To some, the title of this article could be a bit perplexing. Isn’t the digital nomad lifestyle all about freedom without any of the boring rules I have to follow in my job? Why should anyone burden themselves with something so boring as routines when they can travel the world and do whatever they want? There are many answers to these questions and even more reasons why every digital nomad needs a good routine. So let’s get into them.
Digital nomadism isn’t structureless
Digital nomads are often perceived as though their lives are completely without a schedule. But the opposite is often true. Having a good daily routine and a clear plan for the next year or so is often the anchor in otherwise constantly changing surroundings.
When you move from one place to another often, it is extremely easy to lose sight of what your overall goals are and how you’re achieving them every day. A lot of people go on vacation to forget about their worries and just enjoy something new, but digital nomads travel because it makes their lives richer and their careers better. If you don’t keep routines, you will soon find yourself swamped with work, stressed, unable to get any rest, and will burn out faster than you can board a plane back home.
The good of a good routine
A good routine needs to be well thought out, planned, tried and tested, and adjusted to suit your own needs. It shouldn’t be a slog that you hate but a stable space that gives you a feeling of fulfillment and progress in both your work and your personal life. This is why a good routine incorporates not just work time, but relaxation time, time for hobbies, and time for socializing. A routine is something that keeps you working and happy no matter the country.
One trap that digital nomads often fall into is imitation. It is extremely easy to read an article online about a wealthy person’s daily routine and just copy it without thinking. But this is often going to have bad effects. We are all different people and only by listening to our feelings and seeing what works and what doesn’t can we truly find the best routine for us. This is also why it’s good to talk to people about their daily routines and planning - the more possibilities you see, the more things you can try out.
Routines as freedom
Having a good routine ultimately makes you freer to do what you want. A well-structured day will let you complete parts of your work, sink your teeth into a hobby, relax, and meet with friends or partners. What’s more, digital nomads often travel light, but the one thing you can bring with you is your routine. Having the time to explore your new surroundings without worrying about an upcoming deadline is much freer than having an intense few weeks of vacation and then finding out you have no money and no work.
