A survival guide to night shifts
Hey Freaking Nomads,
Irene here, and this week, I want to talk about something many of us have faced (or are currently facing): working through the night *cue dramatic music*. Be it a client call scheduled at an ungodly hour, a deadline that’s haunting you, or just one of those nights where your brain decides to kick into high gear, night shifts are part of the digital nomad life.
I’ve been there—way too often. Back in my freelancing days, I used to pull all-nighters like they were some kind of rite of passage. But while working at night can sometimes feel like you’re hacking the system, it can also mess with your health, your mood, and your sanity if you’re not careful.
So, here's my survival guide to night shifts—stuff I’ve learned the hard way to make those late nights (or early mornings) a little less painful. And, because I care about you, I’m also going to remind you why this shouldn’t become a habit. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
1. Eat and Hydrate Like You Mean It
Night shifts are a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t just survive on coffee and sugar (I’ve made that mistake!). Drink plenty of water, have a proper meal before you start, and maybe some chocolate (it counts as survival food, right?)
2. Set the Mood
Your workspace matters. I’m not saying you need to go full-on hygge, but dim the lights or use a soft lamp to create a calm, functional vibe. I’ve found that when my environment feels calm, my brain is less likely to revolt against the fact that it’s 3 AM and I’m still working.
3. Take Breaks (Seriously)
Without the natural rhythm of a typical workday, time just melts. I use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work, 5-minute breaks) to keep myself focused and avoid hitting zombie mode. Step outside, stretch, or just stare at the stars—it’s oddly grounding.
5. Control the Noise
Depending on where you are, working at night can mean blissful silence or absolute chaos (ever stayed in a hostel, anyone?). Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver, but if it’s too quiet, I throw on some low-key lo-fi music to keep my brain engaged. Some of my best ideas come at 2 AM...Remembering them is another story!
6. Know When to Quit
There comes a point in every night shift where you’re just done. Your brain is fried, your eyes are crossing, and you’re starting to question all your life choices. When you hit that wall, it’s okay to stop. Pushing through when you’re completely drained only leads to sloppy work and a miserable next day. Set a hard stop time and stick to it.
A Gentle Reminder: Don’t Make This a Habit
I get it, sometimes night shifts are unavoidable. But if it’s becoming the norm, it’s time to set boundaries or rethink your schedule. Long-term sleep disruption = burnout, weakened immunity, and more. Remember: Your health is worth more than any deadline.
Stay rested (as much as you can),
Irene Lidia
🗞️ What's new in the nomad world
- Dubai rolls out the red carpet for influencers: The city just launched its Influencer Golden Visa, offering a 10-year residency (renewable, of course) to content creators. Tax-free income, family sponsorship, and a $40.8 million fund sweeten the deal. Time to pack your gear and head to the desert!
Irene Lidia Wang
- Kazakhstan’s upping its nomad game: Already a hotspot with its Neo Nomad Visa, Kazakhstan's just added three new categories to lure entrepreneurs, IT pros, and high-demand specialists. With fast approvals and no invitation letters for 48 nationalities, working from the vast, breathtaking steppe has never been easier.
Luca Mussari
👀 What else...
- If you're planning a trip to Europe...We tested the top eSIM providers—Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and more—to find the best options for every type of traveler. We break it all down, including the pros, cons, and a few surprises. Oh, and we snagged some exclusive discount codes for you.
Irene Lidia Wang
- Heymondo and SafetyWing: which travel insurance is better? We put both to the test in real-world situations (including a nasty bike crash) to see which one offers the best coverage, customer service, and flexibility for nomads. If you’re picking a policy, don’t miss this.
Jessica Saabor
✨ Our favorite nomad quote
“Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions” – Peter Hoeg
💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you
Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:
- UI Designer at Xebia
- Clinical Recruiter at Diana Health
- Email Marketer at Plane
- Art Director (Video) at Atticus
- Accounting Assistant at BruntWork
💡This week's pick (to make your life easier)
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Want to explore more must-have travel tech? Check out our dedicated guides.
That's all for this week.
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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!
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