Working from home has its perks- no commute, cozy clothes, and your favorite coffee just steps away. But spending all day in the same space can start to blur the lines between work and rest which can take a toll on your mental health. Changing your environment, even just for a few hours, can boost focus, creativity, and emotional well-being. For many people, a simple shift to a different setting, especially one with natural light and a bit of buzz, can make the workday feel lighter and more balanced.
At Anchor Therapy, our mental health counselors know that taking care of your mind means finding small ways to refresh your routine. Hoboken offers plenty of welcoming spots that are perfect for working remotely, from cozy coffee shops to peaceful parks with Wi-Fi. Whether you are looking to power through emails or simply reconnect with your surroundings, here are some of the best spots in Hoboken to work from home without actually staying home.
Anchor Therapy is a counseling center in Hoboken, NJ with mental health therapists specialized in helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, and more. Anchor Therapy is accepting new clients and is now providing in-person sessions and teletherapy sessions to residents of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
Can working from home affect mental health?
Absolutely! Working from home can have a real impact on mental health, both positive and negative. On one hand, the flexibility and comfort of remote work can reduce stress, give you more time for self-care, and make it easier to balance personal and professional life. In fact, research shows that 80.7% of hybrid workers report good mental health.
On the other hand, the lack of structure, social interaction, and physical boundaries between work and home can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, burnout, and anxiety. Understanding both sides is key to maintaining a healthy mindset while working remotely. Our blog “What You Need to Know About Work-Related Anxiety” is a must-read.
What are signs of work-related burnout?
Constant exhaustion - feeling drained even after rest or weekends off
Loss of motivation - struggling to find purpose or enthusiasm for your work
Increased irritability - becoming easily frustrated with coworkers, clients, or small tasks
Difficulty concentrating - trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally foggy
Decline in performance - reduced productivity or more frequent mistakes (Check out our blog “How Counseling Can Help Your Career”)
Sleep problems - trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up unrefreshed (Read our blog “Unlocking the Secrets of Quality Sleep: A Therapist’s Perspective on Sleep Hygiene and Insomnia”)
Physical symptoms - headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, or frequent illnesses (View our blog “3 Ways to Manage Your Physical Anxiety Symptoms”)
Emotional detachment - feeling numb, cynical, or disconnected from your work or colleagues
Withdrawal - avoiding meetings, coworkers, or social interactions
Neglecting self-care - skipping meals, exercise, or activities you usually enjoy (Read our blog “The 8 Forms of Self-Care and How You Can Practice Them”)
One of the most common challenges people face when working from home is blurring boundaries. When your living room, kitchen, or bedroom becomes your office, it can be difficult to truly “clock out.” This constant connection to work can make it harder to unwind, leading to fatigue and irritability. Over time, this lack of separation can create a sense of being “always on,” which increases the risk of burnout. Establishing clear routines and designated workspaces can help you mentally switch between work mode and rest mode. Read our blog “3 Ways to Achieve Work-Life Balance.”
Another major factor is social isolation. Humans are wired for connection, and even small daily interactions- chatting with a coworker or grabbing lunch with a colleague- play a big role in emotional well-being. Remote work can limit these opportunities, leaving some people feeling lonely or disconnected. Regular video calls, co-working days, or simply working from a local café a few times a week can help reintroduce that sense of community. Check out our blog “How to Battle the Loneliness Epidemic.”
Signs of social isolation while working from home:
Feeling lonely or disconnected - missing casual conversations or a sense of belonging
Loss of motivation - finding it harder to stay engaged or excited about work
Increased anxiety or sadness - feeling down, restless, or emotionally flat
Withdrawing from friends or family - avoiding calls, texts, or social plans
Overworking - using work as a distraction from loneliness or boredom
Difficulty communicating - feeling awkward or anxious in social interactions
Reduced confidence - doubting your social skills or sense of value to others (View our blog “The Ultimate Guide to Building Self-Confidence”)
Changes in sleep or appetite - sleeping too much, too little, or eating irregularly
Neglecting self-care - losing interest in appearance, hygiene, or routines
Feeling detached from reality - losing track of time or feeling “out of touch” with the world
There is also the issue of motivation and focus. Without external structure or social accountability, staying productive can become more challenging. Some people find themselves procrastinating more while others overcompensate and struggle to stop working. Read our blog “How to Stop Procrastinating" for support. Both extremes can increase stress and affect self-esteem. Creating a consistent daily schedule, setting small achievable goals, and taking regular breaks can help maintain balance and focus. Our blog “How to Create A Daily Routine” is a must-read.
Physical health can also play a role in mental well-being when working from home. Sitting for long hours, staring at screens, and missing out on natural light or movement can affect mood and energy levels. Regular physical activity, stretching, and even short walks outside can make a big difference in maintaining both physical and emotional health.
Ultimately, working from home is not inherently good or bad for mental health as it depends on how it is managed. Building healthy routines, maintaining social connections, and finding time to step away from your workspace are essential steps to protect your mental well-being. If you find yourself struggling to set boundaries or feeling increasingly isolated, talking with a career therapist can help you develop tools to manage these challenges. At Anchor Therapy, we support individuals in Hoboken and beyond as they navigate the balance between work, home, and emotional health.
What are signs of declining mental health while working from home?
Working from home can blur the lines between professional and personal life, making it harder to notice when mental health begins to decline. Without the structure of an office routine or regular in-person interactions, subtle changes in mood or energy can creep in gradually. You might find yourself feeling more irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained by tasks that once felt manageable. These shifts are often early indicators that your mental well-being needs attention.
Working from home, you may feel…
Isolated
Unmotivated
Overwhelmed
Disconnected
Restless
Distracted
Burnt out
Anxious
Lonely
Unbalanced
Another sign of declining mental health while working from home is changes in motivation or focus. You may struggle to start your day, procrastinate more often, or find it difficult to stay engaged in your work. Deadlines might begin to feel impossible, or small mistakes may cause disproportionate frustration. Over time, this lack of motivation can lead to self-criticism or guilt which only deepens feelings of stress or inadequacy.
Social withdrawal is another key warning sign. When you spend most of your time alone, it is easy to become isolated without realizing it. You might avoid video calls, stop reaching out to friends, or decline invitations because you feel too tired or unmotivated. This isolation can create a cycle where loneliness feeds low mood, and low mood makes it even harder to connect. Humans thrive on connection as even small daily interactions can have a powerful impact on emotional health.
Finally, physical and emotional fatigue often accompany declining mental health. You might notice changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels; such as sleeping too much, eating irregularly, or feeling drained all day. You may also experience increased anxiety, sadness, or a sense of detachment from yourself or your goals.
If these symptoms persist, it is important to reach out for support. At Anchor Therapy, our stress and anxiety therapists help individuals recognize these signs early and develop tools to strengthen boundaries, manage stress, and restore balance while working from home.
Where to Work From Home in Hoboken
Working from home does not have to mean staying at home. Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for your focus, mood, and creativity; especially when you are surrounded by good coffee and good people. Luckily, Hoboken is full of cozy cafés and inviting coworking spaces that make it easy to stay productive while giving your mental health a boost. Here are five of the best spots in town to bring your laptop, grab a latte, and get things done!
Mile Square Cafe
This cozy, local café offers a friendly, relaxed vibe that is perfect for lingering with your laptop. The combination of good lighting, comfy seating, and quality food makes it one of those spots where you can settle in and get into a flow. It feels casual enough to put in work but still gives a change of scenery that is essential for mental refreshment.
2. Bwè Kafe
With two locations in Hoboken (on Washington Street and Adams Street), Bwè Kafe combines a laid-back atmosphere with ethical trade values and good food. It is a go-to for many locals who like working over a chai latte or brunch fare. Free WiFi, calm energy, and a sense of community make this a strong spot to work from home.
3. Bluestone Lane
Bluestone Lane brings that bright, airy café feel with indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu includes health-focused brunch options, and the space gives you room to breathe which strikes a nice balance between productivity and relaxation.
4. Black Rail Coffee
If you are in the midtown to uptown area, Black Rail Coffee is a solid pick. It offers ample seating, good lighting, hearty bites, and specialty coffees. The location near the light rail makes it easy to get to without feeling too far from home.
5. Sweven Hoboken
If you want something more structured than a café, such as a space with professional amenities and quiet work zones, Sweven is a members-only coworking space right in Hoboken. It provides private meeting rooms, “hush booths,” and a community of remote professionals. It is ideal when you need serious focus or client calls without ambient café distractions.
Getting out of the house to work does not just change your scenery, it can also refresh your mind, reduce stress, and help you stay motivated throughout the day. Whether you are having pancakes at Mile Square Café, settling into a quiet corner at Black Rail Coffee, or tapping away in a coworking space like Sweven, Hoboken offers plenty of options to support both productivity and mental well-being. The next time your home office starts to feel a little too confining, try one of these spots and give yourself the mental reset you deserve!
How to Stay Mentally Healthy While Working From Home
Working from home offers flexibility and comfort, but it can also blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to stress or burnout if boundaries are not carefully managed. One of the most important steps to protect your mental health is establishing a clear routine. Set consistent start and end times for your workday, schedule breaks, and create a designated workspace. This helps your mind recognize when it is time to focus and when it is time to rest, making it easier to separate professional responsibilities from personal life.
Another key aspect is staying socially connected. Remote work can be isolating, and lack of interaction may contribute to feelings of loneliness or anxiety. Make an effort to check in with colleagues through calls or video meetings, and stay in touch with friends and family outside of work hours. Even casual conversations or virtual coffee breaks can help maintain a sense of community and support your emotional well-being.
Movement and self-care are equally essential for mental health. Sitting for long hours or working in one spot can negatively impact both body and mind. Incorporate short walks, stretching, or home workouts into your daily routine. Eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep also support cognitive function and mood, helping you stay focused and resilient throughout the day.
Finally, it is important to recognize when you need help. Working from home can make it easier to ignore stress or emotional fatigue until it becomes overwhelming. Pay attention to signs like constant fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating, and do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Our therapists at Anchor Therapy can provide tools and strategies to manage stress, maintain boundaries, and support overall mental well-being while navigating the challenges of remote work.
Working from home can be rewarding, but it also comes with unique mental health challenges. By changing your environment, staying connected, and prioritizing self-care, you can maintain balance and boost both productivity and well-being. Remember, small shifts, like working from a local café or taking regular breaks, can make a big difference in keeping your mind healthy.
Victoria Scala
is the Social Media Manager, Intake Coordinator, and Community Engagement Director at Anchor Therapy in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a graduate of the Honors College of Rutgers University-Newark and is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the graduate level. In her roles, Victoria is committed to managing the office’s social media/community presence and prioritizing clients' needs.
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