109: How to Deal with Loneliness for Digital Nomads

“This lifestyle is not a contest. It’s about your life, it’s about what you want, how you wanna design it, and what makes you happy”

Key Takeaways from this Episode About Dealing with Loneliness for Digital Nomads

Choosing the Right Nomad Location

Selecting a digital nomad-friendly location is crucial to avoid loneliness. Certain places attract like-minded individuals, enhancing your chances of forming meaningful connections. Nienke shares her experience in Malta, where her expectations of a thriving nomad community weren’t met due to the timing of her visit. She emphasizes the importance of choosing destinations with active nomad communities during the appropriate season for optimal social interactions.

Joining Digital Nomad Communities

Engaging with digital nomad communities, both online and offline, can significantly alleviate loneliness. Nienke discusses the power of Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, meetup platforms, and events organized by co-working spaces. Sharing a photo and introducing yourself in these groups can facilitate meaningful connections. She provides advice on using search functions to find like-minded individuals and recommends being proactive in seeking out events and meetups.

Professional Connections Matter

Forming connections within your professional field can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding. If you share similar career paths, conversations about work-related topics can create rapport and ease conversations. Nienke suggests seeking out individuals who work in your industry or profession to foster connections that are not solely based on personal interests.

Volunteering and Offline Activities

Participating in local activities like volunteering, beach cleanups, and local events can help you meet people and contribute positively to the community. Nienke shares her experiences in connecting with fellow participants during these activities. Even though not everyone is a digital nomad, these interactions can provide a sense of belonging and fulfilment.

Revisiting Favorite Places

Returning to places where you’ve felt a sense of belonging can alleviate loneliness. Nienke recounts her experiences in cafes and hostels where she was recognized from previous visits, providing a feeling of being welcomed back. Nostalgia and familiarity can contribute to a stronger connection with a location and its people.

Understanding Personal Loneliness Triggers

Getting to know yourself and understanding how you experience loneliness is essential for managing it. Nienke advises being self-aware and recognizing the signs of loneliness. She encourages listeners to have strategies in place to address these feelings, whether it’s revisiting familiar places, joining events, or connecting online.

Cultivating Independence and Self-Care

Even in a relationship, it’s important to cultivate individual friendships and activities to avoid overdependence on a partner. Nienke highlights the significance of maintaining personal interests, attending classes alone, and nurturing your own well-being. She empowers listeners to prioritize self-care and choose activities that bring them joy, reminding them that designing their nomadic journey is a personal endeavor.

Connect with Nienke Nina

Your host Nienke Nina

More digital nomad tips and life advice via instagram @digitalnomadsdaily

Connect with Nienke Nina on LinkedIn @Nienke Nina Keizer

Find Nienke Nina on Instagram @nienkeninatravels

Other episodes you might like:

🎧  Episode #01: How to Thrive in your Digital Nomad Relationship with Anat & Orr

🎧  Episode #05: Dealing with High Anxiety While Building a Successful Online Business with The Remote Yogi

🎧  Episode #07: Overcoming Fears and Building Community with Digital Nomad Magali

🎧 Episode #21: 10 Years Of Traveling The World With Daisy