Nostalgia consists of happy memories and longing for the past. It is often associated with various sensory stimuli. For example, by smelling the scent of autumn leaves, you may feel a great nostalgia for childhood. As neuroscientists have discovered, many areas of the brain play a role in the feeling of nostalgia. Including those related to autobiographical memory, self-reflection, reward processing, and emotional regulation.
Almost everyone experiences nostalgia. But in the course of life, its objects can change. A study conducted by psychologist Christina Irene Batcho found that young people yearn more for holidays, pets and toys than older people. At the same time, older people often think about music.
It turns out that nostalgia is the body’s reaction to misfortune. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed that nostalgia strengthens people’s social bonds, makes them feel more positive, and improves their mood.
Other similar studies prove that nostalgia strengthens the sense of meaning in life, existential fear of death softens, and the level of spirituality and optimism increases.
Nostalgic memories can be evoked within and on your own to combat a bad mood. To do this, you need to understand what causes such memories in you, and also try to create traditions and accumulate memories.
News cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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