When I first started working remotely, I thought I had it all figured out. The flexibility, no commute, yoga pants, what’s not to love? But pretty quickly, something felt off. The quiet started to creep in.

I’m an Enneagram 3. I thrive on human connection and collaboration. What I didn’t anticipate was how isolating remote work can feel without casual chats and shared energy. No more hallway conversations. Just me, my laptop, and a quiet house.

That’s when I realized, if I wanted connection, I had to create it.

I started with movement. Every morning, I go to Pilates, then come home, shower, and get dressed for the day. It helps shift my mindset from home to work and brings energy to my day.

I also leaned into building online connections. I began treating social media like my new workspace, not just a place to scroll, but a place to engage. I reached out, commented, built relationships, and used the same relationship-building skills I would in an office.

I started a weekly LinkedIn newsletter, The Wellness Edit, and added weekly office hours, a standing time on my calendar where I reach out to people, spark conversations, and connect. Sometimes it’s catching up with old colleagues, sometimes it’s meeting someone new, and often it’s sharing ideas around social selling, affiliate strategy, or building a personal brand.

It’s become one of my favorite parts of the week, a simple practice that’s led to authentic conversations, new opportunities, and real community.

It shifted my experience of remote work. Movement gave me structure. Social platforms became a tool for real connection. What started as a quiet, isolating experience became one filled with collaboration and inspiration.

If you’re looking to build your network, here are a few simple ways to start:

1. Start with movement to bring energy and structure to your day.

2. Show up as yourself on social platforms. Share ideas and experiences.

3. Engage. Don’t just scroll. Comment, message, and connect.

4. Build rhythms like newsletters or office hours to foster connection.

5. Be generous. Share knowledge and celebrate others.

Building connections in a remote world takes intention, but it is possible. Start small, be consistent, and focus on genuine relationships.