A Day in the Life As A Digital Nomad

When you picture life as a digital nomad, what comes to mind? Is it writing from a hammock with a coconut in hand, typing up a storm under the shaded palm trees on a tropical island, or making a few calls from a soaring skyscraper in a bustling city?

The picture painted by social media often looks like one of the above. And while that’s a reality for some, it’s not always filled with fruit cocktails and fancy accommodations.

For the past 6 years, I’ve been living in Barcelona, Spain. I came here to work and study Spanish, but I stayed for oh so much more than that. The language, culture, cuisine and untrammelled natural splendour fill my whole heart with joy. 

For the past year or so, I’ve been working remotely as a digital nomad. Last year, I had the privilege of travelling to over eight countries and 22 cities around Europe and Australia.

I love calling Spain home, but I also love the fact that I can go and work anywhere in the world. 

So what does an average day look like for me?

Well, in all honesty, no two days look the same. Depending on what type of collaborations are taking place, and what client work is due, things can look drastically different. 

Over the years, I’ve developed a simple recipe for success. So that I can ensure each day is as productive as possible. The thing about being your own boss is that no one is going to motivate you. No one is going to whip you into shape and tell you what to do. So at the end of the day, if you’re slacking, you’re only letting yourself down. 

I find that the best way to stay on top of my seemingly never-ending workload is to schedule things out, week by week. I plan a rough map of what tasks need to be completed each Sunday so that when Monday comes, I’m ready to roll. 

So here’s a basic breakdown of what a day in my life looks like. 

My morning begins usually between 6 am and 7 am. I avoid the snooze button because that’s a dangerous game. I slideout of bed, turn on the lights and gulp water like there’s no tomorrow. After a quick shower, I’m usually out of the house and on the way to a HIT, yoga or pilates class. If you can’t find me in a neon-lit, techno-pumping studio, I’m out on the streets running my heart out. 

Exercise is a key part of my day, and it’s the one thing that helps keep me in check. So after that’s said and done, I shower, smash a coffee and snack it up. Hardcore. I love my snacks. 

After scribbling in my journal, I read a few pages from my book and do a little bit of drawing. I find this is one of the best ways to clear my head before a big day staring at a screen. Once my morning routine is complete, I grab my laptop and noise-cancelling headphones (a must for drowning out the sounds of screaming children and loud construction). 

If I’m in Barcelona, I’ll head to my favourite cafe, Sopa. And if I’m in Melbourne, I’ll get the train to the State Library of Victoria. 

The next couple of hours look a little less interesting. I’m usually typing up a storm, writing blog posts, sending out pitches or responding to emails. And if that’s not the case, I’m editing YouTube videos and inserting as many dad jokes as possible. 

After the three- to four-hour mark, I grab a coffee or matcha in a nearby neighbourhood. The change of pace helps to keep me motivated for the rest of the day. 

In Barcelona, I like to head to Bogatell Beach or near La Sagrada Familia. If I’m in Melbourne, I trot my way through the sprawling city streets, and sometimes, do a little damage to my credit card. Because who can say no to the vintage shops here… 

For the rest of the day, my head is usually buried deep in my laptop. I occasionally look up if there’s food, sweet snacks or loud noises nearby. Sometimes, the occasional pigeon makes its way into a human-only area, causing quite a ruckus. Gosh, I love city life. 

Depending on how hectic the day has been, my next move either involves winding down or turning up the heat. If I’m in a tranquil mood, I’ll disconnect from technology by drawing, reading, meditating or journaling. And if I’m still amped up from a big day, I’ll run along the beach and blast my old-school hip-hop tunes. 

Life’s pretty good as a digital nomad. I’m so grateful to feel this level of freedom, but balancing work and life can sometimes be a challenge. I find myself wanting to give more, be more and do more. Constantly. And sometimes, turning off that switch in my head can be difficult.

Working from different destinations helps to keep me inspired. And most of all, to get off of my laptop and out into the world. 

If you’ve dreamt of working remotely from anywhere in the world, I’ve got good news to share.

You could win a 1-month workation in Mexico City, Mexico, all thanks to SafetyWing.

Whether you’re new to life as a digital nomad or you’re a seasoned globetrotter, this challenge is open to everyone. You can work remotely and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip organised by SafetyWing. Sounds pretty epic, right?

Here’s what’s included: 

• Round-trip flights to Mexico City (up to USD $2000 fare coverage) 

• A 1-month stay at Selina CoLive 

• Nomad Insurance to cover you on your trip 

Sign up for the SafetyWing Workcation here. So when the day’s said and done, you can quench your thirst with a margarita, pair it with some tasty tacos and spend the evening partying in the reggaeton clubs. Arriba! 

And the best part is, even if you don’t win this month, you can enter again each time a new destination is announced. How good is that?! 

To participate, simply create a SafetyWing account using this link.