Wander & Thrive in Van Life - Part 3: Sleep & Mental Health
Van life is full of challenges - practical, physical, and mental. It’s a relentless test of your nerves, resilience, and patience. Your ability to problem-solve, think on your feet, and adapt to surprises. Honestly, it’s starting to sound like a job description, isn’t it?
And in a way, it is a job. Except there’s no paycheck and your office doubles as your kitchen, bedroom, and occasionally, your bathroom. Your duties? Keeping yourself and your van alive, safe, functional, resourced, dry, and clean.
All this, while navigating unknown surroundings and new destinations - often dealing with different cultures and languages that can make everything just that little bit harder (as well as exciting).
So, is it any wonder van lifers sometimes hit a wall? Burnout and mental overload are inevitable when your battery dies, your pee bucket overflows or the weather won’t let up.
This is why self-care isn’t just a buzzword for van lifers - it’s survival. What’s the point of chasing sunsets if you’re too stressed to enjoy the view?
In this guide, I’ll share four practical (and, importantly, realistic) ways to stay sane, balanced, and happy on the road.
Welcome to Part 3 of Wander & Thrive, my four-part series exploring the real-life challenges of van lifers and nomads trying to maintain a healthy body and mind.
Missed Parts 1 & 2? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered👇
Georgina
Georgina
What Makes Van Life A Mental Obstacle Course?
Growing up, I lived near a theme park with a ride called 'The Funhouse'. It had moving floors, spinning tunnels, wobbly bridges, and mirror mazes. Living in a van is a bit like that: thrilling, disorienting, and a little exhausting. You enjoy the experience, but you're also relieved when you make it out in one piece.
Adapting to new places, cultures, and languages is exciting but mentally draining. Managing essentials like water, power, and fuel piles on daily stress. Add in unexpected hiccups and the lack of personal space - especially if you’re sharing the van - and it can get overwhelming fast.
Decision fatigue is real too. Where to park? Which route to take? When to restock? Can you go another day without a shower? And when you’re finally ready to crash, outside noise can wreck your sleep.
Weather adds another layer. Extreme heat, freezing cold, storms - you’re at the mercy of the forecast. I’ve taken long detours to avoid red weather warnings and narrowly missed devastating floods by staying cautious. You really feel exposed.
And then there’s the pressure to “do van life right.” Social media’s endless sunset-mountain-beach shots can make you feel like you’re doing it wrong if your view isn’t picture-perfect.
How to Overcome These Van Life Challenges: Staying Sane and Balanced on the Road
1) Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
A few years ago, I read Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker. It gave me nightmares! It focuses on the fact that sleep deprivation is linked to serious health issues. You need sleep, not just to function, but to thrive.
The upshot is: take sleep seriously. Set a consistent sleep schedule, invest in good-quality blackout blinds, and find a pre-sleep routine that works for you. Personally, I swear by chamomile tea and the soothing hum of a history documentary.
2) Mental Health Self-Care
Find what works for you, as there's no one-size-fits-all. Here's some suggestions:
- Establish a Routine: Even in van life, stability is key. Designate days for working, restocking, and relaxing.
- Mindfulness & Meditation: Even five minutes of pause a day can help. Apps like Headspace are a great place to start.
- Get Out in Nature: A walk, a hike, a swim or simply admiring a view of sunset. These simple pleasures can do wonders for your mood.
- Connect with Fellow Van Lifers: Whether online or in person, share experiences with others who get it.
- Gratitude Journal: Focus on the positive aspects of your life on the road - like those perfect views or that hidden gem you stumbled upon.
- Limit News & Social Media: Too much doom-scrolling? It’ll drain you. Keep it to a minimum.
3) Take a Break!
Van life can feel like an endless marathon. Regular rest days are crucial for recharging, both physically and mentally. Think of them as pit stops that prevent burnout and keep you in the game. You're not missing out if you take a day off from exploring.
4) Stay Flexible & Celebrate Small Wins
Plans are great, but in reality, van life is unpredictable. Don’t sweat it when things go sideways - a detour, a glitch, or a storm - it's all part of the adventure.
And when things go well? Celebrate the small wins. Finding the perfect park-up, fixing something that broke, or simply enjoying a hot shower after a few days without one. These are the little victories that make the journey worth it.
The Bottom Line: Proritise Mental Well-Being To Enjoy The Adventure
Van life offers unmatched freedom, but it also brings challenges that can push you to your limits. By prioritising self-care, sleep, rest days, and celebrating small wins, you’ll not only survive, but you’ll thrive.
Remember, van life is a journey, not a race. So, take care of yourself and enjoy the ride!
Up Next: Community and Network Support
Self-care lays the groundwork for mental well-being, but thriving on the road often depends on more than just solo practices. Social connections, networking, and community can provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and support no matter where your travels take you.
In Part 4 of my 'Wander & Thrive' series, I’ll explore practical ways to stay connected while living on the road - whether it’s through meeting like-minded travellers, engaging with local communities, or tapping into online networks. Discover how meaningful relationships can enhance your journey and help you thrive!
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