Unlocking the Benefits of Reminiscence for Improved Mental Health
May 1, 2023 by insureelliot
By: Bryan K. Ludeña Campoverde
Coping with Difficult Times Through Reminiscence
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by worries and financial obligations, feeling like you are not making progress toward your goals? During such times, it can be helpful to pause and reflect. But rather than just thinking generally about positive experiences, try to recall a specific moment with vivid details of your emotions and feelings. This technique is called reminiscence and it has been shown to help improve one’s mood during difficult times.
Reminiscing about positive memories can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. As Wildschut, Sedikides, Arndt, and Routledge found in their study, “Nostalgia helps restore a sense of continuity and meaning to individuals’ lives. When people experience a sense of discontinuity, such as through major life transitions or changes, nostalgia can serve as a coping mechanism and a way to make sense of these experiences” (2010, p. 357).
The Benefits of Reminiscence for Mental Health and Well-being
Similarly, Routledge, Arndt, Wildschut, Sedikides, Hart, Juhl, and Vingerhoets found in their study that “Nostalgia can serve as an existential resource, helping individuals to cope with existential threats and find meaning in their lives. Nostalgia increased feelings of social connectedness, self-continuity, and meaning in life, particularly for individuals who experienced high levels of existential threat” (2011, p. 99). Engaging in reminiscence can also provide a sense of comfort and emotional regulation. As Wildschut et al. noted, “When people recall positive memories, they often experience positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, and contentment” (2010, p. 357). This can help to counteract negative emotions, such as anxiety and stress.
Taking Action towards Health Equity and Social Justice
As we navigate difficult times, it’s important to seek out resources and support to help us cope. Insure Equality is an organization dedicated to promoting social justice and equality, including in the realm of healthcare. Their blog features articles and resources on a range of topics related to health equity and can be a valuable tool for those seeking information and support.
In addition to its blog, Insure Equality also has a social media presence on Twitter and YouTube. Following their accounts can be a great way to stay informed about current events and advocacy efforts related to health equity, and to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are working towards a more just and equitable world.
Overall, reminiscing about positive memories can be a valuable tool for improving mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting a sense of connection and meaning in life. As Routledge et al. concluded, “Nostalgia can be a powerful and positive force in people’s lives, helping them to feel connected to others, to experience a sense of continuity and self-identity, and to find meaning and purpose in their lives” (2011, p. 109). Whether through conversations with loved ones, looking through old photos, or journaling about past experiences, taking the time to reflect on positive memories can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. Let’s take action together to promote health equity and create a more just and equitable world by supporting organizations like Insure Equality.
Bibliography:
Routledge, C., Arndt, J., Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., Hart, C. M., Juhl, J., & Vingerhoets, A. J. (2011). The past makes the present meaningful: Nostalgia as an existential resource. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(3), 638–652.
Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., Arndt, J., & Routledge, C. (2010). Nostalgia: Content, triggers, functions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(3), 357–376. Can you add to this text a title and subtitles?
