Working as a digital nomad can be a wonderful adventure – exploring the world whilst earning money means that you can take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. You also get to know the local community better than if you just stayed there for a week, so you can enjoy a truly authentic experience.
However, moving around comes with its own challenges. When you’re settled in one place, you can build up a community and a routine, whereas when you’re travelling, you have to start again in each new place. But there are some things you can do to help you cultivate that sense of home. Here, we take a look at some tips to allow you to get the most out of your travelling time.
Create a Personalised Working Space
Whilst you’ll want to keep your bags light when you’re travelling to avoid airline luggage costs and lugging them around on public transport, you should still make sure to take a little bit of home with you. Maybe you have some small photos that you can put up around your room, or perhaps you have a specific blanket that will keep you cosy and smell of home.
You might not have access to a desk when working as a digital nomad, but these small touches will help you feel settled and grounded in your new space. It’s worth making room for them.
Create a Stable Schedule
When travelling as a digital nomad, there’s a constant balancing act to be had between needing to work and wanting to explore. However tempting it can be to explore all day and work at night, creating a schedule and sticking to it is vital for your mental health as a remote worker.
That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t flex your schedule to allow you to do what you want to, but just remember that being a digital nomad is different to being on holiday. If you don’t want your work to suffer, you’ll need to set some rules for yourself about how you manage your time. This can give you the same sense of stability that you had at home.
At the start of each week, decide on your working hours, and then plan your other trips around this core time. And remember, when you’re working, focus on the task at hand, rather than trying to multitask. You’ll be a lot more productive and efficient, leaving you free to enjoy your leisure time.
Get to Know Your Neighbourhood
Making friends is a key part of being a digital nomad. It might feel a little intimidating to put yourself out there, but you’ll have a much better experience if you do. If you’re not the sort of person that can make friends in a bar, then look online for local meetup groups that cover your area or specific interests. You may find that it’s easier to make connections when you’re playing sports, or bonding over a common love of a TV show or book.
Meeting new people can help stave off any feelings of isolation or loneliness which can spring up when you’re away from home for a long period, as well as offering support. Especially if you’re someone who likes to spend time with others, finding your tribe locally can help you get maximum enjoyment out of your new temporary home.
Article written by Mavis Miller