Traveling while working isn’t an easy option to come to terms with. For many people, it’s a huge commitment and one that is likely to put them off. In addition, uncertainty is a motivation killer. But there are a few souls who enjoy nothing more than the idea of hitting the road to see as much of the world as they can. Yet this requires discipline for staying productive as a digital nomad since being your own boss comes with temptations and distractions.
Enjoy Your Location
First and foremost, you need to learn to enjoy where you are. Nomadic work means you can go almost anywhere within the confines of the law. This means you get to experience things that most people dream about in various countries worldwide.
However, you must carefully examine each nation’s laws and regulations surrounding nomadic work. For example, the European Union requires a specific visa for traveling throughout (https://europe-visa.com). At the same time, digital nomadic work in the US is accountable to state and federal law.
Remove External Interruptions
Nomadic work, by its very nature, means you may rely on technology. Devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets are required for remote working. Yet many of these devices also offer distractions. Ad distractions from your work when you are your own boss are disastrous.
Distractions and interruptions are toxic for digital nomads because of the self-employed angle. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid, and more work means more pay. And you cannot travel, rent a room and buy food for free. So switch off your phone, TV, and other devices when working.
Establish a Comfortable Routine
One of the most productive ways you can work is by establishing a routine. This might be hard for you since the very nature of being your own boss and doing your own work is, so you aren’t beholden to the 9 to 5. Yet you need to understand the best time for optimal results.
However, as your own boss, you can pick which times you start and finish work or set the amount of work you must complete. Unless you are on a deadline for a client, this is easy. Start work at 10 am and do what you can until 3 pm, for example. Or, as a content writer, you could set yourself a goal of 4,000 words per day. Then, once done, the rest of the day is yours.
Manage Your Schedule Effectively
In addition to a daily routine, you will need a schedule. Like most people, there might be some days that are dear to you. This could be a family thing, for religious reasons for a day you simply enjoy, such as Sunday, for example.
Whatever the days you choose to work, schedule appointments and extra activities around your work time. Being self-employed, it’s tempting to eat into your work time for fun activities like seeing a movie, but this can become a habit and negatively impact your work.
Find a Good Spot for Working
Once you know your routine and have developed a good sense of what you need to do, you must make yourself comfortable. This might be difficult as a nomad since you could be living in low-rent accommodation such as a motel. Then again, you might be on a beachfront property in Florida.
But it doesn’t matter where you are. What matters is that you can become comfortable when working. Some people aren’t bothered by their environment and can work in a public place like a coffee shop. Others require creature comforts and need a homey feel. Find yours and make it happen, or you won’t be able to work well.
Take Breaks During the Day
Working all day takes a toll on the body and mind, especially using technology like computers. First, your eyes might be exposed to blue light, which has its own issues. Second, sitting in a chair all day limits your exercise and can cause musculoskeletal injuries and varicose veins.
It is vital that you take regular breaks to eat, hydrate, and get a little exercise if possible. This does not need to be anything strenuous. Perhaps a brisk walk around the block for some fresh air or some simple stretching exercises.
Take Breaks During the Week
Your work is bound to take its toll on you throughout the week. Like daily breaks for lunch or a coffee, it is helpful to take a break from working throughout the week. This is one of the most excellent perks of being your own boss.
For example, if you don’t like working on a Wednesday, don’t work on a Wednesday. On the other hand, do you always need Thursday afternoon? Take it. And weekends, no problem. The trick is to find the days you are comfortable with taking off and stick to them. This will also allow you to schedule your work and personal life accordingly.
Try Social Work Hubs
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of workers worldwide were not legally allowed to go to the office. This was a boon to the shared workspace industry. While it’s nothing new, social spaces for work provide an excellent way to get a job done.
This is because they are kitted out with the latest technology. Hubs provide space to work, adequate facilities, creature comforts, and essentials such as toilets, seating areas, relaxation spots, and internet connections. Plus you can meet people from all walks of life using the same space.
Separate Work-Life from Personal Time
When it’s all said and done, you are a digital nomad because you want to see the world. But you can’t see much of anything if you work too hard. All work and play make everyone dull, whatever. So try to make time for yourself no matter where you are located.
Right now, you could be holed up in a Hanoi hotel with a bustling city outside. Or you may be in a desert lodge just outside of Rachel, Nevada, where the Milky Way is visible at night. The point is to switch off your work mode and explore where you are. Since you never know what discoveries are waiting just around the corner – quite literally, in most places.
