I have this picture sitting on my desk.
I look at it every morning and several times throughout the day. And despite moving rapidly between joyful optimism and existential angst these days, I really do believe it to be true.
And I think the things we choose to believe often matter more than whether or not that thing is actually true. Which is one of the things I found most interesting about this National Geographic article on the science behind laughter as medicine.
Laughter really is good medicine.
It’s been shown to improve cardiovascular health, relieve pain, and even improve immune health!
But interestingly, researchers found that laughter is not actually just about humor and swapping jokes with our friends.
If you’ve ever played the “ha-ha” game, you know this to be true.
That game where you lay your head on someone else’s belly and try not to laugh as each person says “ha” and adds another “ha” until you inevitably end up in a fit of giggles . . . as it turns out there’s an actual name for this phenomenon, antiphonal laughter. Or laughter in response to other people’s laughter.
They also found that we actually laugh 30 times more often when we’re with others than when we’re solo (a plug to spend time with a friend this week!)
This urge to laugh when we’re around others is thought to involve mirror neurons (the same mirroring that happens with yawning). Evolutionarily it may have helped us communicate agreement, affection, and feel like part of the tribe.
And today laughter helps us to more fully enjoy, make sense of, and survive this world.
A Wellness Trend I’m Into
Making diversity jars alla Tim Spector to support gut health!
Until recently I didn’t actually know that these jars had a name. I’ve always referred to them as superfood sprinkles. Born mostly out of my love for efficiency. Instead of opening 12 different jars every morning, I would mix up a batch of whatever nuts/seeds/dried fruit I had on hand to sprinkle on top of smoothies or yogurt bowls, and occasionally shovel straight into my mouth for a little nutrient boost.
And as it turns out, in addition to being a great alternative to stealing your kids gummy vitamins, it’s also a great way to support your gut health.
According to research from the American Gut Project, adding a variety of different plant foods into our diets is one of the best things we can do to support gut health. Which in turn supports our overall health!
Even Hippocrates himself said “all disease begins in the gut.”
Which may not be exactly true, but our gut health does impact a lot of things from our moods and hormones to our risk for chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
In the study mentioned above, they compared the gut microbiomes of over 10,000 volunteers, and found that those who consumed more than 30 types of plants per week had healthier, more diverse gut microbiomes, compared to those who consumed less than 10 types of plants per week.
And diversity jars a great way to make it happen. My current favorite combo is a mix of equal parts hemp, flax, and sunflowers seeds with a bit of psyllium husk mixed in. Just mix it all up, store in a jar in the fridge and sprinkle onto everything.
Something Worth Listening To
Over the last few weeks, I’ve listened to this podcast with Andrew Huberman and Dr. Becky at least 3 times. And have learned something new each time.
Dr. Becky is my parenting icon.
I appreciate that despite the fact that I often feel like she’s using me as the example of ‘how not to deal with a situation,’ I never feel judged or shamed. Just encouraged to do better.
Her book Good Inside remains one of my favorites. It’s full of so many tangible tools, and even if you’re not a parent I think you’ll still come away with some helpful tips from this episode.
Do I actually practice all of the things she teaches? I mean no. But I try. And most days that feels like enough.
In the Kitchen
This Spring weather is making me want ALL the fresh herbs.
Which means Persian food has been on my brain.
We started some seedlings last weekend and planted cilantro, parsley, dill, and green onions mostly with this sabzi polo recipe in mind.
No pot of polo (rice) is complete without tahdig, that perfectly crispy crust whose name means “bottom of the pot.” Tahdig is a highlight of Persian cuisine, and can be made from rice, bread or even lettuce. I’ve tried (and failed) at getting it right on more than one occasion.
I’m going to keep trying, but if you’ve got it dialed, send me your secrets!!
This labneh with parsley, lemon and pistachios would pair perfectly and feels like the perfect thing to enjoy with friends on a sunny day.
Lebanese slaw is a forever favorite and this recipe for savory lentil pastries has been high on my list too!
In My Headphones
I don’t remember exactly when it was that I first heard Paul Simon’s Graceland album, but I do remember that it became an instant favorite and stayed on repeat for years to come.
Like a lot of people, it was through this album that I was first introduced to Ladysmith Black Mambazo. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much controversy there was over this album back in 1987.
Whatever your feelings about it, if you ever get the chance to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo perform live, do everything you can to make it happen. And until then enjoy this!
xx,
Ashley