Getting started as a digital nomad is relatively easy with the vast array of products and services designed to help people living this lifestyle. But maintaining this lifestyle can become challenging, especially if you don’t have strategies in place to stay social and connected.
What steps can you take to stay better connected in a digital nomad environment?
Choosing the Right Locations
As a digital nomad, you’ll have considerable flexibility in the locations you choose to work in. Some locations are going to make you feel more at home than others. While part of your motivation to become a digital nomad may be exploring new cultures and exotic locations, these novel places can also make you feel alienated. Consider choosing more familiar places, especially at first.
• Language. Assuming you speak English because you’re reading this article, you can work in countries where English is the dominant language, or at least where English is commonly spoken. Even if you’re bilingual or interested in learning another language, having at least a few people around who speak your primary language is valuable.
• Culture. Some areas are so culturally different from your home country that it can be both shocking and isolating to live there. Consider choosing countries that provide an easier transition.
• Time zones. Finally, think about time zones. Traveling to the other side of the world has its advantages, but it can also put you on a schedule literally opposite of the schedules of your closest friends and family members.
Virtual Mailbox Services
One easy way to stay connected is to enlist the help of a virtual mailbox service. With one of these service packages, you can continue receiving all mail associated with your business at a United States location. You’ll be able to conveniently view and forward your mail remotely, so you can stay in constant communication no matter where you are.
According to Lucas Seyhun, founder of The Farm SoHo, “Our clients typically look for a service that offers an abundance of digital storage, easy mail forwarding options, digital scanning, and administrative support. With a sufficiently robust service, you’ll have access to all your mail and information at all times, and quite conveniently. And if you have any trouble, you’ll have a dedicated representative available to help.”
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces have exploded in popularity not just in the U.S., but all around the world. As long as you’re in a semi-popular area, you should have access to this relatively inexpensive social gathering space. It can help you stay more focused and productive, but also introduce you to like-minded professionals – some of whom may be digital nomads as well.
Cafes, Libraries, and More
You should also consider working in local cafes, libraries, and other locations frequented by freelancers and professionals. It can make you feel less alone, even if you don’t directly interact with anybody. Return to the same locations frequently so you can cultivate some familiar faces.
Local Networking
Networking is professionally beneficial to anyone, in any career. It’s an excellent way to find new clients, partners, mentors, and other valuable contacts, and it simultaneously helps you feel better connected in your local area. Consider attending local networking meetups, but keep in mind that you can network literally anywhere with people.
Digital Nomad Communities
Sometimes, you’ll be able to find digital nomad communities in your target location. These groups interact online frequently and in person occasionally, giving you multiple ways to connect with people likely going through a similar experience to yours.
Regular Interactions With Friends Back Home
No matter how busy you get with your digital nomad work, schedule regular interactions with your friends and family members back home. Set aside at least some time every day to exchange a few text messages, and make time for video calls at least weekly.
Professional Therapy
Chronic loneliness and, by extension, depression, can be significant mental health obstacles to overcome – but they are surmountable, especially if you have the help of a professional therapist. Since online therapy is so convenient and popular, you should always have an available line of support.
Occasional Return Visits
Even if you’ve dedicated yourself to bouncing around the globe, you shouldn’t feel shy or hesitant about planning return visits to your home country. Even if you’re only back for a few days, it can help you reconnect with your favorite people and give you a sense of home.
Staying connected and socially fulfilled as a digital nomad can be challenging at times, but thanks to an abundance of online services and similarly-minded communities, there are more options for tackling this problem than ever before. All it takes is a proactive commitment on your part.
