Being a digital nomad comes with so many benefits; a growing community, unique experiences and incredible opportunities. However, as anyone who has struggled with their mental health knows, even in our happiest days that niggling feelings can creep up. Looking after your mental health is so vital in making the most of your time as a remote worker travelling the world. As such, Work From have put together a list of 5 ways you can incorporate self-care into your daily routine while travelling. But remember, there is always someone to talk to if you need help.
1. Unpack on your first day in a new location
This seems like an obvious first task when it comes to travelling, but honestly so many people neglect their things in favour of diving straight into adventure. Unpacking is such a simple task but it can make a world of difference; you have already accomplished something and don’t need to worry about where your favourite sunglasses are when you head to the beach the next day. This small action sets the tone for the rest of your trip, helping you to stay organised and ready for whatever comes.
2. Set Intentions For Your Trip
Your travel experience should be inspiring and motivating. The best way to make sure that happens and avoid feelings of “what-on-earth-did-I-even-do-this-past week/day/month”, is to set attainable goals for yourself. This could be personal, social or professional goals, daily, weekly or for the whole trip. This helps you feel you’re progressing personally and professionally rather than floundering.
3. Create a Routine and Stick To It
You may not be at home or in the office anymore but resist the temptation to throw all routine away because structure is so good for your mental health. This does not mean you have to rigidly follow a 9 – 5 schedule; successful digital nomads design a lifestyle that incorporates routine in a way that’s beneficial to them. Some examples of this could be developing a morning ritual and wake up time, setting a time for a daily walk during your work day, or deciding which nights of the week you’re going to cook at home. This will create continuity as your location constantly changes.
4. Keep Your Body Moving
It can be so difficult to make time to exercise when you have so many cool things you want to experience in your chosen destination. The best way to tackle this is to face it head on and embrace the local culture. Sepak takraw in Vietnam, volleyball in Brazil or judo in Japan can help you interact with the locals as well as keep your heart rate elevated; it does wonders for your mental health.
5. Find a Community
One of the biggest struggles for remote workers anywhere in the world is the risk of becoming too isolated; working from a separate location than your colleagues does not help you make new friends! As such, building a community in the locations you travel to is vital in ensuring you don’t get lonely and let your mental health suffer. Reaching out to nomad groups on facebook is one way to meet new people, but why not join a travel group like Work From where a built in community comes with the deal.
Use our tried and tested tips as inspiration to develop a mental health plan that works for you. We are so excited for you as you start or continue your digital nomad journey.
