Is Nostalgia Your Friend or Foe?
- Jordyn Mayes
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Nostalgia—the bittersweet emotion of remembering the past. It’s that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when your favorite song plays, when you see an old photo, or when you’re randomly hit by the scent of something that reminds you of a simpler time. It’s a feeling we all know, and it often feels so good. It’s like diving into a memory bubble where everything seems just a little bit better than it really was.
Think about it: you’re scrolling through TikTok, and suddenly you’re watching that viral video of a 2015 trend, or you stumble upon a Snapchat Memory of your 2016 summer. It’s a snapshot that instantly transports you to that time. The nostalgia rushes in like a wave, reminding you of what you were wearing, who you were with, and how good it felt. Nostalgia isn’t just about looking back at old photos; it’s in the movies, TV shows, songs, and even the apps we use. But here’s the catch—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While nostalgia feels good, it can also trick us into believing things were better years ago. And when it gets too loud, it can keep us from embracing what’s next.
Nostalgia: An Automatic Reflex
So why are we so obsessed with the past? Turns out, nostalgia is instinctual. You don’t have to try to feel it; it just happens. When you experience something—whether it’s a smell, a song, or a familiar place—that reminds you of a moment you loved, you’re hit with nostalgia. It’s not something you have to work for, and you might not even see it coming.
Maybe you catch a whiff of your mom’s perfume and suddenly you’re a kid again, or you hear an old jam from your high school dance and you're instantly flooded with memories of that awkwardly perfect moment. It’s not always that specific, either. Sometimes nostalgia takes us back to a general time in our lives that made us feel safe or happy. It’s not just the memory—it’s the comfort of those memories. And that’s why it feels so good.
The Comfort of Nostalgia (Especially When Times Are Tough)
But here’s the kicker: nostalgia often comes around when we’re feeling stressed or uncertain. When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to slip into thoughts of simpler times, those moments when things felt easier or more carefree. We all have those go-to memories or comfort TV shows that we turn to when we need a break from the present. Whether it’s binge-watching a favorite show or revisiting old social media posts, these nostalgic moments offer a temporary escape. They remind us of the happiness we’ve felt before and give us a brief disconnect from whatever challenges we’re facing now. Nostalgia helps us reconnect with the past, offering comfort and reassurance that joy can be found again.
Nostalgia can feel like a “happy place” during tough times, offering a safe escape from anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. It’s a temporary retreat that reconnects us with the past and helps us feel more grounded. It reminds us of who we are and the people we’ve been connected to. That can make us feel a little less alone, and that’s why comfort TV, old music, and nostalgia-driven content are so popular right now. It’s a reminder that we’ve been happy before—and we can be happy again.
The Power of Shared Nostalgia
Another reason we can’t get enough of nostalgia is that it’s super shareable. Think about how many times you’ve sent a TikTok to your group chat about some obscure childhood memory, or maybe you've had a full-on conversation about the best 00s cartoons or the iconic Shrek movie. Nostalgia is a cultural glue that binds us together. It’s something we all understand and can bond over, regardless of age.
That shared experience gives us a sense of connection and reminds us that we’re not alone. Just look at how the Barbie movie came out swinging—generations of fans came together to relive a shared childhood obsession. Nostalgia can actually bring people closer because we bond over those memories. We’re all a little bit obsessed with reboots, throwbacks, and the good ol’ days. And sharing those moments creates a deeper sense of community. It’s contagious too—hear someone talking about their nostalgic memories, and suddenly, you're lost in your own.
The Dark Side of Nostalgia: When the Past Gets in the Way
But here’s where things get tricky. As much as nostalgia can help us feel good, it can also hold us back. When we start romanticizing the past too much, we risk getting stuck there. Everyone loves to say, “I wish we could go back to 2016,” but why? Was everything actually better then, or do we just miss the simplicity of that time? Nostalgia can fool us into thinking things were immaculate, when in reality, every era has its ups and downs.
The danger lies in living in those “better times” and forgetting that the best is yet to come. For those of us in our 20s, life is just beginning. We have so much ahead of us—dreams to chase, goals to hit, people to meet. But when we get too fixated on the past, we miss out on all of that. If we keep looking back, we’re not paying attention to the present—or worse, the future.
Disney even made fun of this idea in Inside Out 2, where they made nostalgia its own character who was always popping up at the wrong time reminiscing on things that happened literally 30 seconds prior. The other characters kept saying “not yet” because it just wasn’t time for nostalgia. It’s a hilarious take.
How to Embrace Nostalgia (Without Getting Stuck)
So how do we enjoy nostalgia without letting it derail our lives? The key is balance. Yes, cherish the past. Take those photos, dig through your old journals, and relive the moments that brought you joy. But don’t let them prevent you from experiencing what’s ahead. The present is happening right now, and there’s something special about living in the moment.
If you’re feeling a little too stuck in nostalgia, use it to your advantage. If you’re missing a time in your life when you felt more carefree, think about how you can bring that energy into your current life. Maybe you loved your old job because you had more freedom. Use that memory to inspire a change in your present situation. If you’re feeling disconnected, go out and make new memories. Remember: nostalgia isn’t about staying in the past. It’s about carrying the lessons, the joy, and the good vibes forward with you.
Your Story’s Just Getting Started
At the end of the day, nostalgia is a gift, but it shouldn’t be a prison. There’s so much more ahead of you than behind you, and that’s what you need to focus on. Life is still unfolding, and there are endless possibilities waiting for you. Hold on to your past, but don’t let it define your future. After all, the best chapters are still to come.
So next time you find yourself getting lost in a wave of nostalgia, take a deep breath, smile at those memories, and remember: there’s so much more magic yet to be made.
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