Can Digital Nomads feel lonely? For many, being a Digital Nomad looks like a dreamy jet-set life. We travel the world, work on the beach, meet interesting people, and experience the wildest adventures. What many don’t see: Loneliness is an essential part of our lives (yes, even as a family)!
According to recent studies, Digital Nomads experience less homesickness but more loneliness. That’s why I would like to show you 5 ways how you can combat loneliness as a Digital Nomad abroad.
1. Realize that You are not Alone with these Feelings
In my opinion, this is the best immediate help. Nowadays we are bombarded with photos on social media platforms – it seems everyone has huge circles of friends and is constantly doing the funniest things together. That’s the impression we’re automatically given. And when we’ve just arrived in a new place and feel lonely, these photos can make us sad.
So my tip is to realize that you are not alone in feeling lonely. Most people only post the best moments. Hardly anyone posts sad photos of them being left alone at home. There are so many people out there who want company. You just have to find each other!
2. Is this Kind of Loneliness perhaps Good for You?
That sounds totally silly, I know. But an expat friend recently said that a certain degree of loneliness is productive. And I totally agree with her! As nice as social interactions are and as essential they are for our mental health, they are also a distraction. I enjoy having some degree of seclusion during periods of work. It allows me to focus on my job and my family, without having to organize my life around new relationships. So maybe you should ask yourself if you can’t use your loneliness – at least in the short term – for something useful.
3. Join a Local Digital Nomads Facebook Group
This is the easiest and most obvious solution to quickly connect in new places and avoid loneliness as a Digital Nomad. Join a local Facebook group and scroll through the events. Many places also have Facebook groups and events for special interests: Vegan meetups, sports events, or language exchanges. Participate in the things that interest you. There’s usually at least one person you want to get to know better. With luck, even more!
If you are very afraid of loneliness and want to avoid it at all costs, sign up for events before you arrive at the new place. This will cause some stress but will guarantee not one day of isolation.
4. Contact your Loved Ones at Home
Sometimes you just don’t feel like new contacts and external impressions. You just need someone who knows you, understands how you feel, and says the absolutely right things. In these moments you should simply contact a loved one at home – whether parents or friends. Often you feel much better afterward and have recharged your batteries.
5. Go Out and be Among People
Sometimes it just helps to be around people. That can be a co-working space, a restaurant, a gym, or a market. I sometimes feel like I’ve had enough social interaction after spending a day in the office and just having some small talk. So go out, mingle, and maybe you’ll even feel like connecting with people proactively. It takes some courage, but it can be extremely rewarding.
Special Lonely Nomad Family Advice
As a family, you have a much easier time avoiding loneliness. You have a fixed structure, your best friend aka. life partner always with you and the kids to take care of. But even as a family, at some point, I feel lonely and long for contact from outside.
The best practice for me: No matter where I meet nice families – whether on the playground, in the daycare, or on the Internet – I try to exchange contacts as soon as possible and arrange a play date with them. Because I have to go to a playground on the weekend anyway – I can use that time to get to know other parents. In addition, I’m a big fan of Mother’s Circles. Regular exchanges with fellow mums have always shown me that we all have the same problems and are not alone.
Do you feel lonely as an expat or a Digital Nomad sometimes? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!