Body Debt, Why You Feel Exhausted and How to Start Reversing It
If you are building a home based business while raising a family, you have probably had this moment: you finally slow down, you finally rest, and somehow you still feel tired.
That is exactly what we explore in this Life by Design episode with fitness expert and Wellness Warriors co founder Laura Whitney Ribbins. The topic is body debt, and once you understand it, a lot of frustrating symptoms start to make more sense.
What body debt actually is
Body debt is what builds over time when your body consistently gives more than it receives. Not just in exercise, but across the fundamentals: movement, nourishment, recovery, and mindset. When those areas are neglected, even unintentionally, the “cost” can show up in ways that feel disconnected from your daily choices.
In the episode, we connect body debt to the very real signs many entrepreneurs live with quietly, low energy, weight gain, poor sleep, chronic stress, stiffness, mood changes, and even back pain.
Why family focused entrepreneurs feel it first
When you are leading a family and a business, you are often operating in constant output mode. You make decisions all day. You hold other people’s needs in your head. You solve problems fast. And it is easy to treat your body like it should simply keep up.
But body debt has a way of catching up, especially when “rest” becomes collapsing, scrolling, snacking, and mentally staying on call. This is why the episode feels so relevant for anyone trying to build health, wealth, and freedom at the same time.
The big takeaway: you do not need a massive overhaul
One of the most helpful parts of this conversation is the tone. It is not extreme. It is not perfection driven. Laura emphasizes baby step habits that help you build momentum without burnout.
Here are a few practical ideas highlighted in the episode:
- Movement breaks instead of all or nothing workouts
A few minutes of movement throughout the day can shift energy, posture, mood, and focus. This matters when your work keeps you sitting for long periods. - Daily walking as a baseline habit
Walking is accessible, low stress, and powerful. It is also easier to stick with during busy family seasons. - Hydration progress without obsessing
You do not have to go from zero to perfect. Small increases can change how you feel quickly, especially with energy and cravings. - Ultra processed foods as a clear starting point
Laura points to ultra processed foods as a practical first focus area because small swaps can create noticeable changes without turning your life upside down. - A mindset reset that starts in the morning
We talk about why checking your phone first thing can pull you into stress immediately, and how choosing a calmer start can change the entire rhythm of your day.
A simple way to apply this today
If you only do one thing after watching, do this: pick one baby step and commit to it for seven days.
Not ten changes. One.
Then build from there.
Watch the full episode here
After you watch, share your biggest takeaway and the one habit you are choosing. Your comment could be the push another entrepreneur needs today.
