepreneurs that knowhow to get rid of loneliness:

1. Get outside
2. Crowdsource your health
3. Make time for face time
4. Stay connected
5. Make time for you

1. Get outside

Change the scenery

Note: if you are unable to have contact with others due to practicing social distancing, you can still get outside for some fresh air.

For a lot of new small businesses, renting office space can be too costly. But there arehappy-medium alternativesto the tiny workspace wedged into the corner of your kitchen:answer emails from a café, get a membership atco-working spaces, or consider pooling together with other entrepreneurs toshare a studio.

Sophia Pierro, owner ofPresent Day, started her business in her basement. "I would routinely try to do the laundry, dishes, and mybookkeepingat the same time," she says. "It saved me money, but I was wasting so much time that I'd end up working till 1-2am to catch up." Moving into a shared studio space has helped her curb loneliness and gain motivation to keep more "normal" hours and create space between life and work.

“I have cats. They help with isolation but are also super distracting,” she says.“My new studio is cat-less but I now have studio-mates, which is much better.”

Breathe in

We’ve already told you thatfresh air and nature are great for productivityand strategic thinking, but a good dose of green can alsoalleviate symptoms of depression, loneliness, and anxiety.

“If there aren't built in reasons to move during your day," say Jason Fried and David Heineneier Hansson, authors of Remote, "Find excuse to move—for example, instead of eating lunch at your desk, walk to a cafe or sandwich shop.”

2. Crowdsource your health

保持fit (and social)

Note: if joining an in-person class isn't an option, find group classes or fitness programs that are offered remotely.

Think about it this way: you have the advantage of a very short commute—a slippered shuffle from the bedroom to yourhome office. Good luck logging10,000 steps.

Studies show that fitness improves concentration and enhances creativity – essential attributes of a great entrepreneur.

As a busy entrepreneur, that extra hour in the day could be put to good use:fulfilling orders, working on a social strategy, answeringcustomer service emails. But it might be an hour better used to keep fit—studies show that fitness improves concentration and enhances creativity, essential attributes of a great entrepreneur.

Desk yoga is great in a pinch, but a regular fitness commitment can pull double duty as a way to combat isolation.Join a run club,hit the gym, or sign up forgroup fitness classes—anything that involves other people. The positive impact on your heart and energy is a bonus.

Eat well, together

When I work from home, my meals sometimes consist of a spoonful of peanut butter or a tray of oven fries. It’s an easy habit to adopt when you’re busy—putting work needs ahead of your own.

Planning healthy meals canincrease productivity, but it can also be social. For accountability, Iuse apps that help track eating habits, but also connect me with others. Many have a social component, allowing you toshare your health goals with a supportive community.

3. Make time for face time

Note: if your current situation prevents you from connecting IRL, technology is a great plan B, as long as you're connecting with other humans.

Technology makes it easy to run a business without ever leaving your couch and sweat pants. Kicking it old school with some real face time, though, keeps your communication skills sharp, and your social health in check.

Teach and learn

Connect with other entrepreneurs and hone your craft byenrolling in workshops and courses. For more seasoned business owners, pay the knowledge forward byapplying to teach.

"Now that we’re sharing a space, we’re putting a whole new plan into action," says Sophia. "We're starting community workshops, classes, and programs that are connecting us even more with our community.”

Move your meetings offline

No need to be lonely when you can squeeze human interaction into your day-to-day business tasks: visit your suppliers in person, deliver local orders by hand, and meet your designer over coffee.

Attend events

Whether you’re treating yourself to a trip to attend a小型商务会议abroad, or popping into alocal meetup, events are great for not only for learning new tricks of the trade—they’re also replete with other cabin-fevered entrepreneurs looking to connect.

Grow yourprofessional support networkquickly by attending events that have networking built in. “When I want to meet people who are also into fashion or online retail, there are plenty of fashion startup round tables here in Portland, so I try to go to as many as I can,” says Sarah Donofrio, founder ofOne Imaginary Girl.

Networking events also offer opportunities to practice your pitch, source investors, andbounce new ideas off seasoned entrepreneurs.

Retail therapy

Dabble in retailby taking your online business offline: participate in a seasonal market,open a pop-up shop, or rent shelf space in another merchant’s brick and mortar shop.

4. Stay connected

Note: if you're practicing social distancing or are unable to meet people in person, there are plenty of ways to connect online.

经常接触

Out of sight, as they say. You’re likely not interacting face to face with your business’ stakeholders or customers on the regular, and maybe your assistant is virtual. Be proactive about making online contact regularly.

“Make a point of reaching out to other people," says Stephanie Shanks, who works remotely for Shopify. "It can be hard sometimes—I’m quick to assume they’re all super busy and I don’t want to bug them with chit chat—but it’s what keeps me connected.”

A more formal approach may work for you as well: schedule time into your calendar to make contact—it’s one of those items that might otherwise be put off forever.

Join online communities

Even if you’rerunning a business from a small rural community, there are plenty of support resources in forums and groups designed for entrepreneurs. Can’t find a group that fits your niche or personality?Start one!

“Online small business groups are great for after-hours assistance and feedback with impartial views," says Melanie Hercus, founder ofThe Local Pantry Co.

Make (real) friends

“I joined a few local networking groups of people my age, which have been incredibly beneficial for my business," says Sophia. "It's impossible to run a business fully on your own, so taking the time (even if you don't have any) to meet others in your community will, without a doubt, help you in the long run.”

But wheredoyou meet friends as an adult? It's a big, lonely world out there. There are plenty of apps that follow the swipe-right dating model, but are designed for platonic or business connections.

Surround yourself with people who support your business and your lifestyle.

Feelings of loneliness can occur because of non-existent social networks. But, they can also impact people with large networks of toxic or low-quality friendships. Surround yourself with people who support your business and your lifestyle.

“I designate time every single day to take a break from it all and connect,” says Josie Elfassy-Isakow, owner ofMagneTree.“If I don't, I just can't focus because I'm browsing through social media all day long, looking to fill that space.”

Expand your wolf pack

提供实习机会的学生或不w grad—barter business knowledge and real world experience in exchange for low-cost help and human interaction. Contact local colleges for information on work placement and internship programs in related fields of study.

5. You do you

It’s easy, from home, to blur personal time with dedicated working hours, and you may find yourself bailing on girls' night out to pack boxes or tackle invoices. Establishing office hours, setting deadlines, or scheduling tasks in your Google calendar can help with work/life balance.

Draw the line

Usetools like Trello or RescueTimeto keep you on track. Walking a dog or other daily establishing events can also act as work-day markers. “Coming back from the dog run in the morning is the start of my day,” says Valentina Rice, owner ofMany Kitchens,“and I have that clear delineation where I will take her out again at lunch and after work.”

Get a life

Kaitlin and Ryan Lawlesstry to save business conversions for after their first coffee. They take respite from their work life by focusing on their relationship over the daily morning ritual.

Allow yourself to step away from the business to focus on hobbies and friends outside of your industry. The effects can actually begoodfor your business. Studies show that somehobbies can improve communication skills and work ethic,and help youcope with work-relatedstress.

“In addition to running my store, I also DJ for OPB radio, and being an indie rock radio station, there's no shortage of characters there," says Sarah. "I always have concerts or pub nights to attend, and am surrounded by people who want to talk about music all night.”

Think positive

When lonely feelings come knocking, remind yourself of the benefits of working solo. Without the shackles of a cubicle and punch-card, you’re free to make your own hours orwork from the road. Take your business with you while you检查你的旅行bu的地方了cket list.

和把er, sometimes the grass isn’t always greener. “As an entrepreneur working in the intense pace of Hong Kong," says Alexis Holm, owner ofSquarestreet, "I would revel in the chance to experience some isolation and loneliness.”

Take care of yourself. Your business will thank you.

Feature image byBurst