In this Mental Well Being Moment, Reader’s Digest cites a number of studies that suggest reminiscing about past good times can be healthy for you.

Nostalgia has been shown to counteract loneliness, boredom, and anxiety,” John Tierney wrote in a recent New York Times article. “It makes people more generous to strangers and tolerant of outsiders. Couples feel closer and look happier when they’re sharing nostalgic memories.  Reader’sDigest.com

Some Suggestions?

• Take Time to Make Time: Almost 80% of us spontaneously reminisce one a week. But why wait? 20 minutes a day might do a world of good, says Psychology Today.
• Just remember, don’t write: One study says that Thinkers are happier than Writers. I know when I write them down, I am always trying to make them clever and perfect and more awesome. Takes the fun out.
• Sounds and Smells can Lead the Way: Ever have a song come on and immediately remember the first time you ever heard it? Again, why wait for it to happen? Also, smells. I must have said this before, but the smell of freshly cut grass always takes me back to the first day of kindergarten – though that’s not necessarily a nice memory!
• Don’t Compare the Present to the Past: Yeah, especially if you are thinking about the economy!
• Think back with others: Others that share the memories, I guess. Chatting on Facebook with your high school friends about all the various kinds of trouble you got into can be fun. Just remember, your kids are watching!
• Have Memorable Experiences Now: As Kate Gosselin used to shriek so charmingly, “WE’RE MAKING MEMORIES!” So do that. I mean, make memories…don’t shriek.

So, is this a healthy habit? Have you tried it? What do you think? Let us know at the MindField Online Facebook page!