The last blog post explored the benefits of nostalgia, but how can you evoke nostalgia? Have you noticed that in the past few years, there has been a focus on nostalgic memories particularly from the 80s and 90s? When you get on social media or even attempt online shopping, there are a multitude of products, fashion, and various television shows/movies that are focused on previous decades. Marketing and media have tuned into some of the elements of evoking nostalgia. Some of the techniques are simple and others require more focus/energy. Some may be more appropriate during the pandemic and some after. Nostalgia can be evoked for the remote and recent past. Here are some ways to evoke nostalgia:
- Re-watch television shows or movies that you loved in the past
- Sing or listen to songs from the past
- Look at pictures or home videos
- Read cards that have been saved (e.g., Birthday, holiday)
- Buy products that were popular during certain time periods (many have made a comeback including Lip Smackers)
- Visit places that you went with family/friends
- Create traditions based on nostalgia to share with others (e.g. various holiday traditions)
- Use scent to transport you in time (e.g. Nostalgic Candles)
- Eat some of your favorite foods from the past-this is why comfort food can feel so comforting
- Re-read favorite books
- Play games that were a favorite
- Spend time with family talking about the past
- Go antiquing, to used bookstores, or to thrift stores
- Engage in activities that bring back fond memories
….and so much more. One important aspect of nostalgia is that you can be creating memories now, that in days, weeks, months, and years you will want to reminisce about. Therefore, make time to create those memories, save a few items from your experiences to look back on later, and spend time with friends and family talking about the enjoyable moments.
Here are some recent items/shows/movies etc. that bring up nostalgia:
- Urban Decay has eyeshadow palettes from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s: https://www.urbandecay.com/pop-queen-mini-eyeshadow-palette/ud1043.html?dwvar_ud1043_color=Pop%20Queen
- Uncommon Goods has a theme of retro gifts: https://www.uncommongoods.com/sets/retro-gifts
- Victrola has a Nostalgic Record Player: https://victrola.com/products/victrola-6-in-1-nostalgic-bluetooth-record-player-with-3-speed-turntable
- Nintendo’s classic gaming system: https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/
- Candy from different decades: https://www.amazon.com/1990s-Nancy-Nostalgic-Basket-Classic/dp/B00NU85FBI/?ots=1&slotNum=24&imprToken=4cbb2ecb-3346-bee4-bec&tag=popsugarshopx-20&linkCode=w50#ace-2342880709
- Ulta has Scrunchies: https://www.ulta.com/blush-satin-scrunchies?productId=xlsImpprod17771851
- American Eagle has Mom Jeans: https://www.ulta.com/blush-satin-scrunchies?productId=xlsImpprod17771851 and Flare Jeans https://www.ae.com/us/en/c/women/jeans/flare-jeans/cat20112 and Tie dye https://www.ae.com/us/en/c/women/jeans/flare-jeans/cat20112
- Television series have been remade/had reboots: Charmed, Nancy Drew, Full House, 90210, Walker Texas Ranger, Saved by the Bell, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, X-Files, Twin Peaks, Cobra Kai, The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance, Perry Mason, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and more.
- Television series have paid homage to other decades: American Horror Story: 1984, Stranger Things, Pen 15, Red Oaks, Glow, and more.
- There have also been many movie remakes and continue to be more on the horizon: https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2488176/every-remake-and-reboot-heading-to-movie-theaters-in-2020. Here are some on the horizon: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/g33422161/movie-sequels-coming-soon/
Try some of these different techniques to enjoy the benefits of nostalgia. Comment some of your favorite nostalgic television shows, movies, books, activities etc.
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