Good ol’ days: Things that make us feel nostalgic about our childhood

No matter how old we get, our childhood days will always hold a special place in our hearts. Filled with innocence and pure joy, it’s common for a lot of us to feel nostalgia for those simple yet beautiful days. Today, the tune of a jingle from an old TV ad or the aroma of a specific dish cooking in the kitchen can transport us back to those carefree times. These cherished memories are like treasures that brighten our lives.

Now, each childhood moment we revisit brings us joy and connects us to who we were. In a busy world, these memories remind us to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures that once shaped us.

Interestingly, individuals who have fond memories of childhood tend to report lesser depression and chronic illnesses as adults, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association. They also enjoy better health when compared to those who don’t have good memories from their childhood. This shows how important childhood memories are to our overall health and happiness.

Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14th and is dedicated to honouring the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. On this day, schools and communities organise various activities, such as cultural programs, games and storytelling sessions, creating an atmosphere of fun and learning. This day also brings back fond memories of our childhood. So, join us as we explore things that make us feel nostalgic about our childhood on this Children’s Day.

Melodies of memory

Music has the magical ability to instantly transport us back to our childhood. Whether it’s Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On from the English movie Titanic or the several cheerful Christmas carols we sung at school, these tunes bring back memories that make us smile. Certain melodies are like our personal time machines, helping us transport to the exact emotions we felt during those carefree days.

In addition to this, music also reminds us of the people who were, at one point, important in our lives. Whether it’s a song your parents or aunt used to play or a song you and your friends danced to during summer holidays, the right track takes us back to the happiness we shared with loved ones.

Magic of old photos

Surely, we have all stumbled upon our old childhood photos while cleaning out cupboards or packing away things. And in an instant, we have been taken back to our childhood days.

Indeed, looking at old photographs allow us to relive our favourite moments; whether it’s family gatherings, birthdays or even a simple everyday moment captured. Photos remind us of the people and moments that have shaped our lives. They make us appreciate the beautiful journey of life and the memories we’ve created along the way.

Cinematic time capsules

For many of us, when we think about the movies of our childhood, we light up. We remember exciting cinematic adventures like Jurassic Park, Jumanji or Bambi and want to feel the same kind of joy again. And this is why watching them again can spark a wonderful feeling of nostalgia.

Films often hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of the excitement and joy we felt when we first watched them. A beloved childhood movie can bring laughter and comfort that is unparalleled. Even old TV commercials can take us back to simpler times—the catchy jingles and bright visuals remind us of the toys and snacks we had and loved as kids. Revisiting these films and shows is like opening a door to our past and enjoying pure joy all over again.

Scents of nostalgia

Smells have a wonderful ability to bring us joy, sometimes even from our glorious past.  Whether it’s the aroma of a favourite dish cooking in the kitchen or a familiar perfume, scents are closely linked to our memories, often bringing back feelings associated with special people in our lives. Certain smells can also remind us of places we once visited. These scents create a powerful connection to our past, allowing us to relive those cherished experiences repeatedly. They often open the door to our supressed memories and bring back the joy and comfort of our childhood.

Places that warm our hearts

Visiting comforting environments of our past can trigger feelings of nostalgia. Whether it’s the neighbourhood where we grew up, a family home or a favourite park, these places hold a treasure chest of memories. It has also been observed that things like walking through familiar streets or sitting in a beloved spot can evoke emotions linked to friendship and childhood adventures. These environments remind us of the people we shared these experiences with, making us sentimental and happy.

Nostalgia is truly a beautiful way to reconnect with our past. Through music, photos, movies, smells and comforting environments, we can relive moments that brought us joy once and fascinatingly, feel that joy once again. Remembering moments like these is what affirms the beauty of a life well-lived.