10 Strategies to boost your productivity as a digital nomad

Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours to conquer your workload, explore that new city you just landed in, and soak up the sunshine (without feeling guilty about work looming)? Yeah, me too. For a while there, I was drowning in to-do lists and struggling to balance work and travel. I should tell you that, through trial, and error, and a whole lot of experimentation, I managed to increase my productivity by a whopping 37%. Here’s how I did it, and how you can boost your productivity too!

My Productivity Struggles

Let’s be honest, the digital nomad life isn’t all palm trees and piña coladas (although those are pretty sweet perks). The freedom and flexibility can be amazing, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s what was tripping me up:

• Distraction City: Coffee shops bustling with chatter, breathtaking views begging to be explored – staying focused was a constant battle.
• The Inconsistent Grind: Working from different time zones and cafes with questionable Wi-Fi made it hard to establish a routine.
• The Allure of Adventure: Sometimes, that epic hike or local festival seemed way more appealing than tackling emails.

Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. However, you can boost your productivity by following these handy tips. These tips helped me transform from a productivity procrastinator to a focused professional.

Boost your productivity with these hacks

Here’s a condensed list of some hacks that helped me and, that can help you to boost your productivity and become freer:

1. Embrace the Power of Planning (But Not Too Much):

While spontaneity is part of the digital nomad charm, a loose plan goes a long way. At the beginning of each week, I dedicate 30 minutes to scheduling my key tasks and blocking out focused work times. This helps me stay on track without feeling suffocated by a rigid routine. You can also opt to do that on Sunday evenings. Whenever works best for you. The key here is to try and train yourself to see the importance of planning.

2. Find Your Focus Zone:

Not all cafes are created equal. I discovered that some environments worked wonders for my concentration (think quiet co-working spaces with minimal distractions), while others were better suited for brainstorming sessions (usually, that’s when I would go to trendy coffee shops with a buzz!). Experiment and find what works for you!

If you find a good spot but your mind is meandering, you can try a quick walk outdoors as an effective short break, according to the author of the book Find Your Focus Zone: An Effective New Plan to Defeat Distraction and Overload. More information on her work is here.

3. Batch Similar Tasks:

Instead of bouncing between emails, writing, and social media, I now dedicate specific times for each activity. You can find your own method to do this, as long as you do it. This batching approach allows me to get into a flow state and avoid the context-switching struggle.

A way of doing this is to create to-do lists. These lists help me clear my head of random thoughts that are not task-related. One important thing is not to have it in your sight; otherwise, you can distract yourself from your work and overwhelm your senses with more information than necessary.

This video shows some of the best To-Do List apps currently in 2024.

4. Befriend the Pomodoro Technique:

This time management method is a game-changer! I set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break. Knowing you have a built-in reward keeps you motivated and surprisingly productive.

+ Check our article about the Pomodoro Technique here!

5. Utilize Productivity Apps (But Don’t Go Overboard):

There are a million and one apps out there promising to boost your productivity. I found a few key ones that work for me (like project management tools and time trackers), but avoid downloading every shiny new app that comes along. Instead of helping you, this will have the opposite effect. In this case, simplicity is key!

6. Schedule “Wanderlust Time”:

Feeling the urge to ditch your laptop and explore? Do it! But plan for it. Block out specific times in your schedule to indulge in your wanderlust, whether it’s a morning museum visit or an afternoon exploring a new neighborhood.

7. Learn the power of saying no:

Just because you have the flexibility to work from anywhere doesn’t mean you have to say yes to every project or request. Learn to politely decline tasks that don’t align with your goals or workload. There are different ways to do that Your sanity and productivity will thank you!

Here are a few reasons why it’s important to say no:

• Prioritize your self-care
• Maintain close relationships with others
• Help people trust you
• Get fewer irrelevant requests
• You are able to do your best work
• Increase in creativity
• Protect your freedom
• Creation of healthy boundaries
• Less stress
• Protect your freedom
• People get to know what you really want

Dive deeper into harnessing the power of saying no with this article here, by Entrepreneur.

8. Take Care of Your Digital Nomad Temple (That’s You!):

Healthy habits are crucial for peak performance. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and schedule regular breaks to move your body. A happy and healthy you is a productive you!

We have an article on work-life balance that you might enjoy: Finding work-life balance for freelancers

9. Connect with Your Fellow Nomads:

The digital nomad life can sometimes feel isolating, as studies and diverse testimonials show. Combat that by joining online communities or co-working spaces. Sharing experiences and tips with others can boost your motivation and keep you feeling connected.

10. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small):

Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small. Taking a moment to appreciate your progress fuels motivation and keeps you moving forward. When you celebrate your wins, you fuel personal growth and development, boost self-esteem, build confidence, and stay positive.

Benefits of increasing productivity

Boosting productivity while traveling as a digital nomad brings a wealth of advantages that significantly enhance your overall experience. Firstly, it grants you the invaluable gift of time. Completing your tasks efficiently means more hours to immerse yourself in new destinations, explore local attractions, or simply unwind and absorb the surroundings. This newfound freedom fosters a harmonious work-life balance, enabling you to savor the travel aspect of your digital nomad lifestyle without the burden of work-related stress.

Moreover, heightened productivity brings a sense of achievement and fulfillment. Progressing through tasks and witnessing tangible results fuels motivation, empowering you to stay focused and motivated. This confidence extends beyond work, contributing to a well-rounded and contented digital nomad lifestyle. Additionally, improved productivity positively impacts your well-being by reducing stress associated with looming deadlines. With a more organized approach, you can tackle tasks with a calm and concentrated mindset, leading to enhanced happiness and overall health.

+ We think you might like this reading: Digital Nomad Productivity: Ultimate guide

Conclusion

You don’t have to boost your productivity by 37% straight away, although you could. Take your time and work on your own processes. See what’s best for you and your clients. This is a journey and not a destination. There will be bumps along the road, days when the Wi-Fi cuts out, or wanderlust roars a little too loudly.

With these tips in your digital toolbox, you’ll be well on your way to conquering your workload efficiently and proudly. Imagine having more time to explore hidden gems, deeper connections with new cultures, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re thriving, not just surviving, on your global adventures. Put these strategies into practice and boost your productivity because the world awaits you and your work. With a focused mind and a free spirit, you’re ready to explore it with confidence and purpose. Be free, freelance.