Being a digital nomad is all about freedom, adventure, and living your best life! However, it can also mean juggling work, travel, and staying healthy all at once. Maintaining your well-being while hopping from one place to another can be a challenge, but with a little effort and some fun habits, you can stay on top form and thrive on the road! So, here is our top guide to keeping yourself happy, healthy, and balanced as you journey around the globe.
Master the Art of Digital Detox
Let’s face it: us digital nomads live on our screens, from work to social planning to travel posting. But too much screen time can lead to burnout, eye strain, and even anxiety. To keep your mental health in check, schedule regular digital detox breaks – this could be by limiting daily TikTok time, scheduling a phone free day each week, or getting off your phone after 9pm.
Use this time to explore your surroundings, take a nature walk, or unplug with a fab book. Because remember - sometimes the best WiFi connection is the connection you have with yourself!
Stay Hydrated, Stay Energised
When you’re constantly on the move, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water – I am so guilty of this myself. Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times, and consider downloading a hydration reminder app to keep you on track if you tend to be a bit forgetful.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health - plus, it's a great excuse to visit local cafes, meet people, and to try unique beverages from around the world!
Make Movement a Habit
From trekking in the mountains to doing yoga on the beach, staying active while travelling can be fun and it doesn’t have to be a chore. Incorporate movement into your daily routine by choosing active transport like walking or cycling, taking the stairs, or joining local fitness classes. Apps like Yoga with Adriene or Nike Training Club can be your best travel buddies for a quick workout anywhere. Hiking is a great way to connect with people, enjoy nature, and discover your new home country.
Create a Sleep Sanctuary
Quality sleep can be tricky when you’re constantly moving between time zones and unfamiliar environments, we get it. But by investing in earplugs, a comfortable eye mask, and a portable white noise machine or app you can help to create a sleep-friendly atmosphere.
And we know it’s difficult, but try to stick to a regular bedtime routine, even on the road - your body and mind will thank you for the consistency!
Nourish Your Body with Local Goodies
One of the best parts of travelling is sampling new cuisines, but it's easy to fall into the trap of fast food or overly rich dishes. Strike a balance by enjoying local foods while also seeking out fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins. Visit local markets to stock up on healthy snacks and local fresh fruits and veggies that are in season.
Keep Your Mind Fresh with New Experiences
Keeping your mind sharp isn’t just about work – it’s about learning and growing in all aspects of your life. Engage in the local culture, learn some new skills, or pick up a new language (of the destination you’re in maybe!). These experiences not only enrich your travel journey but also stimulate your brain and enhance cognitive flexibility. You can use apps like Duolingo for language practice or join local workshops to learn traditional crafts or cooking techniques.
Stay Connected, but Not Too Connected
While keeping in touch with friends and family back home is essential, balance your digital connections with real-world interactions. It’s great to sit on FaceTime and catch up with everyone back home, but make sure that you aren’t doing this every night and getting out there with in-person friends too.
Meet new people, join local community events, or connect with other digital nomads through co-working spaces or social media groups (check our blog on how to meet people on the go here …..). Being part of a community, even temporarily, can boost your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Travelling can be overwhelming at times, with constant changes in environment, culture, and routine – plus add to that the fact that many of us will experience a touch of homesickness! Practising mindfulness and meditation can help ground you and reduce stress. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations that are perfect for us nomads, or you can check YouTube for some fantastic guided meditations – especially sleep ones; check below for a link to one of my personal favourites.
Keep Your Work-Life Balance in Check
When your office is wherever you are, it’s easy for work to creep into every aspect of your day. We know it’s important to work and fund your new lifestyle, but set specific working hours and stick to them. Create a designated workspace, even if it’s just a corner of a café or your Airbnb. Remember, one of the joys of being a digital nomad is having the freedom to enjoy your surroundings, so don’t let work take over your life!
Plan for Downtime
Finally, remember that constant travel can be exhausting. Give yourself permission to take breaks and plan some downtime. If you was in your hometown working a normal office job you would take vacation days, so remember to do so, even when you are your own boss! Whether it’s a full week vacation retreat, a weekend get-away to a remote village, a lazy day at the beach, or a simple afternoon nap, downtime is crucial for recharging your batteries and maintaining long-term wellbeing – and don’t forget it!
Did you know that many cultures around the world have their own unique nap traditions? From the "siesta" in Spain to the "inemuri" (sleeping while present) in Japan, people around the world know the value of a good midday snooze. As a digital nomad, why not embrace the local nap culture wherever you are? Your body, and mind, will thank you!
Well-being as a Digital Nomad
Looking after your well-being while travelling is all about finding a balance between adventure and self-care – what is the point in living your dream life travelling the world if you’re too burnt out to enjoy it?! By incorporating these tips into your nomadic lifestyle, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy the journey, meet new people, and make the most of every second and incredible experience this world has to offer you. Safe travels and a happy living!
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