As a digital nomad, you may find yourself always on, seeking the next work assignment or ever-researching your next great destination. Between travel and work and moving from place to place, sometimes the ideal lifestyle can become inadvertently stressful. If you begin to feel stress moving into your lifestyle, try one of these things to break free and begin anew.
Play a Game
Playing a game is a perfect, in-the-moment release from life’s stressors. Finding a portable game that does not take up any extra room in your bag is even better. Try Spider Solitaire, a fun twist on the traditional game of Solitaire that you can pull up and play right from your smartphone. A game you can play on your own, without the added stress of beating an opponent or comparing your score with a friend is both freeing and relaxing. Play Spider Solitaire when the train to your next destination is delayed or you have just settled into your hotel room and want to decompress.
Stay a Little Longer
Even if you have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle and truly relish in everything it has to offer you personally and professionally, there may come a time when you want to step back from constant movement. If you are in a location you particularly enjoy or have a desire to take a break from going from place to place, know that it is okay to stay a little longer wherever you are. The benefits of staying in a place you already know are just that – you already know where the main infrastructure is and can relax and destress without feeling that you must explore every second of your stay. Instead, sit back, take a breath, and stay for a while. When you are ready, you can begin your journey with a refreshed sensibility.
Seek Sustenance
There is a reason the term comfort food exists. Every culture has it, and when you eat delicious food that resonates with a time in your life when you were happy or it is simply a favorite dish, it feels good and makes you smile. While it is unhealthy to use food as a constant source of stress relief, of course, it can always be a source of comfort when you need it. No matter what locale you find yourself in, go out and explore the local cuisine to learn about regional dishes and find your new comfort food. And sometimes, a good meal in a relaxing environment is just what you need to reset.
Move Your Body
Physical movement is essential for a healthy body, but it is important for your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that help you feel better. Maintain consistency with an exercise routine regardless of your time zone. By doing so, you will have a mainstay no matter where you are to stay physically fit and mentally healthy. Find something portable, such as running, renting a local bike, hiking, or a tried-and-true online workout routine.
Watch this video for inspiration and a quick workout you can do right in your hotel room.
Go “Home” for Awhile
The concept of home may seem elusive as of late, especially if you have packed away your belongings into a storage unit and do not pay rent or a mortgage. However, there is probably someplace you still refer to as home. That place may be where your parents reside. If you feel unsettled and worn down from being in a constant state of movement, the best solution might be to return to your family and reconnect in person. Seeing and hugging the people you love, experiencing family traditions, and spending time talking with one another is grounding. Once you are refreshed, you can head back out on your grand life adventure.
Whether you are traveling for work or play, there will always be a need to unwind. Even if you are exploring a new country or revisiting a favorite one, finding ways to relax and destress is essential for your well-being. Try your hand at Spider Solitaire while sitting in a crowd or all alone at a restaurant, and exercise your worries away. Sit in the moment or stay in one place longer than planned while quieting your mind if you want to. Take a break from traveling to see the people you love. When you are ready to resume your nomadic ways, you will be refreshed and better equipped for the adventures that await you.
