We’ve all felt that bittersweet nostalgic feeling here and there.  We’ve often been told to stop being hung up on the past, and to stay as optimistic as possible about the present.   Agreed that it can be harmful to be overly fixated on the good old days, however a healthy dosage of nostalgia never hurt anyone, and actually is good for our health.
 
First off, it can help you to feel more connected to others.  Nostalgia helps people feel more valued and loved, and further improves our perceptions of social support when we are lonely.  Next time you find yourself smiling about a funny memory, let your old friend know and share the laughs with them. It’s always better to reminisce together, and is a great way to reconnect and strengthen your relationships.
 

 
Nostalgia can also allow us to be more positive towards whats to come.  Past memories can help us to maintain feelings of self-worth, and have a positive outlook towards the future.  Our eyes always light up with excitement when we think about our fond memories, and these feelings can serve as motivation to continue.
 
It also serves as a useful tool to remind us how meaningful our lives truly are.  Nostalgia stores positive emotions in our memories and we subconsciously use them throughout our lives.   Cherished memories can help lift our spirits.  Nostalgia can help prevent us from getting sidetracked by small problems, and focus more on the big problem.