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Living the digital nomad lifestyle is all about balance. While the freedom to work from anywhere in the world is great, finding ways to unwind after a day of work is equally important. Because digital nomads spend a lot of time behind a computer screen, simply watching Netflix after work can feel like a bit too much screen time. If you’re struggling to keep yourself entertained after work, check out these five activities that can be as fun as they are rewarding.
1. Explore the local culture
Being a digital nomad is great for many reasons, but most enter into this lifestyle for the opportunity to work from a more interesting location than where they normally live. This gives you an opportunity to explore and engage with the local culture, be it through food, people or entertainment. Get yourself out and about, visit local markets, try some street food, take a walk through the neighborhoods; when everything is new and unfamiliar, it’s hard to be bored.
2. Join a local or online community
Often, digital nomads sacrifice working with other people to gain the freedom to work from anywhere. This can sometimes feel isolating, and isolation can quickly lead to boredom. Regain some of what you lost by connecting with people in the same situation through online community groups. In locations where there’s a significant population of digital nomads, you can probably find weekly meet-up sessions or other social activities. You can also connect with people who live in the local area or other expats, such as by joining a cooking class or a language school.
3. Engage in creative hobbies
If you’re lucky enough to have a hobby that you love doing, be sure to keep at it while living as a digital nomad. Whether it’s football, photography, painting or writing, keep your passion alive by setting aside some time for it every week or joining a local team or group. Not only will this allow you to keep doing what you love, but you’ll probably find some people to enjoy it with. Photography, for instance, is a great way to explore your new location whilst also engaging in your hobby. Creative hobbies are not only relaxing but offer a way to document and share your journey with others.
4. Play games and challenge your mind
Playing games is a classic way to entertain yourself, but digital nomads don’t typically bring their games consoles with them overseas. As a result, you may need to turn to more traditional games or find some digital games on your laptop. If you’re a fan of cards, learning a new variation of a game you’re familiar with can be fun. Take Omaha poker, for example, which is a type of poker like Texas Hold’em. The game is very similar but offers a few twists and variations to keep things exciting. Whether you’re playing online or with fellow travelers, poker and other card games can be a great way to pass the time and make new friends.
5. Focus on fitness and well-being
Living the nomadic lifestyle isn’t what it was in the Paleolithic period. It no longer involves massive treks, but rather trains and planes. This means digital nomads get far less exercise than their ancestors and need to pay attention to their fitness and wellbeing. Regular exercise isn’t just good for staying in shape; it can easily become a new passion. Visit a local gym or start jogging and, before long, you’ll be in love with the physical and psychological benefits.
The Verdict
Being a digital nomad offers incredible freedom, but it’s important to find ways to relax and recharge after a day of work. By exploring local culture, joining communities, engaging in creative hobbies, playing games, and focusing on fitness, you can create a balanced lifestyle that allows you to enjoy both your work and your travels. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet beach town, these activities can help you make the most of your time as a digital nomad.
