Clear the Clutter, Catch the Wind

Cruising life has a way of stripping things down to what really matters. When you’re living on a boat, every item you bring aboard has to earn its space. Too much “stuff” doesn’t just clutter the cabin—it clutters your mind, drains your energy, and quite frankly can be dangerous. But here’s the secret: when you embrace living with less, you don’t end up deprived—you actually unlock more health, freedom, and joy than you imagined.

Simple living wellness is about more than cleaning out your closets—it’s about consciously choosing simplicity in your body, your environment, and your routines. And let’s be honest: it’s a lot easier to keep things simple when you’re rocking at anchor than when you’re knee-deep in Target shopping bags back on land.

Clutter isn’t just a nuisance—it’s stress in physical form. A crowded galley counter or an overflowing locker can make your brain feel just as jammed as the space around you. On a boat, there’s no room for “just in case” items that never see the light of day. Same goes for your health—your mind and body thrive when they’re not bogged down with excess. Clear space equals clear headspace, and that translates into better sleep, smoother digestion, and way less crankiness.

Here’s a little trick I still use to this day: if one thing comes in, one thing goes out. Buy a new shirt? Something in that locker has to walk the plank. Grab a new gadget? Something else gets the boot. Clothes, galley gear, knick-knacks—it doesn’t matter. One in, one out keeps the chaos in check and the boat (and your brain) breathing easy.

Provisioning for weeks at sea forces you to get creative with limited ingredients. Instead of stocking up on every pre-packaged snack that ever existed, simplicity in the galley pushes you toward whole, versatile staples. Rice, lentils, fresh local produce—they can turn into dozens of nourishing meals without needing 50 different cans or packages crammed into every corner.

And let’s be real—your body loves it. Simple foods digest better, keep your energy steady, your gut and all of its inhabitants(your microbiome) happy and your swimsuit fitting you like a model.

You don’t need a science lab of cleaning products under the sink. Vinegar, baking soda, and a few drops of lemon essential oil can handle just about anything the sea throws at you. Bonus: they take up less space, smell a whole lot better, and don’t poison the fish when they end up overboard. Less toxins = more freedom for both you and the ocean.

Simple living works for your exercise, too. You don’t need a full gym setup to stay strong and balanced. A short yoga practice on deck (contact me for  my Yoga Onboard book or DVD), a resistance band tucked in a drawer, five minutes of breathwork at sunrise—done. Light, simple, effective. The smaller the ritual, the more likely you’ll actually stick with it.

Living with less isn’t deprivation—it’s liberation. Simple living wellness means fewer decisions, fewer toxins, fewer distractions, and more energy for what actually matters: sailing, exploring, and living the adventure you signed up for.

Because at the end of the day, cruising (and life) isn’t about the stuff—it’s about the space you create for what lights you up. And trust me, no one has ever said at sea, “Gosh, I wish I’d packed more clutter.”

At the end of the day, freedom isn’t just about where you sail—it’s about how light you feel inside. When your space is clear, your stress drops, and your body finally gets the memo: we’re safe, we can chill. And guess what? That’s when healing, energy, and real health kick in. Stress is the sneaky stowaway on too many boats—kick it overboard, and watch how much better you feel.

You can connect with Kim at Kim@KimHessYoga.com Stay tuned for the Revised edition of Yoga Onboard with more Healthy Cruising tips & tricks