Are you seeking the best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety? Look no further, as we’ve compiled a list of 17 anxiety-friendly careers that you can conveniently pursue from home.
Many individuals with anxiety disorders find traditional work environments challenging. Fast-paced settings and frequent social interactions often exacerbate symptoms. While medication is an option, finding a low-stress job that matches your lifestyle can make all the difference.
Luckily, plenty of low-stress career paths accommodate anxiety management. Many such jobs allow you to set flexible hours and work from the comfort of your home.
If managing mental health conditions like GAD, SAD, or PTSD is a priority, here are the best low-stress jobs for anxiety to explore.
Understanding Stress and Employment
Before diving into low-stress career options, it’s crucial to recognize that stress is a subjective experience. What one individual considers a stress-free job, another might find overwhelming. This list emphasizes roles with generally lower burnout rates, unlike more demanding occupations like healthcare or emergency services (source). While these positions minimize social interaction, occasional virtual meetings might occur depending on your employer.
Stress factors exist in all jobs due to challenging coworkers, technical hiccups, or tight deadlines. However, with the right fit, you can significantly reduce anxiety by opting for jobs with flexible arrangements and remote opportunities.
1. Freelance Writing: A Flexible Option
Freelance writing offers an ideal setup for people with anxiety, enabling you to work from home and manage your schedule. Communication typically occurs via email, reducing direct interaction. Writers can take breaks when necessary, which is crucial for managing panic attacks. With an average pay of $23 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter, it’s a financially viable choice.
To start, identify your niche, build a portfolio, and seek assignments through job boards or direct pitches. Interested in freelance opportunities? Check out this post for more information.
2. Blogging: Share Your Passion
For those who love writing and have a passion for a particular topic, blogging is both therapeutic and profitable. It allows you to share your passion without leaving home while engaging with audiences via comments and social media. Unlike freelance writing, blogging requires a mix of skills like SEO and social media management.
Though it may take time to gain traction, a successful blog can yield a full-time income. Patience and effort in the initial stages are key to long-term success.
3. Proofreading: Eye for Detail
Proofreading is another excellent low-stress job for those with anxiety. It involves catching errors in texts and requires minimal alterations. Strong grammar skills are essential. Online resources can help you develop the skills required for a rewarding proofreading career. According to Salary.com, the average proofreader earns around $56,917 annually.
Opportunities to find work include platforms like Express Writers and Scribendi.
4. Writing for Medium: Reach a Large Audience
Medium is a platform that lets writers share their stories without upfront costs or needing SEO skills. With over 100 million readers, Medium brings the audience to you. By writing engaging content, you can earn through the Medium Partner Program. This platform is beneficial for anxiety sufferers as it requires no deadlines or client interactions.
5. Data Entry: An Entry-Level Option
Data entry is a low-stress job that requires minimal social interaction, making it well-suited for people with anxiety. Though the pay might be lower, it enables you to earn from home. Resources like Kelly Services and Upwork offer data entry roles.
6. Transcriptionist: Convert Audio to Text
Transcriptionists convert audio recordings into text. This role is suitable for remote work, minimizing social interaction. Choose fields thoughtfully, as some content may trigger anxiety. Find transcription jobs with companies like Rev and TranscribeMe.
7. Graphic Design: Creative and Flexible
If you’re creatively inclined, graphic design offers a fantastic opportunity. Design visuals for businesses while enjoying the flexibility freelancing offers. Master tools like Canva to start your business or sell on platforms like Redbubble.
8. Computer Programmer: Analytical and Rewarding
Computer programming offers flexibility and minimal interaction, preferable for individuals with anxiety. Numerous online courses like those on Codecademy can help you learn programming from scratch.
9. Massage Therapist: Relax and Earn
As a massage therapist, you can create a calming environment for both clients and yourself. While certification is required, the career offers benefits like flexible hours and low-stress settings. Set up a practice from home to suit your schedule.
10. Freelance Makeup Artist: Independent Creativity
Makeup artistry allows for independent work in calming settings. With practice and possibly some courses, you can hone your skills. Building a portfolio and networking helps in gaining clients.
11. Deliver Food or Groceries: Flexible and Solitary
Food or grocery delivery via services like DoorDash or Instacart offers flexible scheduling and minimal contact. Use your vehicle to earn independently, listen to relaxing music, and enjoy the flexibility.
12. In-Home Fitness Training: Manage Anxiety
In-home fitness training merges exercise, an anxiety reducer, with flexible work. Once certified, find clients and set workouts in calm environments. Explore certification programs like ACE for guidance.
13. Bookkeeping: Numbers and Solitude
Bookkeeping offers low interaction and flexibility. With average earnings of $20.27 per hour as a W2 employee (source), it’s an attractive option. Opportunities are available with companies like Intuit.
14. Social Media Manager: Digital Engagement
Social media management involves minimal direct interaction and varies by preference. With potential earnings of $71,000 annually (source), you can work remotely for companies like BELAY.
15. Pet Services: Love and Income
Engage in the booming pet industry as a dog walker or sitter. Interaction with animals reduces stress (source). Use apps like Rover or Wag to connect with clients.
16. Food Photographer: Picture-Perfect Work
Food photography combines creativity with a love for food. As a lucrative niche, bloggers and chefs often seek skilled photographers. Discover free training to start your freelance journey into this rewarding career.
17. Faceless Content Creation: Create Anonymously
If you prefer to remain behind the scenes, faceless content creation offers opportunities on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Monetize through various channels to earn without being in the spotlight.
Conclusion: Discover Your Perfect Low-Stress Job
Your anxiety doesn’t have to control your career path. Whether through digital content creation, pet care, or other remote options, fulfilling opportunities await you. Some roles might require some training or experience, while many are open to all levels of education and can be done from the comfort of your home.
Research to find your ideal fit, and don’t hesitate to take the plunge. Your dream job is out there!
Originally published June 6, 2022. Content updated June 2025.
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