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How to Stay Productive During Downtime as a Nomadic Online Teacher
As nomadic online teachers, we often find ourselves in limbo, waiting at airports, riding long-distance buses, killing time between classes. While these pockets of downtime might seem like a productivity killer, they’re actually golden opportunities if you know how to use them.
Rather than falling into the trap of mindless scrolling through social media, here are seven practical ways to turn idle moments into meaningful ones and boost your productivity during downtime.
1) Download Content in Advance

Planes, subways, and remote towns often have patchy Wi-Fi. Plan ahead for things to do in your downtime by downloading:
- Podcasts related to teaching, travel, personal growth, or any other topics you’re interested in.
- Audiobooks on education, history, or fiction novels.
- Language learning apps and lessons if you’re trying to pick up a new language.
This allows you to keep learning even if you’re offline and use your downtime to better yourself.
2) Use Micro-Time Blocks for Admin Tasks
You don’t need an hour to be productive. Five to ten minutes is enough to check items off your to-do list. Between classes or during wait times on the road, you can:
- Respond to emails from students or parents.
- Update lesson plans or jot down new activity ideas.
- Send invoices or log hours.
- Organize files and clear your digital clutter.
Try using some apps like Notion, Trello, or Asana to keep organized across various devices.
3) Practice “Slow Thinking”
Downtime is a great time for strategic thinking and reflecting. No screens needed. Just sit quietly and try the following:
- Reflect on how your classes have been going.
- Brainstorm future content, resources, or activities.
- Journal and write down ideas or decisions you’ve been putting off.
- Mentally prepare for your next classes.
Keep a small notebook or use a voice recording app to capture your thoughts and ideas before they slip away.
4) Stretch, Breathe, or Meditate

Being on the go as a nomadic online teacher can be exhausting, so be sure to use some downtime to care for your mind and body. Between classes, or waiting at the bus terminal, try some of these:
- Simple stretches or posture resets. If you feel awkward doing these in public, you can do them in the bathroom.
- Guided meditation or breathing exercises (try apps like Headspace or Calm).
- Take short walks when possible to get the blood flowing. For example, if you have a layover at the airport, walk around and explore the airport rather than remain seated at the gate.
These small actions can keep your energy up and prevent burnout.
5) Use Flashcards or Bite-Sized Learning Apps
Want to improve your Japanese, brush up on a topic you’re teaching, or learn a new tech tool? Try some apps for bite-sized learning. You can use:
- Anki or Quizlet for flashcards.
- Duolingo or Drops for languages.
- Skillshare or Mindvalley for mini-lessons.
This turns downtime into learning and skills-building time.
6) Do Something Creative
You can easily have some fun while staying productive by working on a creative project in your downtime. For example, you could:
- Edit photos or video clips from your travels for your social media or blog.
- Draft a story, poem, or reflective piece on your teaching and traveling journey.
- Sketch, doodle, or work on a handicraft project, like crocheting or knitting.
Creative flow can be just as rewarding as checking off a to-do list and they’ll usually make you feel more energized and motivated to do more things.
7) Connect Intentionally

Instead of scrolling aimlessly through social media and having a false sense of connection, use your phone to connect with others intentionally. During some downtime, you can build or strengthen connections with those around you and in your online communities. Try:
- Sending a thoughtful message to a friend or family member.
- Posting in teaching or digital nomad communities for support or recommendations.
- Talking with someone sitting next to you at the train station or airport to build a new connection.
Making real connections will not only give you fresh perspectives and companionship, but can also make you much happier than scrolling through the same four apps.
How do you like to spend your downtime as a nomadic online teacher? Share your ideas in the comments below!