Shoutout to the guy in Chiang Mai who changed my mind about slow travel

I was having coffee with a fellow nomad last week, and he mentioned he'd been in the same city for five months. I used to think moving every few weeks was the whole point. He said, 'I finally learned the language basics, found a favorite market, and my work output is up 30% because I'm not constantly packing.' That really hit me. I've been chasing new stamps in my passport but feeling burnt out. Maybe staying put for a full season in one spot is the smarter move. Has anyone else made the switch from fast to slow travel and noticed a big difference in their work or stress levels?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim_hart72mo ago

Same! My focus totally improved after I stopped moving.

margaretj402mo ago

My desk chair has a permanent dent from my fidgeting. I used to tap my foot, bounce my knee, and spin around like a kid. Once I forced myself to just sit still for a whole hour, I finished a report that normally would have taken me all afternoon. Turns out my brain was just trying to keep up with my restless legs.

christophers271mo ago

Honestly, I used to think fidgeting was just a bad habit I needed to break. I always figured if I could just sit still like a normal person, I'd get more done. But reading this, @margaretj40, yeah, it kind of changes my mind. I've caught myself bouncing my leg when I'm really stuck on something, and I'd always try to stop it. Now I'm thinking maybe that movement was my brain's way of burning off that restless energy so I could actually think straight. Maybe forcing yourself to be still isn't always the answer, maybe it's just about finding what works for you.