How Being a Digital Nomad Has Improved My Wellbeing

The office environment was never for me, a balanced life is much more important than hefty paycheques, in my opinion. However, I am still ambitious and find meaningful work important - a purpose is crucial to feel content and happy. Making the move abroad meant I could bring my work with me and create a base, whilst having the flexibility to see new places and travel when I crave the smell of foreign air. 

Lifestyle Differences Working Remotely Abroad

The main difference between working remotely as a freelancer and being employed in one spot is you can visit places (countries, cities, new coffee shops, restaurants) and bring your work along with you - impossible to do if you’re office-based or hybrid. With this type of lifestyle, you can see more whilst saving time and deciding exactly where your energy goes. You feel more in charge of your life -  an empowering feeling that leads to personal growth.

If you’re looking to try out the digital nomad lifestyle or move abroad, you should be adaptable and prepared for cultural differences that take some getting used to. The same journey to the office every day will be replaced with different journeys to new destinations, whilst meeting new people along the way, tasting new food, and generally more opportunities to open your eyes and make you think differently. 

Moving abroad has led to more opportunities not just in work, but in life. There is no going back after you have gained a lifestyle of freedom!

Here’s how becoming a digital nomad has genuinely improved my wellbeing: 

1. Freedom to Design My Days

One of the biggest shifts? Autonomy. I’m no longer living by someone else's 9-to-5 clock. I now design my days based on how I feel and when I work best. Early morning yoga by the ocean, deep work sprints in a quiet café, sunset walks to unplug. My schedule fits around my energy, not the other way around, and that has been game-changing for my mental clarity.

2. Nature Is My Daily Medicine

Living near the beach and being able to spend time there is a highlight of this lifestyle for me. Trekking a gorge on the weekend, swimming in the sea or meditating in a field are all energy givers - thank you nature. And it’s not just a pretty backdrop; it’s a daily reset. Being outdoors more, breathing fresh air, and moving my body when it feels best is a powerful boost to anyone's mental and physical wellbeing.

3. New Cultures, New Perspectives

Meeting people from different walks of life, hearing their stories, and experiencing new customs constantly expands my worldview. It’s humbled me. It’s made me more adaptable. And most importantly, it’s softened the pressure to do life “by the book.” You don’t have to travel lots to meet these types of people either, if you pick a destination where digital nomads are drawn, you will find out about their cultures and travels as well!  This can lead to new experiences together like attending a retreat or planning a travel adventure. Who knows, you might even end up wellness retreat planning together and become wellness retreat planners!

4. Prioritizing Mental Health Becomes Natural

In a traditional setting, we often squeeze in self-care. As a digital nomad, self-care is the lifestyle. Whether it’s journaling in a new café, slowing down in a quiet mountain town, or learning to say “no” to overworking when the ocean is calling — I’ve started honoring my needs more intentionally.

5. Connection on a Deeper Level

It might sound ironic, but traveling solo has made me more connected. I’ve had deeper conversations with strangers than I ever had in a rush-hour city life. There's something about shared experiences abroad that accelerates connection and cuts through surface-level small talk.

Final Thoughts

Being a digital nomad isn’t all sunrises and smoothie bowls — there are Wi-Fi hiccups, visa challenges, and moments of loneliness. But for me, the trade-off has been more than worth it. This lifestyle has helped me come home to myself, even while hopping from place to place.

If you're considering the leap, know this: It’s not just a career move. It’s a life shift. And sometimes, that shift is exactly what your well being has been waiting for.