Saturday 7

Published: Sat, 03/21/26

Updated: Sun, 03/22/26

Good morning!

Here's your Saturday 7 roundup!

🦷 What's (not) normal:

Imagine your palm bleeding every time you gave someone a high five.

You’d see a doctor immediately.

Gum disease creates an inflamed surface in the mouth about the size of your palm.

Yet when gums bleed, people call it “normal.”

But periodontal disease (nearly 50% of the adult population) is a hallmark early indicator for many of the most serious systemic diseases.

And the way to prevent gum disease...proper diet and proper breathing.

🌞 What I'm happy about:

I am happy winter is almost over. Literally.

There is an association between poor weather and poor mood. Sunshine powers a brighter mood.

When sunlight hits your eyes, photoreceptors signal a cascade of effects. For one, the brain conserves serotonin, a hormone that plays a key role in mood regulation. Higher serotonin levels help regulate circadian rhythm, which influences sleep, hunger cues, hormone balance, and cellular health.

Sunlight exposure has also been linked to increased energy, alertness, improved memory and focus, and overall wellbeing. Whereas, sun avoidance has serious health risks.

Further, sunlight triggers the release of nitric oxide, a key molecule for vascular health.

Sunlight supports both mental and physical health in powerful ways, influencing everything from mood to heart health. (r)

🚶‍♂️‍➡️ Should I do it:

Even with spring around the corner, most people still miss out on healthy sun exposure.

According to one survey, over 50% of American adults spend fewer than 5 hours/week outdoors.

I understand. Modern life isn't conducive to spending time outdoors.

You have to make a conscious effort to get outside.

But even a small effort can go a long way.

About 6 years ago, I started a daily habit of walking before lunch. Recently, I expanded it to walking at sunrise every morning as well.

To keep me accountable, I was thinking about starting a "Saturday Sunrise" Walking Club. Every Saturday morning at sunrise, we meet, walk for 30-60 minutes, then get a coffee and read the Saturday 7 :)

I've heard great things about run clubs. This is basically the same idea, but with walking instead of running.

If you were in St. Louis, would you join me?

💡 How to make it stick:

Imagine you want to get in shape, you know what to do, but you don't follow through...why?

It's likely because the 3rd leg of the stool (or triangle) is missing.

You not only must want it and know what to do, but you must believe you are capable.

This is a key idea of the Motivation Triangle in Nir Eyal's new book, Beyond Belief.

Without the 3rd leg of the stool, the other 2 collapse.

What I've found to be the most powerful ways to change your beliefs is to stack evidence.

Make a list of all the times you were able to make successful change.

Make another list of others, who from a worse starting point, were able to create the desired change.

Kill your limiting beliefs with counterevidence.

🧠 What quote I've been thinking about:

"If you intend to write as truthfully as you can, your days as a member of polite society are numbered."

– Stephen King

📊 What goes up when things are down:

Bitcoin is now up more than 10% since the US-Iran war began, while many other major asset classes are down.

River published this chart that tells an interesting story.

Bitcoin’s 60-day performance after every major geopolitical event since 2020 is positive. On average, about 18% over 60 days, compared to roughly 3% for the S&P 500 and 4% for gold.

As River put it, “Bitcoin is safety when it matters most.”