This post was written by Ralph Starks, a blogger and traveler who enjoys exploring the world in the best ways possible.
Many people see being a digital nomad as a fairly healthy lifestyle, with travelers being very active. But, for those that work along the way and stay in accommodation for a few weeks or months at a time, we can quite quickly slip back into unhealthy routines. So, with that in mind, here are three important ways to stay healthy as a nomad.
1. Embrace Long Walking Trails
Long walking trails are the ultimate way to experience a new place while staying healthy and active. Famous trails networks like Camino de Santiago are an ideal place to start as they provide structure and a plan. Many do not remain in the Northwest of Spain, either, because travelers in Britain, France, Portugal, and many other places can still enjoy them.
Engaging with nature through these trails can help us counter long shifts in front of the laptop screen. Many people underestimate how sedentary travelers can get when forced to work for 40 hours a week – as sometimes we lack the energy to go for long walks every evening. Sometimes, we need a good week holiday from work to fully realign our body and rejuvenate. Though, many of these trails can be shortened to a long weekend if needed.
While we are all different, walking should be at the core of being a digital nomad for most of us, both in terms of exploration and health.
2. Choose Accommodations Wisely
It’s way too easy to fall into the trap of picking your Airbnb based on the view, modern finishings, and price. But we need more.
When booking a place to stay, prioritize options that offer a dedicated kitchen and a proper work chair. Having access to a kitchen allows us to reduce our dependence on takeaway options (many of which can be unhealthy) and eating out (which can be expensive). Instead, it opens up the opportunity for cooking with fresh ingredients, which is particularly useful in places that have a lot of processed foods. Plus, we can sought out the markets where the local buy goods from, which are as cheap as they are interesting.
Investing in a good work chair is essential for maintaining proper posture and avoiding long-term back and neck problems. Sitting for extended periods in an uncomfortable or poorly designed chair can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, hindering productivity and overall well-being. Sure, this may be unrealistic to find, so what you need to look for is a desk space. Then, it can be easy to find a second-hand office chair on the marketplace, which will be well worth the $30 if you’re staying in your place for over a month. You can either sell it on or donate it afterwards.
3. Maintain Regular Health Routines
Just because we’re not at home, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have regular health routines. Scheduling regular health check-ups and staying informed about local healthcare options, including pharmacies and clinics, shouldn’t be neglected. This proactive approach helps us stay on top of concerns, and we’ll be more prepared if anything goes wrong, too.
It’s also no reason to not be a part of a local gym, with many having month-to-month memberships. Or, simply find a global gym franchise. Regular exercise is important for maintaining physical health, and walking isn’t always enough.
Conclusion
Staying healthy as a digital nomad requires a proactive approach. In fact, it’s a matter of carrying over the same routines you may have from back home, and not surrendering to the more unstable environment. Instead, we can anchor our days to the same routines, be it cooking meals or going to the gym, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And, when we need a longer break, take on more physically demanding walking trips.
