Ever since April of 2020, nostalgia has become a seemingly inherent and increasingly important part of my daily life. 

I miss gathering with friends for late nights of bar and club hopping...sipping on vodka sodas and dancing until my legs felt weary. I miss feeling like an independent and responsible young adult during simple moments reading, cleaning, or cooking in my small apartment in Bangkok.

I miss chatting with my colleagues at the Wild Atlantic Lodge in Ballyvaughan, Ireland as I rushed around pulling pints, grabbing dirty dishes, taking orders, and welcoming customers.

I miss being able to shake hands with people I’ve just met, showing off the firm handshake and intentional eye contact I worked so hard to perfect.

I miss going to church and sitting in the pew next to people who have known me since before I could talk.

My nostalgic list could expand nearly indefinitely. 

The Oxford dictionary definition of nostalgia is “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.” 

Okay, Oxford, you got me! I am wistfully longing for all things happy...but what’s in it for me?

I had not thought much about the effect of nostalgia on my wellbeing, though I would have assumed it would be negative-leaning. Who wants to feel sad about what is not? Shouldn’t we feel grateful for what is? I listened to a short episode of The Hidden Brain, which proved my assumption wrong and helped me view my nostalgic thoughts and feelings in a new light. 

The 5-minute episode, “How Nostalgia Prepares Us For The Future” discusses research by psychologist Clay Routledge. This quote felt particularly relevant: “You might think that people who are more nostalgic are more prone to sadness and depression. But Clay found that nostalgic reflection makes us more optimistic. It reaffirms our social connections. And by remembering important things about the past, it lays out a vision for a hopeful future.”

I reached out to Clay to thank him for sharing his research with the world. He kindly responded to my email and shared this TED animation, which he narrated. I hope you enjoy this history of nostalgia’s meaning as much as I do. 

If you want to learn more about Routledge’s research on nostalgia, he shares a list of his research here. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts about nostalgia and how it plays a role in your life. Feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly.

Personally, I CAN’T wait for a future full of gatherings, laughter, and communion. I am so grateful for the moments I’ve shared with people I love so dearly—looking forward to many more.

Wishing each of you happiness and joy through every season.