Moving abroad is a dream for many. There’s the excitement of a new culture, fresh opportunities, and the promise of unforgettable adventures. But for remote workers, digital nomads, and expats, there’s a delicate balance that they have to maintain.
Staying productive while making the most of your new surroundings is one of those things that is easier said than done. If you’re lucky enough to be living somewhere vibrant and scenic, you might find that the pull of the beautiful scenes is as strong as your work deadlines.
So, how do you enjoy it all without your professional life suffering? Let’s break it down.
Set Clear Boundaries Between the Two
The most common challenge for people living abroad is letting work and fun bleed into each other. While flexibility is a perk of remote work, a vague schedule often leads to burnout.
You can try creating a dedicated workspace and establishing work hours. Stick to a consistent daily routine so your friends, colleagues, and brain know when you’re “on the clock” and when you’re free.
Also, make sure to turn off notifications after hours. Digital boundaries matter just as much as physical ones.
Consider the Benefits of Coliving Spaces
One of the reasons coliving has become a favorite among digital nomads is the built-in community. If you’re visiting a place like Africa, you can go for coliving Cape Town to find the perfect balance of social connection and productivity.
These spaces also make it easier to meet like-minded people who may also be digital nomads. You can access networking opportunities, stay motivated in collaborative environments, and enjoy dedicated workspaces, all while exploring the local culture.
Use Location to Your Advantage
If you’re living in a city with gorgeous and picturesque scenery, plan your work hours around the best times to explore.
For instance, you might hit the hiking trails early in the morning before work, schedule deeply focused work hours during midday when you want to stay inside, and wrap up your day in time to watch the sunset or hit the beach.
This approach helps you maximize the benefits of your surroundings without sacrificing relaxation, focus, or work.
Practice Time Blocking
Time blocking is one of the most effective ways to balance responsibilities and leisure. It involves assigning specific blocks of time to specific tasks, so you know exactly what to do at what time.
Instead of a vague to-do list, assign times to each task. An example could be:
8 AM – 12 PM
Client work and deep focus tasks
12 PM – 2 PM
Lunch and quick exploration or adventure
2 PM – 5 PM
Meetings and admin work
5 PM onwards
Local activities, socializing, or downtime
Dividing your time based on what you need to do and what you want to do can help put equal weight on both.
Avoid Overcommitting
When you first arrive abroad, it’s tempting to say yes to every invite and adventure. But overbooking your personal life can be as draining as overworking.
So, be selective about events, give yourself downtime to recharge, and don’t put all your focus on either work or play.
