Embarking on an exercise and health journey can be daunting, especially when trying to balance spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. For Catholics, a powerful tool in this journey is called "habit stacking," a concept rooted in building new routines by linking them to existing habits.
The Theology of the Body: Stewardship and Discipline
As Catholics, we believe our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV-CE), “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” This call to stewardship underscores the importance of caring for our physical well-being as an act of gratitude and worship.
Here at Hypuro Fit our tagline is "self mastery for self gift" (TOB15.2) because we believe, with Pope St. John Paul II, that man cannot fully give of himself without first conquering himself. You can't give what you don't have.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2288) further supports this by stating, “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” Exercise and healthy living are not merely personal goals but ways to honor the Creator and serve others.
What is Habit Stacking?
Habit stacking involves attaching a new habit to an existing one, leveraging the consistency of current routines to establish new practices. This concept, popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits, can be especially effective for Catholics integrating faith and fitness. For example, if you already pray the Rosary daily, you might add a walk during this prayer time, combining spiritual devotion with physical activity.
Another way to stack a habit is the fact that you (hopefully) eat 2-3 meals a day. So we can stack the habit of eating enough protein or adding fruits and veggies to this preexisting routine.
Practical Habit Stacking for Catholics
Pair Morning Prayer with stretching or exercise: Begin your day by combining morning prayer or Scripture reading with gentle stretching. Or carve out enough time in the morning to do your daily prayer and then immediately get your workout in before breakfast.
Incorporate Exercise into Rosary Walks: Walking while praying the Rosary can transform a sedentary prayer habit into an active one.
Use Meal Preparation as a Moment for Gratitude: Before cooking or eating, pause to thank God for the nourishment provided. While preparing meals, reflect on the relationship between what you eat and how you serve God’s purpose in your life.
End Your Day with a Healthy Routine: Conclude your evening with a practice that integrates faith and health. For example, combine an evening examen or journaling with deep breathing exercises. This allows you to reflect on God’s presence throughout the day while preparing your body for restful sleep.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting new habits is often challenging. St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us, “Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.” Approach each small step with love and intention, trusting that God’s grace will sustain you.
When you struggle, turn to prayer for strength. Philippians 4:13 (ESV-CE) encourages us: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” By relying on God’s power, you can persevere in forming habits that glorify Him.
The Spiritual Benefits of Physical Discipline
Discipline in physical health can lead to spiritual growth. St. John Paul II, in his reflections on the theology of the body, emphasized the connection between physical and spiritual disciplines. He taught that by exercising control over the body, we learn to master our desires, fostering a deeper union with God.
Moreover, engaging in regular exercise can enhance mental clarity and focus, making prayer and meditation more fruitful. The CCC 1804 describes virtues as “firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions.” By cultivating physical virtues such as discipline and perseverance, we strengthen our ability to live out spiritual virtues.
A Holistic Vision of Health
A Catholic approach to health views the body, mind, and soul as interconnected. As we grow in physical health, we are better equipped to serve God and others. St. Irenaeus famously said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Embracing habits that nurture both body and soul allows us to live this truth fully.
Habit stacking offers a practical, faith-filled framework for embarking on a health journey. By integrating physical and spiritual practices, Catholics can honor God’s gift of life and inspire others to do the same. Remember, every small step taken with love and intention brings you closer to the abundant life God desires for you. Let your health journey be an act of worship, glorifying the Creator through the stewardship of His creation—your body.
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