Easing Everyday Pain With Nostalgia
WHY OLD MEMORIES CAN SOFTEN DISCOMFORT
If you have ever sat in a waiting room and scrolled far enough on your phone to hit an old photo or song from your childhood, you may have noticed something. For a minute, the noise in your head quiets. The ache in your shoulder or the sting of a blood draw might not feel quite as sharp. The warm rush that comes with “I remember this” is nostalgia, and it may do more than make us smile. In a recent study, adults had a heating pad that went from cold to very hot placed on their forearms while they looked at images. In some trials, the pictures came from their childhood, like old cartoons and commercials.
In others, the pictures were newer and emotionally neutral. The heat remained the same, but people rated the pain as lower when viewing nostalgic images. Brain scans showed why. Areas of the brain that help “turn the volume down” on pain became more active. Of course, nostalgia isn’t medicine, but the study shows it might take the edge off everyday discomforts. The findings also offer real support for the next time you know discomfort is coming. If you are sitting in a waiting room before an in-office procedure, or trying to get through a tough stretch at physical therapy, pull up
an old photo that makes you smile, or play a song you loved as a teenager. In the study, people looked at pictures, but the same idea works with music, keepsakes, and even familiar smells from a past time in your life. None of this replaces real medical care, and it’s not going to erase serious pain. But for those everyday aches and stressful appointments, it can help. You might even make a small “comfort file” on your phone with a few photos and songs tied to good memories. Then, when something feels uncomfortable, you can reach for a nice distraction that might make you feel better … just sitting in your pocket.
SUDOKU
Shrimp Taco Soup
Ingredients • 1 tbsp chili powder • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cups water • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained • 10 oz frozen corn • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined • Jalapeño slices, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided • Black pepper, to taste • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion, diced • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes • 2 tsp agave
cilantro, Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges, for toppings as desired
1. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. 2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, then add onion and peppers; cook 5–6 minutes. 3. Stir in seasoning mix. 4. Add tomatoes, agave, water, remaining salt, and more pepper to taste. Let simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Stir in beans and corn, then add shrimp. 6. Cook 4–5 minutes, until shrimp are cooked through. 7. Add desired toppings before serving. Directions
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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