Nomadic Journeys: Exploring the Mental Wellbeing of Digital Nomads
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
In the fast-paced age, an increasing number of individuals are embracing a nomadic lifestyle, combining work and travel as digital nomads. While this newfound freedom offers exiting opportunities, it also raises questions about the impact on their mental wellbeing. In this article, we want to show you the world of digital nomads and explore the challenges they face, along with valuable insights on how to nurture their mental wellbeing while on the move.
“Digital nomads are remote workers who usually travel to different locations. They often work in coffee shops, co-working spaces, or public libraries, relying on devices with wireless internet capabilities like smart phones and mobile hotspots to do their work wherever they want [1] .”
According to an MBO Partners research brief [2] , “there were 7.3 million digital nomads in 2019. This figure climbed to 10.9 million in 2020 and 15.5 million by 2021. The majority are millennials (44%), followed by Gen X (23%), Gen Z (22%) and baby boomers (12%). Unlike non-nomads, digital nomads tend to hold college degrees and do work requiring specialized education, training, or expertise.
How to become a digital nomad? Determine if it is a good fit; figure out your budget; decide on a destination (s); spruce up your skills; research the work-from-anywhere job market [3] . Where do digital nomads come from? USA (51%), UK (85%), Russia (5%), Germany (3%), Canada (5%). Additionally, the average yearly salary of a digital nomad is US$120,512. Top industries digital nomads work in software development, website development, startups and marketing [4] .
Now, if we talk about the mental health of digital nomads, according to NomadTalk.net [5] , “becoming a digital nomad is an exciting thing but many nomads find that this life quickly becomes a drag. You see, without careful management; digital nomad life can take a severe toll on your mental health. Worse, when you live and work in places that aren’t your home it can be challenging, if not impossible to access mental health care. That means you must take responsibility for your mental health as a digital nomad and act when warning signs, that things aren’t going well, arise [6] .”
How can you support your mental health as a digital nomad? Keep in touch with your friends and family at home; connect with other digital nomads; become an expert at prepping for the next move [7] . “Being a digital nomad requires adaptability, open- mindedness and a certain degree of discipline [8] .”
In conclusion, the journey of digital nomads presents both incredible adventures and potential mental health challenges. As they navigate through diverse landscapes and work remotely, it becomes vital for them to prioritize self-care and emotional wellbeing. By cultivating mindfulness, seeking social support, and establishing a routine that promotes balance, digital nomads can thrive in their nomadic lifestyle while nurturing their mental wellbeing.
[1]https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/digital-nomad
[2]https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/thrive/what-is-a-digital-nomad
[3]https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/how-to-become-a-digital-nomad-v2/
[4]https://www.twoticketsanywhere.com/digital-nomad-statistics/
[5]https://nomadtalk.net/how-the-digital-nomad-lifestyle-affects-your-mental-health-and-what-to-do-about-it/
[6]https://nomadtalk.net/how-the-digital-nomad-lifestyle-affects-your-mental-health-and-what-to-do-about-it/
[7]https://nomadworks.com/blog/how-can-you-support-your-mental-health-as-a-digital-nomad/