How to Design Your Ideal Workday as a Digital Nomad

So, you work for yourself or are on your way to building your very own online empire. Your lifestyle reflects that as you have the freedom and flexibility that people with day jobs can only dream of.

These are great, but structure is what keeps you sane.

The goal, in my opinion, is to have the ideal day as often as possible. And what that means for you may be different, but there are ways to make it both productive and fun, to show up for your business and for yourself, to make time for work and to truly have a good time during it.

Here are some ways to achieve that.

You’re the boss, so of course take only what resonates, combine ideas in a way that feels right for you, and just do it your way, on your own terms. 

1. Start With Your Non-Negotiables.

I love having a slow morning and a workout in the evening. Things that make me happy and are part of my routine also include skincare rituals (morning and evening), EFT tapping or saying affirmations in the mirror, and other little habits. This is my version of personal growth and self-love, so any day I make time for it is a good day.

Work happens in-between, so while I love going with the flow and following inspiration, it’s important to actually plan these things and add them to my to-do list. 

What are your non-negotiables?

It may be spending your evening with your partner, or the whole afternoon with your kid. It may be journaling and a walk in the morning, or taking a business course or reading a self-help book. It may be therapy, a nutritious breakfast that you actually prepare slowly and enjoy, or meeting a friend for coffee.

Whatever it is, incorporate it into your week (or day, if it’s a small habit and you love doing it daily).

How can you do that?

Decide what time of the day is best for it and try habit stacking if you want to get used to it quickly. That simply means doing it right after another thing you do every day.

A simple example would be to make your bed right after waking up. 

Or prepare your environment for it.

For example, if you want to journal daily (even if it’s for 5 minutes), you can have your journal right next to your bed and do it first thing in the morning.  

Waking up early, brushing your teeth, drinking coffee – these are all stackable habits and you can attach other behaviors to them. That often removes the resistance and makes it easier for your brain to get used to it and actually repeat it many days in a row.

So, what are your non-negotiables?

You can do yoga or pilates daily before you start work, and you can grab a coffee on the way to there or after it. It can also be a workout at home, of course. 

Pick what works best for you and what truly energizes you and make it part of your day.

After all, you’re in business to also live the live you enjoy, not just for the money.

2. Find Your Peak Productivity Hours.

There’s a specific time of the day when you’re most productive and creative. Dedicate those hours of the day to your business, and it will pay off tenfold.

Focus is then easier to find, you work with your natural rhythm, you actually feel accomplished, and you get more done in less time.

This can allow you to work just a few hours daily but have an actual workday. Then you can move onto other things that require your attention.

You’ll need to set some boundaries around that once you find your peak hours, though. That might mean not schedule anything else during them, leaving your toddler at daycare, or missing out on something else just because it’s during that time.

Still, it’s worth it. Over time, you’ll see that window of time as sacred and others will learn to respect it too.

3. Pick the Right Workspace for the Day.

I’m writing this post from a café. I’ll be here 4 hours total and just enjoyed an iced coconut chai and am about to eat brunch in a bit.

Other times I go to the public library in my city. And the rest of the day I work from home.

I go outside when I feel like. In the summer it happens more often. This keeps me active, gives me somewhere to go, fills my day, and makes me feel social (even if I don’t directly socialize with others).

I was also thinking of signing up to a cowork space for a month and go there often, but ultimately, didn’t really need to. That’s a bigger expense but might just be the change of scenery you need, and it can lead to forming connections.

Not everyone can focus in a louder environment, though, so find what works best for you.

Especially when traveling and working, you need to plan for this. 

Find spots with good Wi-Fi and reliable shade if outside. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must-have for beach cafés or terrace coworking. A good pair of polarized sunglasses from a reputable company, such as Neven Eyewear, will reduce glare while driving, at the beach, or in general, when out in the sun. They’re affordable, stylish, and keep your eyes protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

You may also need a personal hotspot as backup internet for when café Wi-Fi disappoints.

Other items that can come in handy are a portable charger or power bank, noise-canceling headphones and a reusable water bottle.

4. End Your Workday With Intention.

How you end your day is just as important as how you start it, and it defines how well you’ll sleep and how successful tomorrow will be.

So make sure you have rituals to switch from ‘work mode’ to ‘rest mode’ or to ‘explore mode’ if traveling.

Of course, you’re free to continue working for as long as you feel like. In business, there are hustle periods where we have all the energy in the world, want to dive into new projects, and can stay up at night tweaking some final things. 

That’s totally normal, and I think it’s quite beautiful and inspiring. It shows that passion for our work is still alive, and we have so much more to give to the business.

Still, it’s good to have wind-down routine before bed so you can relax your body and mind and prepare them for sleep.

So these are a few little things you can do to ensure you have your ideal workday more often.

How does that look like for you?