Over the recent years, we’ve watched many unfortunate and overwhelming events all happening at once—the pandemic, wars, climate disruptions, and more. All these circumstances have prompted many of us to seek joy in everyday life. That desire has contributed to a proliferation of the nostalgia trend that helps us go back to the better times.

American Psychological Association defines nostalgia as:

“Longing to return to a place to which one feels emotionally bound or recalls as being better than the present in some way.” (Source)

Our memory is an extremely powerful and magical tool that, with photographs, everyday sounds, and even smells, can take us back to memorable moments we didn’t know we’d ever miss. With one song you suddenly hear playing from your speakers, you can move back in time and space, retrieve your past self for a moment, and instantly boost your mood. Thus, even though it may not seem like it, nostalgia is unquestionably a positive emotion that brings inspiration and optimism into daily life. On top of that, in uncertain times, it can give us hope for a better future.