Matt Mancz – aka “Circadian Man” – grew up in athletics. He was a division three college football walk-on. For seven years, he was Syracuse University’s strength and conditioning coach for Football, Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Lacrosse. He then transitioned to become a a Sports Performance Coach and immersed himself in the world of alternative health with Massage Therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Growing up as a child, Matt spent most of his time outdoors, connecting with natural world. He speaks about why nature is such good medicine. He says that when we spend time in nature, we remember how good we are supposed to feel.
From lifting weights in the driveway to bouncing on the trampoline and balancing on a beam, Matt encourages people to “do the best you can to take it outdoors.” He talks about the importance of getting our skin in the sun and feet on the earth. As humans, “we have a solar power function in our cells.” The rays of the sun manipulate the mitochondria in our cells to increase their energy capacity. It’s as if we are literally a walking solar panel! In addition, Matt embraces the extremes in the weather of the northeast with his DIY sauna and ice bath.
Matt also talks about his breathing practice – in particular nasal breathing. He echoes the words of previous guest James Nestor when he tells us that the nose is for breathing and the mouth is for eating. For Matt, it’s important to breathe this way throughout the day, even when training.
According to Matt, there is always an emotional component attached to eating. It’s critical to see food and nourishment as an emotional experience first and a physical experience second. When you start recognizing the emotionality of eating, you naturally make healthier choices and you appreciate the experience of sitting down with loved ones and chewing your food mindfully and not rushing. You also bring more gratitude to the meal as well.
Later, Matt talks about the influence of Taoism and Healing Arts like Chinese Medicine and Massage in his work with athletes as well as in his life.
Much of Matt’s work involves bringing creativity and play into his physical activities. You are just as likely to see Matt outside in the driveway dancing, jumping on trampoline and balancing on a beam as you are to see him lifting weights. Matt feels as though he’s aging in reverse and getting younger.
In the end, Matt says that fear will always be present in our lives. However this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Fear has the potential to amplify whatever you are doing. And there is an immense amount of growth that can happen when you lean into the fear and see it as a guide.
You can learn more about the “Circadian Man” Matt Mancz and his work here: https://www.instagram.com/circadian_man/
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