The DevOps Diary — How I Solve Problems

TL;DR: I have been working online since 2009. Years at a desk led to shoulder strain and recurring digestive discomfort. Treadmills and park runs weren’t consistent. Moving from a small city house to a farmhouse with open space built movement into my day—now I average ~8,000 steps without “workouts,” and I feel markedly better.

Challenge

After a few years of full-time online work, I began experiencing shoulder cramps more often, and my overall wellbeing—especially digestion—wasn’t great. The core issue was simple: not enough daily movement.

I tried to fix it. I bought a treadmill and started running in a nearby park. But between winter cold, rainy days, and a busy schedule, consistency kept slipping.

Decision of moving from city to village

I had a choice: buy a small house in Islamabad or change my environment entirely. I chose the second path.

I moved to a remote area with around 20,000 sq ft of open space and 2,000 sq ft covered area. I planted fruit trees and brought in hens and cows for fresher food. I didn’t build a strict fitness plan—I changed the context.

What changed

• Natural movement: In the city, I struggled to reach ~5,000 steps/day. On the farmhouse, ordinary tasks now take me to ~8,000 steps/day without formal workouts.
• Less pain: It’s been about five years since I’ve felt notable muscle or shoulder pain.
• Better daily comfort: The digestive discomfort that used to bother me has eased steadily.
• Simpler nutrition: Fresh milk, eggs, and fruit make healthier eating much easier.

I stayed in the same field—still doing online work—but the environment now nudges me to move.

Why It Worked (for Me)

Environment beats willpower. A treadmill requires motivation every day; a farmhouse turns movement into a default—checking trees, feeding animals, fixing small things around the property. It’s exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise.

My Opinion

If you’re aiming for a healthier routine and better work–life balance—and you have the option—a larger farmhouse in a remote area can support a healthier rhythm than a small city home. It reduces barriers to movement and makes fresh food more accessible.

Practical Ideas If You Can’t Move (Yet)

• Design for steps: Spread routine tasks across spaces so movement is built in.
• Micro-breaks: Short, frequent stretch/walk intervals during the day.
• Fresh(er) food: Start a small kitchen garden or schedule a weekly fresh-food run.
• Bad-weather plan: Keep a simple indoor routine (mobility drills, light bodyweight moves) for rainy or cold days.

Closing

I didn’t change careers. I changed my environment—and my environment changed my health.