At our most corset of cores, humans are pack animals. We rely on our connections for everything. Our mental health, well-being, and even productivity. For solopreneurs and freelancers, creating and maintaining connections can be challenging, but is a vital part of your business. Loneliness can be lethal. It’s linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other significant mental health issues. Studies from the United States National Library of Medicine regular social interactions can mitigate these risks by providing emotional support and importantly, a sense of belonging.

Engaging with others can spark new ideas and perspectives. Collaborative discussions often lead to innovative solutions that might not surface when working in isolation. Building connections can open doors to new opportunities, whether it’s finding new clients, partners, or mentors. Networking is crucial for business growth and sustainability.

This blog was created in partnership with Loneliness Awareness Week.

Practical Strategies to Avoid Loneliness

1. Join Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces provide a community environment that can help alleviate the isolation felt by working alone. Spaces like PLATF9RM are designed to foster interaction and collaboration, offering opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. Established and fledgling businesses alike have found themselves thriving in the coworking environment.

2. Attend Networking Events

We know, but don’t click off the page just yet, networking events don’t have to be dull, bland and grey. In fact, In metropolitan areas you can find industry-specific events, workshops, and meetups. Perfect for learning but also for meeting new people. They don’t have to be stuffy! Not to shamelessly self-promo again, but we’re very proud of our facilitated networking events that you can check out here. For other ideas, be sure to look at the Chamber events of your city!

3. Leverage Online Communities

Join online forums, social media groups, and professional networks related to your industry. Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and niche-specific communities can provide opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and seek advice.

4. Schedule Regular Check-ins

Once you’ve found some like-minded people, put in the effort to stay connected.

Set up regular virtual or in-person check-ins with fellow solopreneurs, freelancers, or business owners. These can be casual catch-ups or more structured mastermind groups where you discuss goals, share challenges, and come up with solutions together.

5. Collaborate on Projects

Seek out opportunities to collaborate with others on projects. Whether it’s a joint venture, a co-authored article, or a shared marketing campaign, collaboration can increase the sense of teamwork and camaraderie you don’t get when working independently.

6. Prioritise Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid loneliness is crucial. Just because you know that one email is waiting in your inbox, doesn’t mean you have to get out your laptop at dinner to reply! If you’ve set the time aside to have a a good ol’ fashioned meal with friends, make the most of it and turn off your work mode. Future you will thank you for it. 

7. Seek Professional Support

If feelings of loneliness become overwhelming, it’s never a bad idea to seek out professional support. Professional guidance and advice can provide strategies to feel less isolated and improve mental health.

While the journey of a solopreneur, freelancer, or SME business owner can be rewarding, it doesn’t have to be lonely. By actively seeking connections and building a supportive network, you can enhance your mental well-being, boost your productivity, and unlock new opportunities. 

Finding connection and avoiding loneliness as a Freelancer is incredibly important. Connection isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for a whole, successful and successful professional life.