Whether you’re a 9-5 digital nomad, or working online part time to fund your travel, the nomadic life can have drawbacks. Here’s our practical tips on how to make it work better for you:
Kit and insurance – it sounds obvious, but having the right kit (laptop, phone, noise cancelling headphones, USB sticks, chargers and international adapters) and having it insured is key.
Take time off – as we use phones and laptops to relax as well as work, it’s important to segregate work and play. Give yourself set time off – and avoid the weekend, if you want to avoid hiked pries and crowds.
Go slow – spend longer in each place to avoid exhaustion, get cheaper accommodation, meet fellow nomads and absorb the culture.
Workplace – don’t be tempted to work on the beach. It’s distracting, a theft risk and sand and tech equipment don’t mix.
Work schedule – try and stick to regular hours. Make sure you include the times of day when you are most productive – for example, are a morning or evening worker?
Network – try and meet other digital nomads – for local advice, tips and company. It can be a lonely existence.
Time zones – factor in the time zone of your main clients into deciding where to base yourself.
Coffee – if you’re basing yourself in a cafe, limit your intake of caffeine. It can lead to insomnia, which can lead to more coffee and so on.
Exercise – daily exercise, like swimming, stretching or yoga, can help prevent back, shoulder, neck and wrist pain.
Go offline – turn off and tune out regularly to recharge yourself.