Nostalgia is “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.”

This may be shown in many different ways including clothing, music or art. It can even be found in everyday objects; things you do throughout your day, a certain meal or a place may bring back memories.

Nostalgia is something that allows you to reconnect with your past. Studies have shown that nostalgia is actually good for you and has many benefits, but like everything else also has its cons. For example,  it can bring up negative memories as well as positive.

Social media has also played a big role in nostalgia. Facebook has a feature that reminds us of everyday events on a weekly basis and social media is packed full of stories for decades ago. Memories abound on social media everywhere.

Nostalgia may remind you where you’ve come from and remind you not to forget your humble beginnings. Nostalgia also changes something about yourself over time but also being able to keep those good qualities. It also builds the sense of connectivity being that you may be able to connect with people of the feeling of a time — the sensory smell,  look and atmosphere of “back in the day.”.

The cons it can present are things like PTSD for soldiers. Nostalgia can be an issue for them because they may be reminded of vital moments during battle, and in most cases, for the rest of their lives they are haunted by certain smells, sounds, and tastes of battle.

Furthermore, nostalgia can bring forth undealt with emotions, like a deep anger or sadness for someone or certain situations that were very traumatizing.

So next time you experience nostalgia take note of it. Journal the feelings you get to examine the deeper root of whatever you seem to be feeling.

Remember when?