Digital nomads are steadily becoming a popular way of life. The internet has brought us closer together and has created more opportunities to balance work, travel, and leisure. But while it may seem like a lot of freedom and flexibility, digital nomads do need to worry about juggling their work responsibilities and handling culture shock.
Here are some tips on balancing work and travel so that you can make the most out of living on the road.
Create and stick to a routine
Come up with a schedule that gives you plenty of room for both work, travel, and leisure activities. It is all too easy for digital nomads to tip over and forget that everything needs to be balanced. They may find themselves enjoying their adventures too much to be completing their work efficiently, or working too much to sustain their lifestyle and not taking the time to be present in the moment.
If you have a schedule, then you know how your day should look like and what you can do to make the best out of your work and your travel. You can stay productive while also exploring the city.
Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is such an understated activity. As a rule, try going for six to eight hours of shut-eye every day or night, depending on how your shift works. If you aren’t getting enough rest, the sleep deprivation can have a massive effect on your work performance and overall wellbeing.
Understandably, you may be having a hard time winding down after a long day. The excitement of living in a new place and the pressure of working as a digital nomad can make it difficult for your mind to just slow down. Pace yourself by creating a bedtime routine and setting the mood. You could get blackout curtains, a sound machine, and a diffuser. Once it is time to sleep, draw the curtains and turn on the machines to get a full sensory experience. This will be a great way to signal that it is time to rest.
Find several workspaces that you like
When you are in a new place, it may be difficult to settle down. You might spend a few days struggling to get your bearings. While working from home may be a good idea, we recommend trying to find coworking spaces and cafes that can accommodate your needs as well. It is a nice way to get accustomed to life in a new country while getting a head start on some of your tasks.
Some countries have plenty of solid support systems for freelancers. This includes Portugal, Germany, and the US. Once you are done looking through some convinient accommodation options wherever you are located, go ahead and scout the area for the best places to work while immersed in the city.
Network with other digital nomads
You may be traveling as a nomad, but you still need to try and immerse yourself in the community along the way. Other digital nomads are capable of giving you the advice and support you need to continue on your journey. If you are not sure how or where to start, try looking for online groups or attending networking events. Regardless of whether you are looking for casual companions for your stay or expanding your professional network, the internet has plenty of opportunities for connection wherever you may be.
Fill your downtime with lots of exciting activities
It may be tempting to spend all your free time just lounging around in your apartment. But don’t let those lazy thoughts weigh you down! Dedicate a part of your free time to exploring the local area and experiencing new things. It may be physically taxing, but it will also help you stay motivated and energized. After all, new sights, sounds, and activities are the spice of life. They could help you get a fresh perspective on your work, and you will get plenty of opportunities for changing your point of view if you are a digital nomad.
Embrace the local culture
Try new food, meet new people, see new places, and learn the local language. The point of being a digital nomad is that you are always pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone. The world is your oyster.
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. These are not setbacks, but chances to learn from what you did wrong the first time around. More often than not, locals will appreciate the effort you put into immersing yourself with the community.
Set aside time for self care
While it is easy to view work and travel as the only two consideration you need to make, there is actually a third one: yourself. Self care can come in a variety of different forms, depending on what you like and are interested in. It can be something as simple as quiet time, an afternoon at the spa, or a few hours spent playing video games.
And that’s just the mental aspect of self care. It can be tempting to binge on all the new food when you are traveling. Make sure that you leave enough time for a little physical activity as well as stick to a sustainable and healthy diet for most of your week.
