Today marks exactly 6 months since I left the UK for my new life adventure — an experiment in alternative lifestyle, blending nomadic themes and a new type of entrepreneurship: location independent and mentally unbound.
This is not just about switching locations or working from exotic cafes. This is an experiment in finding ways of transcending internal limitations to reach external goals. All whilst enjoying the journey and growing along the way.
Whilst it has been exciting and fun (and yes, some days it still feels like a dream), adapting to this new lifestyle presented many challenges as well.
Here are 6 lessons I have learned about this lifestyle so far:
1. Letting go of the “known” is anxiety-inducing
You need to accept this if you want to create big changes in your life. There is no way around it — the unknown will trigger discomfort. Fear, anxiety, doubt... they come up in waves.
But here's the thing: allowing these emotions to “just be” is more productive than trying to numb them. They will pass with time on their own accord — they always do.
Instead of fighting the fear, tune in to your body. Notice where these emotions manifest as physical sensations — tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breath, butterflies in your belly. Then do something with that. Practice deep abdominal breathing to melt away tension, or try shaking — yes, literally shaking your arms, legs, hips — like animals do after stress. It's a nervous system reset that works better than pretending you’re fine.
2. Travel light!
I took way too much luggage when I left. You really don’t need half the things you think you will.
The truth is, it's easy — and often cheaper — to buy what you need once you arrive. And in many places, you’ll find that you need different things anyway.
For example, in some countries you’ll want to dress more conservatively, or wear lighter fabrics suited to the local climate. So leave space in your luggage for these spontaneous adaptations. Minimalism isn’t just a buzzword here — it’s a survival tactic. Trust me, lugging two suitcases through a broken pavement in 38-degree heat is a fast way to learn this one.
3. Beware street food!
Yes, I know — it’s tempting. Exotic spices, sizzling pans, and flavours that seem to call your name. Street food in India is absolutely delicious and incredibly cheap. But… if you’ve just arrived and your gut hasn’t met these spice levels yet, be careful.
Start slow. Give your system time to adjust. And remember, hygiene is not always what you’re used to. Food left out in the heat — sometimes 30°C+ — can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
My advice? Eat street food only if it’s cooked fresh in front of you. And when in doubt, stick to vegetarian options — they’re often safer and less inflammatory for a sensitive traveller’s gut.
4. Pay attention to what you eat and when you eat
Keeping to a healthy diet and regular routine is challenging when living a nomadic lifestyle — but not impossible.
You just have to make it a priority.
Seek out healthy options when eating out. Choose accommodation with a kitchen. Visit local markets and buy fresh, organic produce. Avoid processed food when possible, especially when your body is already working hard to adapt to climate, time zones, and culture.
A few weeks of careless eating can leave you feeling heavy, sluggish, and mentally foggy. Not ideal when you're building a location-independent business and trying to enjoy your new surroundings. Eat smart, stay sharp.
5. Yes, you’ll get sick
Regardless of how strong your immune system was in your home country, you’ll most likely pick up a foreign bug or two. I hardly ever used to get sick back in the UK — but in the last 6 months I’ve had two nasty cold infections that hung on for weeks.
My advice? Travel slow.
Give your nervous system time to land. Don’t hop from city to city every few days. Let your body rest, especially after a long flight or an emotionally intense transition. The immune system is closely linked to your stress levels — and constant movement can quietly burn you out without you even realising.
Being still for a while is not a failure — it’s a strategy.
6. Take health supplements
No matter how hard you try, you won’t always be able to eat a balanced diet on the road. Some days you’ll have access to fresh organic greens — other days it’s rice and bananas.
So be smart. Supplement.
A good multivitamin complex, extra Vitamin C, magnesium (especially if you’re prone to stress or cramps), and fish oil can make a huge difference to your energy and resilience.
I also take a daily dose of Ayurvedic herbs suited to my dosha, which helps keep my digestion and immunity balanced. It’s a simple ritual that adds structure and grounding to the unpredictability of nomad life.
This is just a short list of the main points I felt are important to share for those of you who are travelling or planning to travel.
There’s more coming — insights, tips, real talk — so stay tuned. And if you’re dreaming of a different kind of life, know that it’s not just possible — it’s waiting for you.
Just remember to pack light and breathe deep.
— Oxana