Top Four Lessons for Digital Nomads
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been on the road for four months already and our time in Thailand is about to end. I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learnt since being here. This lifestyle is so new to me and I want to keep learning and improving. So here are the top four things I’m going to embrace at our next location, Kuala Lumpur.
Top Lessons for Digital Nomads
How Should I Structure My Day?
Ever felt exhausted just from having to make tiny decisions? It’s probably decision fatigue. This is the idea that if we have to make too many decisions, we can burn out this ability. Living as a digital nomad, there are a lot of new scenarios I face each day, which require more effort than if I lived in my home country. What to eat, when to work, where to go for an after-dinner walk. They’re small things, but they add up over the course of a day.
Since my life involves a lot of change – different locations, clients, projects and time zones – having at least a certain amount of structure helps ensure I don’t waste too much energy on making small decisions all day. But each new location requires a slightly altered routine as my location, home and schedule will be somewhat different. My goal for Kuala Lumpur is to be more aware of this and find a new routine faster.
What Should I Eat?
I’m lucky to not have to cook each meal. Takeaway, restaurants, street food and delivery are so ubiquitous (and cheap) here. But I’ve found that it does cause a level of stress for me. Where are we going to eat or order from? What sort of food do I want? Having supplies in the cupboard or a rotation of regulars reduces my anxiety levels about food.
So finding a selection of restaurants or street vendors that I love early on is important for me. This will mean lots of time exploring the neighbourhood, searching through Google Maps and looking at who delivers deliciousness to our new home. All fun stuff, but I do tend to procrastinate on it until I’m hungry and then it becomes a stressful situation.
Where Do We Live?
I found my new favourite cafe a week before we were due to leave Phuket Town. I found the sweetest street cat two weeks before. We’ve lived in dense neighbourhoods so far and there are always hidden gems around. When you’re in a new city (or island) it can be tempting to jet all over the place and explore. But nearby, neighbourhood gems can be so incredible.
In Kuala Lumpur, I want to get out and see our neighbourhood. They always transform from day to night, there are so many hidden spots around and it’s the best way to connect with the locals.
Who Lives With Us?
One of the biggest downsides of being a digital nomad is loneliness. Kieron is definitely my best friend, my work connects me with others and I’m still in touch with friends. But connecting with new people is a great way to learn, share experiences and it’s just fun.
So at our next home, I’m going to make more of an effort to connect with the people living in the same building as us. They may not be living a lifestyle like ours, but making human connections makes me happy (although the introverted side of me wants to avoid it).
