For years I dreamt of being a digital nomad but it’s only been these last 3 years that I’ve been able to fulfill this dream in the summer months leaving behind the familiar to embrace the freedom of working from anywhere.
This summer, I returned to my home country, Spain—a place that holds the memories of my past and the warmth of family, tradition, and a way of life that is in my bones. Yet, despite the comfort of being home, this summer was different. I found myself teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown, pushed to my limits by the very work that allows me this lifestyle.
At first, I wondered if the symptoms I was experiencing were just the effects of perimenopause—those sneaky hormones that can turn our emotions upside down. But as I came back, I began to see the truth more clearly. It wasn’t just the hormones; it was the relentless push of four straight months without pause, without giving myself permission to rest, without truly stepping away from the grind. What I thought would be a summer of balance—work and enjoying the familiar comforts of my homeland—had turned into a grueling marathon.
With a major event coming up in November, I knew I had to take different steps, not just to avoid the hustle and bustle but to ensure I could approach it with the energy and clarity it deserves. I’ve learned powerful lessons this summer, and as I prepare for what’s ahead, these lessons are guiding me towards a more sustainable and fulfilling way of living and working.
1. Set Boundaries with Your Time
The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle is the flexibility it offers, but that flexibility can quickly become a trap if you don’t establish firm boundaries. I realized that just because I could work from anywhere didn’t mean I should work all the time. Setting clear boundaries around work hours, even in the comfort of my homeland, is essential. This summer, I learned the hard way that my time is sacred, and if I don’t protect it, it will be consumed by the demands of work, my kid and family commitments leaving little room for the rest that is so necessary.
2. Plan for White Space
In the midst of my overpacked schedule, I had forgotten to plan for what I now call “white space”—those pockets of time deliberately left open, unfilled by obligations.
White space is where creativity thrives, where rest rejuvenates, and where the mind can wander freely. Without it, burnout is inevitable.
This summer taught me the value of intentionally carving out time to do nothing, to simply be, and to let the experiences of the day sink in without the pressure of the next task. As I approach my November event, I’m committed to keeping this white space sacred, allowing myself the freedom to breathe.
3. Listen to Your Body and Mind
Perhaps the most important lesson I learned is to listen—to my body when it cries out for rest, to my mind when it needs a break from the constant calling of work, and to my heart when it longs for connection beyond the screen.
The signs of burnout were there, but I pushed them aside, telling myself that I could keep going. Now, I understand that honoring those signals isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. It’s the key to sustaining this lifestyle I love, to being present for my daughter, and to truly enjoying the freedom I’ve worked so hard to create.
As I settle back into my routine and prepare for Novembers event: Increase your Income and Impct, I carry these lessons with me, not just as reminders but as essential practices for the future. The digital nomad life can be extraordinary, but only if we learn to balance the demands it brings with the deep needs of our soul.
If you’re ready to take your life and work to the next level, join me from November 7th to the 9th at my upcoming event. Early bird pricing is available now—claim your spot here before it’s too late.
So, how good are you at becoming aware of burnout?
Can you recognize the signs before they become overwhelming?
Take a moment to reflect on your own boundaries, your own white space, and the signals your body is sending. The journey toward balance is ongoing, but it’s a journey worth taking—one mindful step at a time.
To your success and abundance!
Tania
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