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It's like everything else, if you don't toss things up a bit every now and then, things become mundane and dreary. Too much action, you wear out as well.
A life without responsibilities, may seem blissful - for a while. In time a sense of uselessness and meaninglessness may creep in - with fatigue, regret, longing, resentment, and depression...
We are social creatures. We need to feel that we are making a positive difference in the world, that we are doing someone some good. We need it to mean something. It can't just be all about ourselves. We need feedback and recognition, from people that not only care for what we do, but that care for us, and that understands us. A long time being on the move, it is easy to loose touch with these basic needs.
Taking "time off" to take on some duties and responsibilities (work or charity): to build close relations with both clients and coworkers, to have someone depend on and appreciate our contribution, get recognition... share stories, thoughts, ideas and feelings, with someone who is truly interested and cares, and where you have equal interest the other way... To get a sense of belonging...
Maybe work in a bar, farm or on a construction site? Maybe go home and care for family or help a friend refurbishing a home? Taking time to get off the road to go on an expedition with new friends you have met along the way - like climbing a really tall mountain? Maybe take a course to educate yourself - or educate others? Hold presentations about your travel? Point is, to take a break, and do some good, and let people truly get to indulge you and your interests, and vice versa.
While traveling, take time to educate yourself or get better at something and keep yourself busy - even while on the move. Do something useful. Maybe a learn a language, an instrument or singing, videography or writing, media editing, history or culture, mechanics, cooking or becoming a better rider? Give yourself routines and responsibilities, i e. working out every day, eat healthy, cook good food and not just something just quick and dirty to fill up (and invite someone to share), maintain your vehicle and even improve upon it, always keep yourself clean and tidy even when you are alone, get up early even if you don't have to. Call home often. Go out and socialize often.
Most importantly, travel efficiently, but slow. By this I mean. Get on the move before traffic sets in (with vehicle fuelled, serviced, and your packed food and the days itinerary prepped and ready). Ride at a speed that doesn't put much of a strain on your head, body or vehicle, or which can get you into an accident (both are quicker to avoid than to recover from - meaning ride slow!). Take many breaks throughout the day, but short and efficient (avoiding services that eat up time). Frequent stops will not only keep physical and mental fatigue at bay, but give you frequent time to process your indulgencies - taking it all in and refuel your soul. Get to where you are going well ahead of dinner, and take care of all your errands and "have to do's" before you sit down. Make dinner a great and slow meal -relax, you've done it! Reflect, indulge! Spend the rest of the day to explore, chill, socialize and play with your hobbies - with nothing hanging over you!
The longer you travel, the more time off you need. I have myself never truly been gone for a very long time (only a few months at most), but I intend to once I'm free of responsibilities like kids, etc. I would then maybe go about it as follows: Take a day or two off every week. Take a short week off every month or so. Take a few weeks off after every few months. Take a few months off every year. Take a year off every few years. Take a few years off every decade... or take the final dirt nap.
Instead of quitting your job, selling it all of, and doing all of it in one go. Another option would be to keep your home and your job, and doing a few weeks or months of travel every few years. Sure it will cost more to ship you and your vehicle in and out every time, but it is likely still the most financially sound way to do it. Further still, it is a good strategy to keep you pumped up for all of it!
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