For many, the holidays bring back memories of simpler times, as well as the carefree feeling of being younger, with fewer worries and stress that come with responsibilities. Music, food, gatherings with family and friends can all trigger feelings of nostalgia, helping us reflect on our past and the special times we have experienced.
But much more than comforting, research shows that nostalgia can benefit our mental health by affirm social belonging, alleviate lonelinessAnd improve our sense of meaning. When we revisit happy memories, our brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, giving us a natural effect. This improvement in mood can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing us to feel more satisfied with our lives.
(Related: See how American adults fare in the APA’s Stress in America Survey)
With nearly one in four adults worldwide report feeling very or quite lonelyAccording to an October 2023 Meta-Gallup survey, the need for interventions to combat loneliness is at an unprecedented level — and nostalgia could be a route to relief, said Andrew Abeyta, PhD, professor of psychology at Rutgers University which studies the effects. of nostalgia for solitude. In a 2023 study led by Abeyta and published in Emotionresearchers found that encouraging a trip down memory lane in people who identified as feeling lonely helped them restore greater meaning to their lives.
“What we found in our research is that after engaging in nostalgic reflection, evoking particular memories from one’s past, it inspires a sense of social confidence and gives people the strength to express themselves socially,” Abeyta said.
Survey research released in November 2023 from Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute in Washington, DC, also suggests that nostalgia is not simply a sentimental indulgence, but a powerful psychological resource. More than 2,000 American adults participated in the survey and most (84%) agreed that nostalgic memories remind them of what is most important in their lives. Additionally, most Americans agree that when life is uncertain or difficult, nostalgic memories are a source of comfort (77%) and inspiration (72%). Additionally, nearly 60% believe nostalgic memories help them when they are unsure of which direction to take in life.
“After studying this topic for more than 20 years, I have discovered that nostalgia actually helps people move forward,” said social psychologist Clay Routledge, PhD, vice president of research and director of the Human Flourishing Lab. “It makes people more optimistic about the future, it improves well-being, it reduces anxiety, it increases positive mood, self-esteem and meaning in life. But more than that, it makes people grateful and it energizes them.
A 2021 study involving Routledge and published in Emotionalso finds nostalgia promotes well-being throughout life.
“Age, for example, was positively associated with well-being, but only for those who regularly experience nostalgia, suggesting that nostalgia plays an important role in healthy aging,” said Routledge, whose the book Past and Before: How Nostalgia Can Help You Live a More Meaningful Life (Sounds True, 2023), explores how to use nostalgia to live a more grounded, connected and purposeful life.
