Do not obsess over the body
Principle 41 from the Enchiridion
A perfect routine does not make us patient by itself. Caring for the body matters, but it should not crowd out the work of improving judgment and character.
Original Passage
It is a mark of want of genius to spend much time in things relating to the body, as to be long in our exercises, in eating and drinking, and in the discharge of other animal functions. These should be done incidentally and slightly, and our whole attention be engaged in the care of the understanding.
Modern Interpretation
It can show up in an ordinary moment. Looking after the body matters, but Epictetus asks us to keep it in proportion. If food, appearance, and comfort take nearly all our attention, there is little left for the quality of our judgment or character.
The body should still be cared for responsibly. The warning is about turning that care into an obsession that consumes the rest of life. A carefully optimized routine does not automatically make us patient or reasonable.
In Practice
It can show up in an ordinary moment. You track every meal and workout but still notice how quickly you snap at people when stressed.
Keep the physical routine if it is useful. Just make room to work on the part that no fitness tracker can measure: how you judge and respond.
Reflection Question
Does the attention you give your body still support your life, or has it started crowding out other things that matter?