Do you feel less than connected to your co-workers on a personal level? It might not be that you don't have things in common with them.

Feelings of isolation might be caused by behavior you routinely practice but don't even recognize as a problem. Don't just accept feeling alone in your cubicle — use these science-driven tips to feel better physically and emotionally.

Don't use your smartphone constantly.

San Francisco State University researchers found that you can get addicted to the pings, rings and beeps coming from your phone, not to mention the constant temptation and compulsion you can feel to check email and social media.

Subsequently, the more time you spend on your phone and away from face-to-face interactions, the more anxiously isolated you feel. Turn off push notifications, enforce set times to check your phone only, and make an effort to actually talk to people you know rather than text or email them.

Sleep at least 7.5 hours a night.

U.K. researchers found that you're 24% more likely to feel lonely, isolated and left out of social activities if you don't get enough shuteye. Circumstances such as feeling unsafe in some situation in your life, feeling too cold, or having bad dreams can increase the body's stress response and may cause the problem, according to the researchers.

In your waking life, take steps to address psychological situations from your past or present that cause you stress and can cause you to have nightmares. Also, make sure to adjust your bedroom's temperature so you're comfortable in bed.

Then, tell yourself it's OK to drop off. Giving yourself actual permission to rest can be very effective — and keep in mind that rest corrects your thinking.

Give enough of yourself.

Georgia State researchers report that volunteering just two hours a week can reduce feelings of loneliness for widowed adults almost to the level of people who have not been bereaved.

Fresh social interactions prove to be most helpful when it comes to stopping these negative feelings, so join a giving activity that your organization sponsors or spearhead a charity drive yourself, and ask your co-workers to get involved with you.

Say hello.

The simple act of greeting folks you pass in the halls — whether you already know them or not — improves your mood significantly and fosters good feelings.

Make the first move.

Ask a new co-worker to lunch today — then ask another co-worker to join you both tomorrow. Keep adding invites — by the end of the week you will have formed a friendly group that will keep expanding. What better way to make friends — and work together so much more harmoniously?