coworking in morocco

11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Digital Nomad (So I Didn’t Burn Out)

ByLauren

These are 11 things I really wish I knew before becoming a digital nomad. They would’ve saved me a lot of time, a lot of heartache, a lot of headaches (literally), and… honestly… a stupid amount of stress and burn out.

I’ve been nomadic on and off for about six years, and I made loads of mistakes. Some were funny in looking back, others were expensive but most importantly, some were the kind that make your nervous system shut down.

If you’re a remote worker thinking about going nomad, or you’re already doing it and wondering why you feel weirdly tired and confused while you’re living your “dream life”, this one is for you.

The quick truth about digital nomad life

Digital nomad life isn’t automatically more fun, cheaper or healthier than cubicle life. But it can be amazing if you build it like a real life, not like an endless holiday where you magically have infinite energy and perfect motivation.

My simple nomad travel kit: travel insurance, eSIM, VPN, and a laptop setup that won’t wreck your neck.

Ok, let’s dive in, after some huge falils and a recent burn out, I think the best strategy for sustainable digital nomad living could look like this:

1) Community is not optional (it’s a skill you have to build)

You need people. Like, properly. Not the short-term “we met at a pub crawl last night and now we’re best friends for 48 hours” thing. Even one month in a place can be pushing it if you’re trying to build real meaningful friendships. The biggest shift for me was this:

Slow down. Stay longer. Get to know the RIGHT people.

And “the right people” doesn’t mean “anyone who is also nomadic.” It means people with shared values, interests and energies. The kind of people you actually click with and that are not friendships of convenience.

What worked for me:

  • signing up to nomads.com (formerly nomadlist.com)
  • Facebook groups and meetup.com
  • joining workshops (yoga, clay etc)
  • going to a sketch club
  • climbing gyms
  • hiking clubs
  • classes
  • events
  • coworking spaces
  • coliving places

Also: find other nomads who are doing it properly (not just “I’m here for a week and then Bali and then Mexico then home and look at my Instagram”).

A very practical tip: go on Nomads.com (formerly nomad list) or local nomad groups and host your own meetup. Some of my best friends in Chiang Mai came from coffee meetups I organised. Couch Surfing app is another good one where people have ‘references’ to check so you don’t tend to end up with weirdos.

Bottom line: community doesn’t just “happen” when you travel. You have to design for it and be more intentional.

In- clay workshop chiang mai

2) Put fun in your calendar (yes, literally schedule it)

This one surprised me. I used to think: “I’m traveling full time… so obviously it’ll be fun.”

But fun doesn’t automatically happen just because you changed countries. You (should) still have routines, work, admin, laundry, plus the additional mental load of being in a new place.

So now I treat fun like a real priority:

  • Friday: ask someone to hike
  • Sunday: workshop / event / class in something interesting
  • midweek: a tour, a local experience, something!

If you’re in Portugal, book surf lessons.
If you’re in Thailand, do a cooking class.
Do the stuff the place is famous for… learn about the language and experience the culture… what’s the point otherwise? Get Your Guide can be a great starting point for tours and experiences (always make sure you check the reviews).

3) Working “full-time” while nomadic is a fast track to burnout

Honestly, I don’t think full-time work and constant travel is realistic long-term (I learned this the hard way).

Your nervous system is constantly processing:

  • new environments
  • new languages
  • new streets
  • new smells / food / cultural cues
  • “where am I going next?” planning

That’s a lot. Even if you feel like you’re fine.

If I could go back, I’d build my week more like:

  • 4 workdays max (as a baseline)
  • 5-7 hours a day max (when you’re sat in deep work with no distractions, take the load into account, no meetings, no chats around the water coolers… it’s a big day anyway.)
  • 1 admin/life day
  • 2 actual rest/fun days (minimal tech use on these days!)

Learn from my mistake: I once walked the Camino to Santiago while working remotely and my thought process was “It’s only 4 hours a day of work”.… I forgot to really take into account I was also walking around 30 km a day. That trip ended in panic attacks and burnout when I got home.

4) No work on travel days. Just don’t.

I used to do that delusional thing:
“It’s only a 3-hour flight. I can work at the airport. I can work on the plane. I don’t need time off.”

Travel is stress. Even when it’s “easy” travel.

  • delays
  • logistics
  • luggage
  • airport chaos
  • not losing your passport
  • your brain being on high alert

If you stack work on top of that, you’re basically asking for a nervous system meltdown at some point.

What I do now:

  • fly after work (evening) heading into a weekend, or
  • travel on weekends, and
  • treat travel days as off days

Your future self will thank you.

5) Routine is not boring – it’s nervous system support

Routine is one of the biggest “I thought I didn’t need this” lessons. When I’m living nomad life properly, I keep it simple:

  • wake up around the same time
  • same breakfast at home (mine is oats + banana + nuts + sultanas)
  • one main coffee shop
  • one coworking space or coworking café I go to consistently
  • a few “regular” restaurants

I used to try every café and every coworking space in town. That chews up mental energy and nervous system energy. This is also a great way to meet people because you get to see the regulars and get to know eachother.

Consistency = safety.
Safety = you don’t crash every few weeks.

6) Look after your neck and back

If you work on a laptop for years, your body keeps receipts. Ensure you’re creating a healthy workspace. I had a nexstand but I didn’t use it much because I thought it was lame.

Now? I’m getting neck issues, back issues and it’s the same story with a lot of long-term nomads. If you feel pain, listen to it early. Don’t “push through” like you’re training for suffering.

Things that help:

  • laptop stand / neck stand
  • external keyboard + mouse (if you can)
  • coworking spaces with ergonomic chairs
  • Pomodoro breaks (I do 25 minutes)
  • get up and move on a timer
  • a good massage a few times a month

And please don’t work from bed like a shrimp all day. It feels cosy until your spine files a complaint. Check out this great remote work set up by Meg over at whatmegdidnext.com.

7) Fitness isn’t a “nice extra”, it’s necessary maintenance

I was never unhealthy, but I didn’t prioritise fitness like I should have. Now I try to treat movement like part of the job:

  • yoga
  • gym
  • running
  • climbing
  • long walks
  • anything consistent

You don’t need to become a fitness person. You just need to stop your body from slowly turning into mush.

8) Bring your expenses down

Nomad life isn’t automatically cheaper (you can spend so much money). When I first started, I was in YOLO mode. After COVID especially, I was like: “Who knows what’s happening. I’m doing the dream. Whatever.”

So I spent loads:

  • fancy Airbnbs in Europe
  • one-bedroom places “in case friends visit”
  • expensive food, smoothie bowls, massages, workshops
  • upgrading everything because “it’s still cheaper than Sydney”

Reality: you can absolutely live nomad life in a way that drains your bank account. What changed everything: staying longer and being more intentional with my saving and investing strategy and starting to see the benefits to my bank account. More expensive doesn’t mean better. I still make sure I buy local ands support the local economy but instead of $15 meals, I’ll get $2 ones most of the time and this stuff adds up. Same with my accomodation, I’ve stayed in places 2 x more expensive but my current ones the best. You just have to do a little more work to find great value.

9) Don’t rent the “just in case” apartment

This deserves its own point because it’s such a common trap. What do you need vs what do you actually want.

I used to book bigger Airbnbs hoping friends would visit. Sometimes they did. Most of the time… it was just me, paying for imaginary guests.

If you’re doing this, try flipping it:

  • get a smaller place
  • let friends book nearby if/when they visit
  • spend that money on experiences you actually want (or savings)

10) Learn basic money stuff (and build a buffer)

I’m not a finance bro. Please don’t look at my bank accounts. But I wish I’d started sooner with the basics:

  • tracking expenses
  • sorting tax properly (mine was a mess when freelancing)
  • investing in a simple, boring way
  • building a real buffer

The biggest practical goal I recommend:
a one-year buffer (or work toward it)

Because burnout happens. Life happens. I had a big burnout and took three months off work. I was only okay because I had savings set aside.

Even if you can’t do a year yet, start with:

  • 1 month buffer
  • then 3 months
  • then 6
  • then aim higher

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need future-you to have options. Some of my favourite money educatiors include Jaspreet Singh, the Barefoot Investor, and Morgan Housel.

11) Co-living + coworking can be a total game changer

If you’re struggling with loneliness, this is one of the highest ROI moves you can make.

Co-living setups can shortcut community, routine, and structure, especially when you’re new to nomad life. The connections you make there can last a lifetime.

I stayed at Sundesk in Morocco and it was a game changer for me. You’ve got people around you, you’re not reinventing your social life from scratch every week, and it’s easier to build rhythm and form deeper connections.

Coworking spaces help too, not just for productivity but because:

  • you see familiar faces
  • you get out of your accommodation
  • you have better chairs (your spine says thank you)
  • you’re around others doing the same thing

The “do this now” checklist (if you’re about to go nomad

If you want a simple plan based on everything above:

Before you arrive:

  • book at least 3–6 weeks in one place (longer if you can)
  • find 1 coworking space to try first
  • pick 1 social activity you’ll do weekly (climbing / art / hiking / language)
  • go to the same coffee shop

In week one:

  • schedule two fun things
  • attend one class/event that matches your interests
  • host or join a small meetup (coffee works)

Ongoing:

  • no work on travel days
  • keep a basic routine (same breakfast / same café / same gym)
  • protect your body (laptop stand + breaks)
  • track spending weekly
  • build your buffer slowly

FAQs

How long should I stay in one place as a digital nomad?

If you want real friendships and a stable routine, aim for at least 3–4 weeks. Longer is even better if you’re prone to burnout or loneliness.

Are coworking spaces worth it for digital nomads?

Often yes, especially if you struggle with focus, want ergonomic seating, or want easier social connections. Even a few days a week can help.

Should I work on travel days if it’s a short flight?

I wouldn’t. Even “easy” travel adds stress and delays happen. Travel days are the fastest way to overload your brain if you also try to work.

How do digital nomads avoid loneliness?

Stop relying on random nightlife meetups and build community through shared interests: classes, clubs, coworking spaces, and hosting your own meetup.

Is digital nomad life cheaper than living at home?

Sometimes, but not automatically. Fast travel + fancy rentals + “it’s cheaper than my home city” spending can get expensive quickly.

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