Getting Stronger by Doing Less: The Power of Natural Movement and Mindful Living

We live in a time where nearly everything has been designed for convenience. From smart home gadgets to grocery delivery apps to tools that do our work for us with the tap of a button—modern life is easier than it’s ever been. In many ways, that’s a beautiful thing. These advancements have made life more accessible for people with disabilities, they’ve saved time for busy families, and they’ve given us tools to work smarter, not harder.

But here’s what I’ve noticed—ease isn’t always better. In fact, the easier things get, the less we move. The less we engage with our own bodies. The more we outsource our physical and emotional effort to machines and screens. And while this might feel like progress, it often leads us somewhere we don’t want to go: into chronic pain, poor circulation, weight gain, emotional burnout, and a general disconnection from ourselves.

I didn’t fully realize the impact of this until I changed the way I lived.

The Shift That Changed Everything

In 2023, I moved to a small off-grid cabin—something I had dreamed about for a long time. At first, I thought the biggest change would be the quiet, or the lack of internet, or maybe even the wood stove. But it turns out, the most profound change was what happened to my body.

When you don’t have the option to take the easy way, you move more. You carry things. You walk farther. You bend, lift, squat, and stretch—not because you're trying to exercise, but because your daily life naturally demands it. Tasks like chopping firewood or restocking the burner may sound like chores, but in reality, they gave my body back what modern life had slowly taken from it.

I used to get dizzy every time I bent over. I had joint stiffness, low flexibility, and sluggish blood flow. But now, simply bending down to unzip the front door each morning has become a daily stretch that improved my circulation and balance. My body feels stronger and more alive—not from a gym routine or a fitness plan, but from doing what it was designed to do: move.

More Than Just Physical Changes

The benefits haven’t just been physical. Mentally and emotionally, I’ve noticed huge shifts. Not having reliable internet means I spend less time on my phone and more time being present—listening to the wind in the trees, reading books, or just sitting with my thoughts. I’ve felt my anxiety drop, my focus return, and my mood lift in ways I didn’t expect.

I've also made conscious changes to what I eat—removing bioengineered ingredients, artificial dyes, and heavily processed foods. Since then, I’ve lost 45 pounds, and the constant bloating, fatigue, constipation, panic attacks, and mood swings that used to rule my days have nearly disappeared.

And yet, here’s what I want you to hear most: you don’t need to move to a cabin in the woods to feel better. You don’t have to give up electricity or live without Wi-Fi. You just need to start listening to your body—and make a few small, meaningful changes that fit your life.

How to Start Right Where You Are

Start by paying attention. Write down the things your body struggles with—back pain, headaches, digestive issues, tension, poor sleep. Then ask yourself:

When does it happen?

What might be contributing to it?

What patterns do you notice?

Then try making just one small adjustment. Here are a few examples:

Park further away at the store to get in a few more steps each day.

Put your car keys or phone somewhere that requires a stretch or a squat to reach.

Take a walk after meals, even if it’s just to the end of your driveway.

Set screen time limits if you notice tension in your neck or shoulders.

Stand up and stretch every time you’re on a phone call.

These changes seem small, but they compound over time. Your body is constantly communicating with you—and it wants to feel good. You just have to give it the opportunity.

You Know Yourself Best

Everyone’s path is different. What works for me might not be exactly what you need, but I truly believe that with a little awareness and intention, you can begin to feel more vibrant, capable, and clear-headed than you have in years.

If you’re not sure where to begin, I’m always here to help. I love talking with people about their health journeys and helping them find realistic, doable changes that make a real difference.

Because the truth is—you don’t need more hacks or high-tech fixes. You just need to reconnect with your body, your environment, and yourself. And that, in the end, might be the strongest thing you ever do.