How Nostalgia Can Both Heal and Trick Us
December 10th, 2025
Nostalgia is a strange little companion. It sneaks in quietly, usually when we least expect it; a song from our teenage years, the smell of buttered toast, or even a social media post that reminds us of someone we used to know. One minute we are scrolling casually, and the next, we are wrapped in a warm, almost magical haze of memories.
It is comforting, yes. Nostalgia feels like a soft blanket on a cold day, a gentle reminder that life has been good in ways we sometimes forget. But here is the catch: nostalgia can be a trickster. It can heal us, yes, but it can also distort reality and sneakily tug at our emotions without our permission.
The Healing Power of Nostalgia
There is something deeply human about looking back. When we remember moments that made us laugh, feel proud, or simply feel safe, our brain releases a cocktail of chemicals that stabilizes our mood. In other words, nostalgia is literally a mental hug.
Think about it. A photo of a childhood vacation can remind us that we once experienced joy and security, and that memory can bolster us during tough times. Nostalgia gives us a sense of continuity. Life feels less like a series of chaotic, disconnected events and more like a story we are gradually living out. It reassures us that we have roots, that we have lived, and that we are capable of feeling deeply.
Even better, nostalgia can strengthen social bonds. Reminiscing with friends or family—sharing stories about “remember when”—creates connection. It reminds us that we are part of a larger narrative, a shared experience that extends beyond ourselves. In a world that often feels isolating, that is powerful medicine.
The Trickster Side of Nostalgia
But nostalgia is not all warmth and fuzzy feelings. It has a mischievous side. It can trick us into believing that the past was better than it really was. Suddenly, our high school years, our first apartment, or that summer we spent in a small town seems perfect, even if we remember the awkward moments, the failures, and the uncomfortable silences.
This is the brain’s way of glossing over the bad bits. Nostalgia cherry-picks the highlights, creates a highlight reel, and conveniently omits the scenes where we tripped over our own feet or burnt dinner for the third time that week. The danger is that we start comparing the shiny, edited past with our imperfect present, and suddenly, our now feels lacking.
Even worse, nostalgia can trap us in longing. When we cling too tightly to “the good old days,” we risk missing the magic in the current moment. Life has a way of moving forward whether we like it or not, and excessive nostalgia can make us spectators of our own lives instead of participants.
Finding the Balance
So, how do we enjoy the healing benefits of nostalgia without falling into its trap? The trick is awareness. When we feel that warm pull of the past, we can let ourselves savour it, relish the good memories, laugh at the embarrassing ones, but also remember that the past was messy, complicated, and human.
We can use nostalgia as fuel rather than a crutch. It can inspire us to recreate joy in the present. It can remind us to reach out to old friends, pick up a hobby we once loved, or simply notice the small moments today that will one day become sweet memories.
A Little Nostalgia Goes a Long Way
Nostalgia is like chocolate. A little goes a long way. Too much, and it becomes a sugar rush that leaves us a little dizzy, comparing ourselves unfairly to an illusion of perfection. But a modest taste can lift our spirits, connect us to our story, and remind us that we have always found ways to smile, even in difficult times.
The next time a memory drifts in like a soft breeze, let us welcome it. Let us laugh, feel, and remember that we are part of something bigger than the present moment. And when nostalgia tries to trick us, we can smile knowingly and bring ourselves back to today, carrying the best of the past with us while still living fully in the now.
After all, life is always happening. And the best part is that we get to make more memories, more moments to feel that warm, mischievous pull of nostalgia all over again.
