One of the greatest things about your life as a travel blogger is that you can run your business from anywhere. And that a lot of the time, you get to go on tours and stay in hotels for free in exchange for writing about them. It took a lot of work, but you’ve finally figured out a way to balance your love of travel with running your blogging business. You’ve created a logo that works for your website and social media accounts, you’ve made connections in the industry, and–most importantly–you’ve gotten lots of new readers over the years. But sometimes, it can be hard to stay productive. Especially if you’re in a new city or new country, the distractions are endless.
After all, who wants to be sitting inside a cafe writing when they could be out exploring the world? But it’s your job to write, and you need to write the content your readers want. So if you’re having some trouble being productive, just read these tips.
1 Create a routine
Without routines, we’re lost. Especially writers, who love to spend hours thinking about things and wandering the streets looking for inspiration, really need a routine. So you need to create a routine that works for you no matter where you’re traveling. If you enjoy working at cafes or bookstores, ask your hotelier or hostel where you can go nearby (that has WiFi, of course). Additionally, consider downloading an app like Spotted by Locals. This app has locally-curated lists of cool places to go and is available in over 70 cities worldwide.
And if you love going for a run or a walk before sitting down to write, or visiting an art gallery, it’s the same thing: research every place beforehand, so that you can wake up first thing, do what you need to do, and get started.
2 Get off social media
You probably already know that you shouldn’t be on social media when you’re working, but it’s never a bad idea to get a reminder. After all, it’s addictive. Considering that 81 percent of millennials check Twitter at least once a day, and we’re all on Facebook constantly scrolling, there’s no shame if you’re on it at the very moment you’re reading about these productivity tips. But you do need to use the right strategies to disconnect.
What we recommend is using a program like Freedom, which will block websites and apps while you’re working on your laptop. And if you think you have a serious problem, you may need to go on a social media detox.
3 Create a writing playlist
Another great way to focus and get your creative juices flowing is by motivating yourself with music. It doesn’t work for everyone–some of us need complete silence, in which case finding a local library upon arrival is smart–but many writers swear by it. According to writingroutines.com,
“Of the more widely practiced (and legal) writing aids, listening to music is one almost every writer has experimented with in their career…[Some] see music as the fast lane to a creative promised land. A way to shut out everything else around them and produce their best work. And in contrast to the methods mentioned in the introduction, studies have shown that listening to music can help facilitate divergent thinking stimulate focus.”
It’s something to experiment with, at least. And considering that Spotify has 159 million active users, you’ll find some music to your liking, whether it’s your playlist or someone else’s.
4 Get some exercise
Another great tip for being more productive is getting some exercise. Whether you prefer to walk around the streets of Paris flâneur-style or get some exercise in your hotel’s gym, exercise has been proven to help people focus. There are exercises specifically designed for focus–so if you want to learn more about them, check out this list.
Of course, since you travel so much, it can be challenging to keep up your discipline. And some countries, like Italy, usually require a six-month deposit for a gym membership. That’s not going to work for a digital nomad like you. Luckily, here are some workout apps that you can use anywhere. One in five adults worldwide don’t exercise enough–so this will not only help you get more focused before writing but also keep you as healthy as you should be.
These are some of the best ways to stay productive as a travel blogger–even when you’re traveling. What other strategies do you use to stay focused and get your work done?
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