We shouldn’t need religion for this.

Meditation isn't religious. Zen-style mindfulness is proven to be beneficial for stress, anxiety, and even some indicators of physical health. It just so happens that most of the best meditation instructors are Buddhist (to some degree).

If that’s what you meant you should have said “listen to your meditation instructor.”

Meditation like what you described is a Zen Buddhist custom.

Intermittent fasting is also a custom with largely religious origins. It is also considered beneficial by many non-religious people.

You can take the baby out of the bathwater.