5 surprising ways nostalgia can boost your mental health as a stressed woman
Whenever I feel things are too much, I often find myself missing the simpler times. Moments in my childhood, afternoons playing out in the heat, not worried about sunburns. Or listening to that one song that never went away, you know the one, Tom’s Diner. It’s nostalgia at its finest.
Nostalgia, the feeling that many consider just an emotional pastime, can be such a powerful tool for your mental health. And of course, it is supported by science.
In this article, you’ll discover the 5 surprising ways nostalgia can relieve stress, bring you emotional clarity, and help you to live with more intention. Get ready to reconnect with your past in a way that transforms your present.
1. Nostalgia reduces cortisol, the stress hormone
In a study conducted by the University of Southampton, researchers discovered that participants who accessed nostalgic memories showed lowered cortisol levels, the main stress hormone. So, in a nutshell, remember the good times from the past can quite literally calm your body and mind.
Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, our brain goes into “survival mode”. Using nostalgia to help calm and restore your inner storm helps you to feel safe, welcomed, and loved. This, in turn, gives you the emotional hug you wanted.
Simple Tip: Create a nostalgic box. You know, like a break-up box! Put sweet photos of the happy times, letters, perfume, and other objects that connect you to those memories. Use this box to help you ground yourself when you feel stress building up.
Source: BBC Future – The Surprising Power of Nostalgia
2. Nostalgic memories increase self-esteem and sense of identity
It’s difficult these days being a wife, mum, or whatever hat you’re wearing. As women, we sometimes feel as though our identity gets lost or forgotten when we are in the midst of juggling work, family, and other obligations.
Using your nostalgia, you can gently remind yourself of who you were, who you are, and who you’ll always be.
Remembering those important moments, such as your first achievement or some goal that you reached, activates areas of your brain linked to identity and self-love. This helps reconnect you with the woman you are, and who you were before the burnout, or when life got out of control.
✨ Intentional statement: “I am made of beautiful memories, silent achievements, and moments that made me stronger.”
Another tip: This is a great use of your journal, should you have one. Simply read the good things you’ve written down to always remember. Reliving those will give you the boost of nostalgia you are looking for.
3. Reminiscing about good times can instantly improve your mood
Just like the wonderful song I mentioned above, Tom’s Diner, the song just sticks with you! So doesn’t “Oops, I did it again.” Do you know where you were when Britney Spears got on the VMA stage and ripped off her clothes?
I remember, and to this day, it gives me the feeling that I can do whatever dance moves that girl did! Lol
That warm and fuzzy feeling in your chest when you listen to an old song or flip through a photo album, that’s the emotional power of nostalgia. Research shows that this feeling triggers neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin (the happy stuff inside our brains.)
In difficult times, accessing happy moments from the past works as a natural remedy for mood, without side effects.
Practical tip: 5-minute practice: close your eyes and visualize in great detail a moment from your childhood that made you smile. Take a deep breath and allow that feeling to wash over you.
Source: Psychology Today – The Science of Nostalgia
4. Nostalgia promotes connection — even when we’re alone
Every one of us has moments when we feel alone or misunderstood. It’s common for adult women to experience this, especially during times of transition. Nostalgia can offer you a sense of belonging, remembering that you are a part of something bigger.
When you share or relive a memory with yourself or with someone else, you create an emotional bridge that awakens empathy. Simple inspiration: Share a nostalgic memory with your friends — like the smell of your grandmother’s freshly brewed coffee or that toy that marked your childhood. This creates connection and warmth.
5. Remembering the past with intention helps you live the present more lightly
If you are into mindfulness, which is where you practice something like meditation, nostalgia is a form of this. Instead of focusing on the present, you delve into the past and return to the present with greater insight. Nostalgia can teach us to appreciate the small details and rediscover simple habits that do us good.
A Sunday routine, remember those?
Where you made a meal that was worthy of any Thanksgiving dinner, but not as much. The meals made with love, or the pleasure of writing thank you notes by hand. Nostalgia can inspire you to make practical changes to your current routine, help you to create a life that’s more lived with intention.
Tip: Create a nostalgic corner in your home — with vintage objects, a comfy chair, and a scented candle from The Rustic. Use this space as your emotional refuge.
Your past can be your best ally for the present
When you think of nostalgia, think of it as something that will bring you joy. Look at it as a powerful tool for grounding yourself, reconnecting, and emotional relief. For women or anyone who is stressed, overwhelmed, and short on time, your memories can be a powerful reminder of what is essential.
Revisit your past with intention, a perfect practice of self-care.
Until Next Time
Christina
Curious to explore this in practice?
👉 Visit The Rustic store to find items that trigger fond memories and create a haven at home.
👉 Or read more on the blog about living with intention, simplicity, and real beauty.
