Life as a digital nomad is full of adventure and opportunity, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges.
One of the most common struggles among nomads is loneliness.
Whether you’re new to the nomadic lifestyle or a seasoned pro, it’s important to find ways to cope with loneliness and maintain your mental health.
This post isn’t about removing the feeling or about how to find genuine connections.
It’s about helping you understand why you might feel lonely and learning how to cope with it.
Don’t worry, this too shall pass. 😉
Why can you feel lonely as a digital nomad?
Photo credit: Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash
There are many factors that can contribute to loneliness as a digital nomad.
Some of the most common ones are:
Difficulty building genuine connections
When you’re always on the move, it can be challenging to establish deep, lasting connections with people. It’s not just about finding company (that’s easy), it’s about finding someone you click with. Which can be challenging when you’re short on time!
It can be confusing and challenging to attach yourself to a person or place
This can lead to a feeling of disconnection and isolation, especially if you are away from friends and family for long periods of time. It can also be harder to feel like you belong somewhere when you are constantly on the move and don’t have a fixed base.
Cultural and language barriers
Photo credit: If you are traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language or are unfamiliar with the culture, it can be trickier to get to know people. Cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or miscommunications, which can further isolate you and make you feel like an outsider. Even if you’re surrounded by people.
You’ll often be far away from those you care most about
Even when you are surrounded by people, you may not have anyone who truly knows and loves you. Sometimes you might feel like just having a coffee with your best friend, sister or mum. You’ll also miss weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Sure, you can attend some, but you won’t be able to come over for everything!
Pickier about who you spend time with
Over time, if you’re driven and focused on becoming the best version of yourself, you will likely become even more selective about who you spend time with. Since you no longer want to make random friends just for the sake of having company, the first point will be even more challenging.
How to cope with loneliness as a digital nomad
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Loneliness and the fear of being lonely can have a significant impact on our lives and lead to unhealthy or self-destructive behavior as we try to avoid feeling alone.
Rather than escaping the feeling, here are some strategies to cope with it.
If you’re more interested in how to build meaningful connections, this post covers everything you need to know.
Embrace the discomfort
Instead of distracting yourself from feeling lonely, try to understand what is causing these feelings and accept that it is a natural and normal part of life. It is not strange to even miss parts of your former life. See the logic in the situation. It can be difficult to meet people you click with, and it can be challenging to take a relationship from shallow to deep with little time. When you look at it objectively, it’s not that surprising you feel lonely sometimes.
Challenge your perspective on relationships
Try to focus on the upsides, like all the amazing people you’ve met. Remember that the quality of a relationship is more important than how much time you spend with someone.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Photo credit: Staying connected with the VIPs in your life can help you feel loved and supported, even when you are far away. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about your feelings of loneliness. Just a quick chat with someone close to you can help you feel more connected.
Learn to enjoy your own company
Rather than looking for company, getting on apps to chat with people or whatever. Learn how to appreciate being with yourself! Being alone does not have to equal loneliness, and it is possible to feel lonely even when you are surrounded by people. It is about the meaningful relationships we have with others and with ourselves. Quality over quantity!
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Photo credit: Shashi Chaturvedula on Unsplash
When we are feeling lonely, it is easy to get lost in negative thoughts and emotions. By focusing on the present moment and becoming more aware of our thoughts and emotions, we can reduce stress, learn to let go of negative thoughts and cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment. This can help us to feel more grounded and connected to ourselves.
Choose locations that suit your needs
Try to choose places where you will be comfortable living. While it’s great to challenge yourself, it is important to consider what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Some places may be a better fit for you than others.
Consider your motivations
It is important to reflect on what attracted you to the digital nomad lifestyle and how you felt in your pre-nomad life. Think about the positives and negatives of this lifestyle, and weigh them against your own needs and preferences. Do you need to make any adjustments to your lifestyle? It’s always up to you how you travel and how long you spend in a place!
Remember that being a digital nomad doesn’t have to be a permanent choice. You can always choose to settle down in one place for a while or even for the long term if that is what feels right for you.
Managing loneliness is key to maintaining the digital nomad lifestyle long-term
Photo credit: Joshua Earle on Unsplash
As a digital nomad, loneliness is a natural challenge you likely will face at some point. With the right strategies and mindset, you can find ways to cope with loneliness and thrive in this exciting and rewarding lifestyle.
Stay connected with loved ones, learn to enjoy your own company, and choose locations that suit your needs. Remember to be honest with yourself about your needs and desires, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your lifestyle if needed! With a little effort, you can turn loneliness into an opportunity for personal growth and find happiness as a digital nomad.
Do you ever feel lonely as a digital nomad? What’s your best tip to cope?
