The Power of Positive Memories: Is Reminiscing Good For Your Health?
Discover the science behind happy memories and learn how reminiscing can improve your wellbeing and happiness.
Do you ever think of nostalgia as a “guilty pleasure?” Until recently, I always did.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I worried that too much reminiscing might lump me into the “old” category. Or that maybe if I did it too often, it was a sign I was stuck in the past.
But then I took a deep dive into the science behind positive memories, and the results surprised me.
Time and time again, research shows that revisiting happy memories is a powerful way to inspire and uplift our present-day life.
When remaining focused on the positive, without falling into the trap of “yesterday was better,” nostalgia can be a healthy way to keep our spirits young.
No wonder we love it so much. ;)
Research shows that intentionally recalling positive memories can:
Boost happiness
Act as a buffer against negative thoughts
Combat depression
Alleviate anxiety
Promote resilience
Help fight mental decline
Turns out there’s no need to drop those fun memories into the “guilty” pleasure category after all.
In this post, we’ll explore the research behind reminiscing, and touch on some of the ways you can use it to inspire your present-day life.
If you enjoy listening to music while you read, tap “play” on the video below for the perfect soundtrack to this post.
Are Happy Memories a “Magic Pill” for Aging?
Studies on intentionally recalling positive memories show that revisiting the past can be a surprisingly healthy activity.
Remembering the good times can disrupt negative thought patterns, relieve anxiety, and even help us enjoy the present more.
People who intentionally recall and savor positive memories experience a greater enjoyment of life.
Psychology Today, The Benefits of Reliving Your Happy Memories
Even under significant stress, joyful memories can improve mental wellbeing and increase resiliency.
Positive memories can be a powerful stress reliever by promoting buoyancy and resilience.
The National Library of Medicine, Positive Memory Specificity
Researchers found that revisiting positive memories increases activity in the corticostriatal areas of the brain, which helps us:
Feel emotionally grounded
Feel more motivated
Think straight
We can use nostalgia and pleasant memories to keep us grounded and help us think more clearly.
Psychology Today, Evoking Positive Memories
Some researchers also found that reminiscing can stimulate memory and may prevent cognitive decline.
“Nostalgia, it turns out, has the power to boost self-esteem, amplify positive emotions, and even act as a buffer against negative thoughts.”
There’s quite a bit of evidence that indicates nostalgia is good for you, if you keep it positive. Enjoying those wonderful memories are even better when you share them with other people!
Don’t Be Shy About Sharing Your Happy Memories
The next time you consider sharing a memory in a comment section, among your friends, or even with younger people -- don’t be shy!
Go ahead and indulge in a bit of nostalgic whimsy when the spirit moves you. Tell your stories. It’s good for you!
How To Tap Into The Benefits Of Positive Memories
Here are a handful of ideas to help you recall memories in a positive way. If you have more ideas, please share them with our Facebook community!
Intentionally Recall The Good Times
Spend a few moments each week intentionally recalling happy memories.
Close your eyes and visualize yourself back in those moments. What were you doing? Who were you with? How did you feel?
Tell Your Stories
Share your stories with family and friends.
Talk to friends and family about your positive memories. Sharing can help make them even more meaningful.
Remember to focus on the positive and avoid falling into the “things were better back then” trap.
Write In A Journal Or Start A Blog
Imagine what a gift it would be if your ancestors had written their happy memories down for you to read, decades (or centuries) later.
You can give that gift to future generations by writing your favorite memories in a journal or on a blog.
Share Your Happy Memories With Other Baby Boomers in Our Facebook Community
As a subscriber (free or paid), you’ll get the latest issue of Baby Boomer Rewind in your email inbox every Wednesday. Enjoy it, share it with friends and family. Let it inspire you to enjoy the present more fully.
Then, pop on over to our Facebook community to share your own thoughts or memories related to the topic. All I ask is that you keep the tone positive and be supportive of other people who share their memories.
Not a subscriber yet? Here’s what Baby Boomer Rewind is all about:
Baby Boomer Rewind is a weekly newsletter that leverages positive memories to inspire and uplift the present. It’s written for the Baby Boomer generation (people born between 1946 -1964), so you can expect super-fun content that centers around our unique shared experiences from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.
Remembering The Past To Inspire The Present
Intentionally recalling positive memories can enrich your present-day life. And it can be a lot of fun, too. :)
If we focus on the joyful moments, and use them to inspire our present-day life, we shouldn’t hesitate to enjoy a bit of reminiscing.
Do you have ideas on more ways to share or revisit the joys of your past? Head over to our Facebook group and share them!
Thank you for being part of the Baby Boomer Rewind community. See you Wednesday, in your email inbox!
Love and hugs,
Rhonda Bradley