Being a digital nomad sounds like the dream, to many people, because it’s the best of both worlds. Traveling from one beautiful location to the next, working from a beachside cafe one day and a mountain cabin the next, all while maintaining your career from your laptop sounds pretty darn good to many who would rather avoid the trappings of conventional life.
This is a lifestyle that seems ideal on paper, and for many, it really is. This website hasn’t been created because people feel like this lifestyle is a drag. However, as anyone who’s been on the road for a while will tell you, there’s a side to being away for long stretches that can sometimes drag, as with anything.
No matter how incredible your surroundings are, there’s something about the familiarity of home that’s hard to replicate when you’re always on the move. It’s okay to admit this of course, because it lets us counter it. Now, going home from time to time is of course a good idea. But if you want a quick fix to that feeling of homesickness despite everything else being well, consider some of our tips:
Rely On Routine
The most disorienting burden of constant travel is the lack of routine. Back home, you probably had a set schedule, which meant you woke up at a certain time, made your coffee after that, checked your emails, and headed out for your day. When you’re traveling, especially if you’re moving to a new place every few weeks, it can be hard to implement that same pace.
That’s why creating even the simplest routines can give you a sense of stability. If you can, we’d recommend, waking up at the same time every morning, finding a nearby coffee shop where you can start your day, or enjoying a regular workout that keeps your pace up. This way, you can rest in routine.
Bring Comfort Items From Home
You don’t have to pack your entire home, but even small details like a candle with a scent you like, a framed photo or just a few snacks that remind you of the place (and that customs won’t object to) can be a good idea to bring. That means when you walk into an Airbnb and set out your favorite blanket or light a candle that smells like home, it can instantly take the edge off that feeling of not being home.
You might also be able to enjoy content you would have liked back home, such as learning how to watch EPL in Australia with a VPN. That way, you can more easily keep up with the sports and culture despite not being there.
Cook Your Favorite Meals
Trying new cuisines is one of the benefits of traveling (and it’s a pretty great one), but after a few months, you might start craving the comfort of a home-cooked meal that isn’t quite as inspirational but gives you a sense of peace. But with with a little creativity, you can enjoy your favorite dishes, even in a basic Airbnb kitchen.
For instance, there may be a supermarket that has ingredients you have back home but imported, perhaps for a higher price, but that’s fine. Head to a local market, pick up fresh ingredients, and make one of your homely meals.
Stay Connected With Loved Ones
Traveling solo can be freeing and a digital nomad certainly prizes that, but it can also get lonely. Missing your friends and family is completely normal though, and staying in touch with them can help ease that loneliness. If it’s possible, setting appointed video calls with the people you love back home for a quick checkin can be great, even if it’s to see your dog over Facetime.
If you’re in a different time zone, making an effort to stay in touch with longer messages or even letters can be nice. For many, all it takes is a familiar face or a quick chat to remind you that, even though you’re far away, your support system is still there for you.
Rest & Recharge
Digital nomads are proactive, productive people. They’ve gone into the world free as a bird but are still earning their way. Sometimes, they feel they need to be exploring, working, or making the most of every new place they visit or super productive at every moment, but working htis way doesn’t mean you have to be in adventure mode 24/7. Unfortunately, trying to do too much can leave you burned out.
If you can, rest and recharge. Take it seriously. Going out and exploring and having fun at night is certainly fine of course, but make sure you really do balance and work off those indulgent times. It’ll make you feel ten times better in the long run, and will balance the emotional discomfort of home sickness.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily avoid homesickness as a digital nomad, or deal with it responsibly.
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