As a digital nomad, the ability to work from anywhere in the world is a major perk. But with the freedom to travel comes the challenge of balancing work and play. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring new places and forget to take care of business or to get so focused on work that you don’t have any time to enjoy your travels.
After just over a year on the road, and four months working internationally, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that might help you balance it all:
Set boundaries: Just because you can work anytime, anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Set clear boundaries for when you’re available to work and when you’re not. This will help you avoid burnout and ensure that you have time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Out-of-office auto-reply is my best friend.
Create a routine: Even though you’re traveling, it’s still important to establish a routine. This could include setting aside specific times for work, exercise, and leisure activities. Having a routine will help you stay organized and focused. For me, it's making breakfast and coffee in the morning.
Find a good co-working space: Co-working spaces are a great resource for digital nomads. Not only do they provide a professional and productive environment, but they also offer an opportunity to meet and connect with other nomads. Fortunately, with Remote Year, I don't have to think about this and they do this for me. If co-working spaces are limited near you, having 1-2 cafes that you can work from to get out of your room can be helpful.
Take breaks: It’s easy to get caught up in work when you’re on the road, but it’s important to take breaks and give yourself time to relax. Whether it’s going for a walk or spending a day at the beach, make sure to schedule in some downtime. While working internationally, I have had flexibility during the day that allows me to work a little in the morning, do some sightseeing, then hop back online for evening meetings.
Stay active: Exercise can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Look for local gyms or try out new activities like hiking or surfing. A good urban hike (i.e. walking to a farther sightseeing destination) counts!
Make time for fun: Traveling is all about experiencing new things, so make sure to carve out time to explore your destination. Go on a tour, try new foods, or just spend a day wandering and seeing where the day takes you. I cannot recommend Airbnb Experiences enough. I've been able to hear local perspectives while trying out unique experiences on an Airbnb tour. Plus, it's great knowing you're supporting an entrepreneur!
Stay connected with friends and family: It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re traveling solo, so make an effort to stay connected with loved ones back home. Use video chat or social media to stay in touch and share your adventures. I love the Marco Polo app because I can share long or short videos without having to schedule time. I can share a story or what I'm seeing, and my friends can watch it on their own time.
Balancing work and travel as a digital nomad can be a challenge, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. By setting boundaries, creating a routine, and making time for both work and play, you can find a balance that works for you.
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