The Neuroscience of Nostalgia
By: Narayanan Kizhumundayur
Nostalgia is a powerful and special feeling that most people experience at some point in life. It is more than just remembering the past—it is a mix of emotions that come when we think about old times. These memories often bring joy, comfort, warmth, and sometimes a little sadness too. Nostalgia helps us reconnect with who we used to be and reminds us of people, places, and moments that shaped our lives. It gives meaning to our personal journey and brings a sense of belonging. It is also a feeling that connects individuals to families, communities, cultures, and even whole nations.
In earlier times, nostalgia was seen as a sickness. In the 1600s, doctors thought that Swiss soldiers who missed their homeland were mentally unwell. But today, psychologists and scientists understand that nostalgia is not a disorder.
In fact, it is now seen as a healthy and important part of the human experience. When we look back at old memories, we are not just being emotional—we are building stories about who we are, where we came from, and what matters to us. These stories help us feel grounded in life and give us strength during difficult times.
From a scientific point of view, nostalgia is a very complex process that involves several parts of the brain. One important part is the hippocampus, which is responsible for forming and recalling memories. Another part is the amygdala, which adds feelings to those memories. That is why memories from the past can make us feel so emotional—like a tear rolling down when we hear a song from our childhood, or a smile when we smell food that our grandmother used to cook.
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that helps us think, reflect, and piece together our memories. But our brain does not play back the past like a video. Instead, it rebuilds the past using our current emotions and ideas. This is why we often remember only the happy parts and forget the pain or boredom. This natural tendency is called rosy retrospection—seeing the past through rose-tinted glasses.
Nostalgia also activates our brain’s reward system. When we recall good old memories, our brain releases chemicals like dopamine, which makes us feel happy and satisfied. Another chemical, oxytocin, helps us feel closer to others and deepens our bonds with friends and family. That is why nostalgia often brings people together. Sharing stories about old school days, festivals, or childhood games creates a sense of unity and warmth.
Nostalgia is not only a personal feeling. It also plays an important role in society. When large groups of people share the same memories about a time in the past, it becomes collective nostalgia. This shared longing helps to keep traditions alive and maintain a strong cultural identity. We see this during national holidays, cultural festivals, or memorial events.
For example, Independence Day is not just a celebration; it is also a moment when people feel proud and emotional about their country’s history. Traditional festivals, old songs, and rituals often carry strong nostalgic value because they remind us of how things used to be, how people lived, and how values were passed on from generation to generation.
Cultural items like old music, books, films, and even buildings act as memory-holders for society. A classic movie can bring back the spirit of a past era. An old melody can remind us of a time when life seemed simpler. Even fashion trends come back because people enjoy wearing clothes that remind them of a past age. In cities, old-style buildings are often preserved or restored because they help maintain a connection to history.
Nostalgia also has many emotional benefits. Studies show that thinking about happy moments from the past can improve our mood, reduce stress, and even help with feelings of loneliness. It reminds us that we have lived meaningful moments, that we have loved and been loved, and that we are part of something bigger. It also makes our personal identity stronger.
We understand who we are by looking back at where we have been and what we have experienced. During hard times—such as war, job loss, illness, or sudden changes—nostalgia becomes a mental shelter. When the present feels uncertain or painful, people often think of a time when life felt safer and more stable.
That is also why nostalgia is sometimes used in politics. Political leaders often talk about the “good old days” to bring people together or gain support. Slogans like “Make India Great Again” or references to past kings and empires are examples of this.
These messages can create unity, but they can also be used to influence people emotionally and hide the negative sides of the past. Sometimes nostalgia makes us remember only what we want to remember and forget uncomfortable truths—such as inequality or injustice. Because our memories are built from emotions, they can be shaped or even manipulated.
In recent years, digital technology has changed how we experience nostalgia. Today, we can easily look at old photos, videos, and messages on our phones or computers. Social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram often show us “memories” from past years.
A photo from a wedding or a birthday party from five years ago can suddenly bring a wave of emotion. These digital memories help people reconnect with past moments and keep shared cultural experiences alive. Watching old TV shows on YouTube or listening to songs from our youth can instantly take us back in time.
However, companies have also learned how powerful nostalgia can be. They use it in advertisements to sell products. A soft drink ad may play an old song, or a clothing brand may bring back a vintage style. These strategies are successful because nostalgia triggers positive emotions and makes people feel attached to the brand. But this also raises a concern: is nostalgia being used only to sell things? Are our precious memories being turned into marketing tools?
In conclusion, nostalgia is not just a sweet memory or a feeling of missing the past. It is a meaningful and multi-layered experience that touches the mind, heart, and soul. It helps us make sense of who we are, strengthens our connections with others, and gives us comfort during tough times. It ties us to our personal past and also to the shared past of our community or country. It reminds us that life is a story, and every memory is a page in that story.
At the same time, we must be careful. Nostalgia can make us forget the problems of the past or believe that everything was better than it really was. It can be used to control emotions or sell products.
But if we are aware of how it works, we can enjoy nostalgia in a healthy and thoughtful way. By remembering the past with honesty and love, we can find strength to face the present and hope to build a better future—one that respects the beauty of what came before and welcomes the promise of what lies ahead.
(The author works as an accountant and is based at Kerala)
