Battling Homesickness: A Guide for Digital Nomads

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Being a digital nomad is an exciting and rewarding lifestyle. You travel the world, meet new people, immerse yourself in unique and colorful cultures, and experience unforgettable adventures of a lifetime without compromising your financial freedom.

However, it’s not always easy. One of the biggest issues that digital nomads face is homesickness. It can strike anytime, anywhere. One day you’re having a blast, and then suddenly, you’re feeling anxious, uncomfortable, and out of place. Out of nowhere, you have an intense longing for your friends, family, and familiar surroundings.

If you’re feeling this right now, don’t worry; it’s normal and happens to the best of us. Being a digital nomad means stepping out of your comfort zone, so it makes sense to look for the things and people that make you feel safe from time to time. Fortunately, there are many ways to fight homesickness available for digital nomads.

Will Cotter runs his professional home cleaning company, FreshSpace Cleaning, remotely while traveling in different countries across the globe, including Poland, Budapest, Hungary, The Canary Islands, and Thailand. In this article, he shares his travel secrets on how to overcome sickness when he’s traveling.

Establish an informal routine

One of the upsides of being a digital nomad is that you don’t have to have a set schedule or everyday routine like you would if you were working in an office. While this works for others, some people may eventually find it chaotic and overwhelming in the long run. However, creating a routine for yourself even when traveling can help you feel more grounded and engaged and, as a result, less homesick. For example, decide that no matter where you are, you’ll dedicate your mornings to coffee runs, jogging, sightseeing, and touristy stuff, then reserve your afternoons for work commitments, or vice-versa.

Make new friends

Meeting new people can be a great way to combat homesickness. Not only does it give you someone to talk to and hang out with, but it also lets you feel more connected to the place you’re in. So look for local events, join a co-working space, or even use apps like Meetup to find people who share your interests.

Stay active

Traveling is beneficial for your health, but exercising while doing it is even better, plus it’s also a great way to put your mind off homesickness. It releases endorphins that can help improve your mood and push you to stay healthy and energized. Look for local gyms and yoga studios, or even go for a run or a walk outside. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a new activity like surfing, hiking, or rock climbing.

Keep in touch with loved ones

Thanks to technology, it’s easier to stay connected with people even when you’re on the other side of the world, so you don’t miss them too much. Use video chat apps like Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime to regularly talk to your friends and family. In addition, it can be helpful to schedule a regular time to speak so that you always have something to look forward to.

Practice self-care

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Being a digital nomad can be stressful. That’s why evaluating and attending to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs is essential. It might mean getting a massage, taking a bubble bath, meeting with a local monk, going on a hike to do some forest bathing, walking along the beach to do some grounding therapy, or even just taking a day off work to do nothing so you can relax and recharge.

Final Thoughts

Embracing life as a digital nomad promises bold and extraordinary experiences. Homesickness may be the price you have to pay, but rest assured, it’s worth it. Hopefully, by following these practical travel tips, you can enjoy your digital nomad lifestyle to the fullest.