Being a Digital Nomad can be an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle, but it can also come with its own set of challenges, one of which is loneliness.
Being on the road, away from friends and family, can be isolating and make it difficult to form meaningful connections. But don’t worry, there are ways to overcome this feeling of loneliness.
In this article, we'll be sharing 7 actionable tips to help you handle loneliness as a digital nomad. So, if you sometimes feel lonely as a digital nomad, read on to discover how to combat this feeling and make the most of your nomadic lifestyle.
1. Join Online Communities and Events
Joining online communities or attending online events can be a great way to connect with other digital nomads who understand this lifestyle, can provide support, or just be available for a chat.
Here are some tips on how to find relevant digital nomad communities and events:
- Join Facebook or LinkedIn groups. Search only those that are specific to digital nomads or remote workers. These groups can be a great way to connect with others who are in a similar situation and can offer tips and advice for working and traveling.
- Use apps like Meetup or Eventbrite. This is a great way to meet people in person and make connections with other digital nomads.
- Follow digital nomads or remote workers on social media. Many digital nomads use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok to document their travels and share travel tips and advice. Following them can be a good way to get inspiration and connect with others.
- Use online forums like Reddit. This is our favorite way to exchange practical information with other digital nomads and discuss topics of interest.
2. Join Coworking Spaces and Local Meet-ups
Another great way to meet people with similar interests and, who knows, maybe build some long-lasting friendships is by joining a membership-based co-working space or local meet-up.
Coworking spaces provide a dedicated work environment that can help you focus and be more productive at work while offering a sense of community and support. Many coworking spaces host, in fact, regular events and networking opportunities, which can help you make connections and build relationships with other digital nomads and remote workers.
Similarly, joining local meet-ups and networking groups can help you connect with like-minded individuals and build a sense of community. This can be a great way to meet new people, learn from others and share your own experience.
Coworkers and people attending local events might also have a better knowledge of the place you are traveling to so you might also get some inside tips on the best things to see or do. Awesome, right?
3. Volunteer or Attend Local Events
Looking for local volunteer opportunities in the areas you plan to travel to or participating in local cultural activities like festivals, holidays, religious events, sports, and exhibitions can be a great way to meet locals and explore the local culture.
Volunteering allows you to give back to the local community and make a positive impact while meeting new people and forming connections with individuals who share similar values.
Additionally, attending local events such as festivals, cultural events, and community gatherings can help you learn more about the local culture and customs, and interact with other people in the community. By participating in these events, you can, in fact, learn more about the local culture and history, and also have the opportunity to engage with the locals.
They are both a great way to connect with others and feel more connected to your surroundings, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and make you more fulfilled while traveling.
4. Keep in Touch With Friends and Family
Being away from your loved ones can be difficult and can contribute to feelings of isolation.
With today's technology, it's easy to stay in touch through video calls, messaging apps, social media and regular communication. However, you still need to make an extra effort to maintain those important connections. It's easy to get caught in so many other things that we forgot some times to reach out to the people we love the most.
Scheduling virtual catch-ups like a virtual dinner or an online game night can help you feel more connected to them and can provide a sense of stability and familiarity that can be comforting when you're far from home.
Keeping in touch with your loved ones can also mean you stay grounded and remind yourself of your support system back home.
You could share your experiences and adventures with them or show them what you are discovering and learning. This will help you feel less alone and process your feelings for them to feel closer to you.
5. Take Up a Hobby or a Sport
Hobbies and sports provide a sense of purpose and can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and help you feel more fulfilled and engaged.
They can also help you to get distracted from feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of accomplishment.
For example, if you take up a hobby like photography, you could explore your new location through the lens and capture beautiful moments. Or if you take up a sport like running, you could end up exploring the outdoors and meet other people who share your interest in running.
Joining a local club or group dedicated to your sport will also help you stay active and healthy, which can positively impact your overall well-being. And trust us, we know how difficult it is to keep away those annoying injuries caused by working from our laptops!
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Federico Felici
Federico Felici
6. Travel With a Partner or Friend or Join a Group Tour
Having someone to share your experiences with can help to make your digital nomad journey more enjoyable and provide a sense of companionship.
If you're traveling with a partner or friend, you could explore new places together and create lasting memories while having someone to rely on for support and even sharing travel costs!
If you're traveling alone, joining a group tour can be a fun way to meet new people and form connections with other fellow digital nomads or travelers.
They often include activities, excursions, and social events that can help to create a sense of camaraderie and bonding with other fellow nomads.
7. Stay in a Hostel or a Co-living
Hostels and co-living spaces provide an opportunity to meet other remote workers and digital nomads who are always on the road like you.
They often have communal areas, such as kitchens and living rooms, where you can socialize and connect with others.
Hostels and co-living spaces also host events and activities, such as movie nights, game nights, and cultural exchange events, which provide opportunities for socializing and getting to know each other.
Furthermore, staying in a hostel or co-living can also be a more affordable option for digital nomads, as the cost of accommodation is usually shared among multiple people. This can also help to ease the financial burden of nomad travel, which often can be another source of stress and anxiety.
You can find the best hostels and coliving platforms here:
Luca Mussari
Final Thoughts
The strategies we shared with you will help provide a sense of community, belonging, and friendship while combatting feelings of loneliness that can sometimes arise while location-independent.
It's essential, though, to find the right balance and combination of these strategies that work for you, and to remember that loneliness is a common feeling among digital nomads, and there are ways to deal with it.
At Freaking Nomads, we are creating a community of like-minded people who can help and celebrate each other.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and join our Facebook Group if you want to get in touch with other members of our growing digital nomad community!
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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!
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