Living in the Land of Smiles doesn’t mean our brains need to turn to som tam. Let’s break down how Thailand’s unique lifestyle affects these brain-damaging habits and what expats can do about it.

The Dark Side of Paradise

That perpetual darkness from hiding in air-conditioned rooms to escape the tropical heat isn’t doing us any favours. While avoiding the scorching Bangkok sun is tempting, staying in dark, climate-controlled environments disrupts our circadian rhythm and vitamin D production. Try catching some morning sun at Lumphini Park or Benjakitti Forest Park before the heat kicks in.

The Digital Nomad’s Dilemma

Working remotely from Thailand sounds dreamy until you realise you’re spending 12 hours glued to your laptop at that aesthetic café in Thonglor. Screen time may be unavoidable for digital nomads, but consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

The Sugar Syndrome

Between Thai milk tea, mango sticky rice, and an abundance of coconut drinks, expat life in Thailand can become a sugar festival. While these treats are a part of the cultural experience, moderation is crucial. Instead, choose nam manao (lime juice) without sugar or fresh coconut water.

Sleep Culture Shock

Those late-night street food adventures and rooftop bar hopping sessions, combined with adapting to time zones for international calls, wreak havoc on sleep patterns. Create a sleep sanctuary in your condo with blackout curtains to combat those early tropical sunrises.

The Social Media Bubble

Living abroad can lead to excessive social media use to stay connected with home, while isolation in an unfamiliar culture pushes us further into our phones. Break free by joining expat sports leagues or taking Thai language classes—actual human interaction still exists!

The News Overload

Keeping up with both Thai and home country news can double your negative news consumption. Limit yourself to specific times for news updates, and maybe skip the daily updates about Bangkok traffic (it’s always bad anyway).

The Sedentary Setback

It’s easy to become sedentary when it’s 35°C outside. But with countless affordable gyms, pools, and early morning/evening outdoor options, there’s no excuse for becoming a couch potato in Thailand.

The Expat Edge

The good news? Thailand offers unique solutions to these brain-draining habits:

• Affordable massage to reduce stress
• Year-round outdoor activities (once you adapt to the heat)
• Fresh markets full of brain-healthy tropical fruits
• Strong expat communities to combat isolation
• Meditation temples and wellness centres
• Active street culture that encourages walking (once you master navigating the sidewalks)

Remember, while adapting to expat life comes with its challenges, your brain shouldn’t be collateral damage in your Thai adventure. Balance those Chang beers with coconut water, that air-con time with the morning sun, and those food delivery apps with actual street food adventures.

After all, you didn’t move to Thailand to spend all your time in a dark room staring at Netflix while your brain slowly turns to tom yum.

You may also like:

• Sanook, Sabai, and Jai Dee: Key Concepts in Thai Cultural Identity
• The Expats’ Guide to Navigating Daily Life in Bangkok
• 8 Unforgettable Omakase Experiences in Bangkok & Phuket

Sources:
[1] Thaiger 
[2] Pattaya Mail
[3] Tieland to Thailand
[4] BMJ Open
[5] PMC NCBI 
[6] Lloyd Center
[7] Mayo Clinic
[8] Acts Retirement
[9] New Mandala
[10] TrustCare Health