Being a digital nomad can truly be amazing. Getting to choose where you want to work from. Sometimes for a boss or even for your own business. Complete freedom if you ask me. But how to make sure that you are staying at top of your game? How do you get to stay productive with a stable internet connection? I think at one point this is something almost all digital nomads will struggle with, at least once. So instead of getting stressed right away, let this blog help you to get back on top! Here are our tips on how to stay productive as a digital nomad. Coworking spaces can be a great solution for finding reliable Wi-Fi and a pleasant working atmosphere.

Establishing a Structured Routine for Remote Workers

First things first! All good things start with a structured routine. A routine will make sure that you get the hours or work in that is needed everyday. Not only work though, a routine also makes sure that you plan time for other things like self care, exercise and fun, just as important! Remember to exercise regularly to maintain your health and wellness. Healthy habits will make sure that you won’t feel burnt-out after your first few months.

Create a day routine by looking at your available hours and which things you find important to do. For example, do you like to work 8 hours straight? Or maybe you like to work two separate shifts, working in the morning? Or evening maybe? Look and find what works best for you. Keep in mind, if your routine is not working you should change it, but the beauty of a routine is ofcourse that if it’s work that you truly stick to it.

Choosing a Workspace

You have left your homecountry behind for your new remote life adventures. So much fun! Now it’s time to work from your laptop, but where? Well that is completely up to you but there are a few things to keep in mind!

During your first weeks of arrival at your new destination, I think it is always a good idea to start exploring the neighborhood and surrounding area’s. At Otex we love to work at some cute coffeeshops or cafes that focus mainly on work spots. If that’s not your thing, you can always search for something like a co-working spot or an office environment. You can see these spots like a small temporary office, where you are also able to meet and connect with our digital nomads. Besides that you can also look for renting an apartment with a desk. That way you can also work from your own space. It is crucial for remote workers to find suitable workspaces to maintain productivity.

At the end, there will always be multiple spots that you can work from. Although it is important if you are working from locations like cafes that you keep in mind that you are a customer for them and that it is not a free work spot. Let’s keep the economy going!

Embracing Technology for Efficiency

Technology, we wouldn’t be working as a digital nomad if it wasn’t here. So with that being said, let’s also use it to its full potential for our own efficiency. Let’s start with the basic, some good basics make for a good start. Think of a good working laptop, a mouse and noice canceling headphones. Ofcourse these items are completely up to you, but at Otex we think these make a good place to start. Nothing as frustrating as a slow laptop…

Besides the electronics self, I also like to use productivity tools to up my efficiency. My favorite all times app are Flowfor productivity and pomodoro timer, Trello for organizing my content and to do lists and Magnet for organizing my Macbook. App’s can really make your life easier, so why not use them? Productivity tools are especially important for remote teams to support collaboration and task management.

Prioritizing Breaks and Self-Care

We have set up our routine, workspace and programs so let’s get to work! All these things are great, but they will mean nothing if you aren’t relaxed or completely tired out. Time to prioritize breaks and the importance of self-care.

When you work alone, it is easy to get completely in your work of today and forget the rest, like yourself. In the end this will only kill your productivity, you might get burnt-out at one point. That’s why it is so important to schedule breaks and free time to maintain a healthy work life balance. Try to add those breaks to your actual routine, that way you can’t neglect them. Besides that, you are traveling the world! Breaks are the perfect time to explore the fantastic place you are at.

Remote work offers the flexibility to manage your schedule, but it also comes with challenges like distractions and loneliness. Balancing these aspects is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being.

Growth Mindset and Embracing Flexibility

As a digital nomad you might be your own boss, or working for a company independently. What makes that you will not always have someone that is looking over your shoulder, looking at your day, your tasks and your growth. Therefore it can be easy for remote employees to just put in minimal effort. Productivity is not only about making sure you don’t work too much, but also to make sure you put in enough effort.

The digital nomad lifestyle might feel if you are on a full-time vacation, which yes of course sounds great! But that’s the thing, you aren’t. Make sure you don’t fall in this trap and stay on top of your goals. Keep clear goals so you can work towards them. Working remotely offers flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere, but it also comes with challenges like distractions and loneliness that can impact productivity. That way you can keep on thriving as a digital nomad and never go back home, wherever that is…!