Article: How to Feel Less Lonely at Work

"It makes sense that many of us expect to make friends at work. When you consider how much time most people spend on the job and the fact there are generally overlapping interests among coworkers, it’s easy to assume that friendships—or at least friendly, casual connections—will come easily. But it’s not always that simple.

Start by finding small ways to interact with your coworkers.

It might not seem like much, but this approach to socializing—with a wave when walking through the door or a “good morning” in the elevator—can be a helpful way to start building a new habit that can eventually bring you closer to your coworkers, Dr. Lim says.

Then, look for opportunities to open up a little more.

You can’t force these circumstances, but you can find ways to show a little more of your real self to your coworkers if you want to, creating opportunities to connect on a deeper level. Of course, when you’re feeling isolated in a workplace, sharing your real feelings can be easier said than done. “Opening up can be really hard when you’re lonely because you might go into an unconscious shut-down—when you’re lonely, you’re often more scared of getting rejected,” says Dr. Lim. If you’re feeling nervous, start small: Maybe share a tidbit about a gripping TV show you know you and another coworker are watching, or express a small work frustration you’re struggling with.

Try to manage your expectations about what camaraderie might look like in your workplace.

According to Dr. Lim, the most important thing is finding someone you can relate to, even if it’s just on a work level. Through small interactions and sharing more about yourself at work—whether that’s online or in person—you can find new ways to relate to the people around you and eventually, hopefully, find people to connect with, confide in, and make your days a little more joyful."

Read the full article on Self

✨Takeaway: Building relationships with coworkers can help make work more enjoyable. Small interactions, such as a wave or a "good morning," can be a helpful way to start.

✨Reflection: Have you ever struggled to make friends in the workplace?

#Work #Career #Lonely #MentalHealth #Friendships

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