Are your favorite self-help hacks age-old Catholic habits?
In this episode of "The Catholic Gentleman," John Heinen, and Devin Schadt explore how many popular self-help techniques today are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition!
1. Dopamine Motivation
Self-help experts often discuss finding joy in meaningful work and harnessing dopamine for motivation.
"Monks, religious, and cloistered sisters who pray, work, sacrifice, and serve, are so joyful and fulfilled because their brains are constantly releasing dopamine," Schadt points out. "They're continually and constantly striving toward the goal of mystical union with God and arriving at heaven."
2. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is now hailed for its health benefits.
"Our tradition of intermittent fasting is something that the Catholic Church has suggested and practiced in various ways for millennia," Heinen shares.
3. Getting Morning Sunlight
Science shows the benefits of morning sunlight. Schadt explains Catholics have long greeted the rising sun as a symbol of Christ.
"The monks and the religious awake prior to the sunrise. They would greet the sun rising in the East, a symbol of the great Son of God who they would greet with their praises," he explains.
4. Exercise “Snacking”
Breaking up exercise into small sessions throughout the day is a recent trend, but monks have practiced this for centuries.
"Where did they get this idea? Well, you guessed it, from the monastic tradition founded by Saint Benedict with 'Ora et Labora'—pray and work," Schadt says.
5. Decision Fatigue
Tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg are famous for wearing the same outfit daily to minimize decisions.
"Wearing the same wardrobe comes back from monastic tradition. They are showing this outward-facing testament to the world," Heinen explains.
Adopting simple habits helped monks focus more on prayer and labor and less on worldly anxieties.
The gentlemen say adopting these practices that originate from the Church's understanding of the nature of man can greatly help improve your life!