The Science Behind: Nostalgia
Has it ever happened to you that while seeing a childhood photograph you fell into that moment or rethought your memories? If yes, then you must have experienced the feeling of NOSTALGIA. The definition of nostalgia is, ''a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.”
There are many misconceptions about nostalgia, and today I will be discussing some of them, but first things first, let's find the reason behind the feeling of nostalgia:-
REASON BEHIND NOSTALGIA
Nostalgia can be caused by a vision, smell or maybe even sound that reminds us of our past. The memory could be pleasant or unpleasant. For example, a specific type of music (old folk) or a song that reminds you of your grandparent's house or a candle that reminds you of your favorite bakery can cause nostalgia. Resources also tell us that nostalgia is one of the 27 main feelings that we feel. Interestingly, it is most common in 7-year-olds.
Now that we are clear with the meaning and cause of nostalgia, let's break some misconceptions.
IS NOSTALGIA BAD?
Here’s the truth: nostalgia does have a dark side, believe it or not. One thing that people don’t know about is that there is more than one kind of nostalgia and not all are the best for you. When you start missing something or someone before they’re even gone it leads to things like sadness, or unnecessary worry or anxiety. It’s human behavior to think about things that are not gonna happen or that are unreal. When we get attached to someone or something our brain subconsciously thinks about losing that someone. It’s stupid but it affects us and not in the best way. Constantly being caught up in nostalgia and/or feeling low because of it can be bad for you.
That's all I have for now. I hope this blog was helpful for you all. Until next time!
Toodles!!!!!
Sources:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nostalgia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostalgia
https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/nostalgia-good-or-bad.htm
https://bigthink.com/mind-brain/nostalgia-reward-system