Embrace the past as it could hold the key to our future

With everything happening in the world lately, it's no wonder we're reaching for the past like a cosy blanket. In times of stress, nostalgia can feel like a safe haven — a way to escape the constant stream of bad news and find comfort in memories of more straightforward, happier times. 

It seems like nostalgia is having a bit of a moment right now. Everywhere you look, something is tugging at those heartstrings. From movies that remind us of the toys we played with as kids (hello, 'Barbie'), to the TV shows we grew up watching, who didn’t want to be a bionic woman or man. I still laugh out loud when I watch the Martians from Mars make fun of us for not buying ready mash in a packet. These are ready and available now, a mere click away on streaming platforms, and even old concert clips popping up on TikTok — nostalgia is literally at our fingertips whenever we want it. 

According to Lishman, this surge in nostalgia makes perfect sense. Research even backs this up, showing that stress can make us feel more nostalgic. In one study published in the 'Journal of Personality and Social Psychology', participants exposed to negative news stories were more likely to dive into nostalgia than those given positive or neutral news. Lishman points out that technology has made it easier than ever to revisit our collective memories, but it's not just about accessibility — we're actively seeking it out. 

Given how tough the last few years have been globally, it's only natural that we're turning to nostalgia to balance the emotional weight we've been carrying. We're all looking for comfort and joy in the past to help us navigate the present.

Nostalgia is a funny thing. It can hit you out of nowhere — a familiar scent, a song you haven't heard in years, or a photo starting to fade. Suddenly, you're flooded with memories of the past, places you've been, people you've loved, and even versions of yourself that feel a lifetime away. 

Some might say that indulging in nostalgia is just a way of getting stuck in the past, preventing you from living fully in the here and now. But here's the thing: research increasingly shows nostalgia isn't about holding you back. It might be just the opposite. As nostalgia researcher and psychologist Clay Routledge put it in his book 'Past Forward: How Nostalgia Can Help You Live a More Meaningful Life', "Nostalgia pushes us forward, not back."

Think about it — when we engage in nostalgia, we're not trying to retreat into the past. Instead, we're bringing the past into the present, using it to help shape our future. That trip down memory lane can boost your well-being in surprising ways. Nostalgia can spark joy, ignite creativity, and strengthen social connections. It's like a secret weapon for problem-solving and reconnecting with your sense of self and purpose.

So, the next time you find yourself swept up in a nostalgic moment, don't worry that you're living in the past. You're using those memories to enrich your present and guide you toward a more meaningful future. Embrace it.