If you’re considering a move abroad, you may well be looking into remote work options that’ll allow you the flexibility of working when and where you want, so that you have the freedom to make the most of all your new home has to offer. However, there are some challenges that come with the digital nomad lifestyle, particularly if you move frequently, such as staying connected socially. With the help of these top tips, you can stay better connected while working remotely and living abroad.

Prioritise Real-Life Connections

When you work remotely, many of your daily interactions already take place through a screen. Meetings, messages, and collaboration tools can keep you connected professionally, but they won’t replace the value of real-life conversations, particularly when it comes to making friends and building relationships. You may need to keep up with texts and social media to stay connected with loved ones back home, but it’s best to maintain a healthy balance and unplug from your digital devices every now and then for your wellbeing.

Try to seek out environments where conversations happen naturally, like coworking spaces, community events, and local gatherings. These are all great places to meet people who share similar interests or lifestyles to yours. Likewise, simply working from a café once or twice a week can help to make your surroundings feel more familiar. It can feel daunting to strike up conversations with strangers, but the more time you spend in a place (around other people, rather than alone at your desk) the more likely you are to build long-term relationships, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself to form deep, meaningful connections, as even brief interactions can help you to stay socially connected and boost your wellbeing. According to Skyscanner, over a quarter of young Brits have travelled overseas especially to meet new people. Even just crossing paths with others who are keen to explore the local area can provide unforgettable experiences and a chance to get better acquainted with your destination.

Join Local and Expat Communities

One of the fastest ways to build meaningful relationships in a new country is through shared interests. Joining clubs and community organisations allows you to connect with people in a setting where conversation flows more easily because everyone already has something in common. Consider local meetups to get better acquainted with the local culture, or reach out to expat communities to socialise with people who, like you, may be keen to build new social connections.

Make the Most of Your Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of remote work is flexibility. Without a traditional office schedule, you have the ability to shape your day in ways that support productivity and social connection. Many digital nomads underestimate how powerful this flexibility can be for building lasting relationships.

Instead of working strictly nine to five, consider structuring your day around opportunities to meet new people, or connect with friends back at home. You might start work earlier so you can attend a language class in the afternoon, take a long lunch to call a family member, or finish earlier to join a local fitness group or go to an evening event. Because your time is adaptable, you can often say yes to opportunities that others might struggle to fit into their schedules.

Staying socially connected while living abroad isn’t about filling every moment with an exciting activity, but it does require you to get out into the world and embrace your new home with open arms. Try to intentionally use the freedom that remote work provides for a lifestyle that includes both meaningful work and supportive relationships.