Nostalgia and Play

Yeah, I still play with toys. So what?

I will tell you something I don’t usually share with everyone.  At the ripe old age of forty-seven, I still occasionally - and only when I’m bored or in need of a creative outlet I can’t get anywhere else - play with my action figures.  I have two big boxes of them next to my bed. On an occasional lazy Sunday afternoon, I sometimes put together a wrestling card using the same characters that I’ve imagined with for . . . well . . .about forty years.

My love for professional wrestling is steeped in nostalgia. I long for the past, when Hulk Hogan would take on Andre the Giant and when good guys and bad guys were easily identifiable.

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion that transports us to our past, evoking bittersweet memories of a time gone by. It can be triggered by a song, a scent, or even a simple object. Nostalgia can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. While reminiscing about happy memories can be uplifting and comforting, dwelling on negative ones can lead to sadness and anxiety.

Research has shown that nostalgia can have a positive impact on mental health. A study by the University of Southampton found that nostalgia can increase feelings of social connectedness, which is essential for overall well-being. The study found that participants who listened to nostalgic songs reported higher levels of social connectedness than those who listened to more contemporary music.

Nostalgia can also be a source of comfort during difficult times. For example, when going through a breakup or facing a tough time at work, thinking about a happy memory from the past can provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety. Similarly, revisiting old photos or mementos can help us feel grounded and connected to our personal history, providing a sense of continuity and stability.

However, nostalgia can also sometimes have adverse effects on mental health. People becoming fixated on the past can prevent them from living in the present and moving forward. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.  In addition, nostalgia can be a trigger for people who have experienced trauma in their past. For example, someone who has experienced abuse as a child may feel triggered by certain scents or sounds that remind them of their history, leading to anxiety and panic. It’s one reason I often ask, “what are you looking forward to,” in order to keep you grounded and focused on the present and future.

It's important to note that not all nostalgia is created equal. There are two types of nostalgia: restorative and reflective. Restorative nostalgia focuses on the past and seeks to recreate it in the present. In contrast, reflective nostalgia is more introspective and aims to understand history to move forward. Reflective nostalgia has been found to positively affect mental health, encouraging introspection and personal growth.

Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

OK, but what about a grown man playing with toys?  

Playfulness is an essential aspect of mental health that is often overlooked. Playfulness is the ability to approach life with curiosity, openness, and fun. It involves engaging in enjoyable and stimulating activities without specific goals or outcomes in mind. Playfulness has been linked to many positive mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, improved creativity, and increased resilience.

Research has shown that playfulness can help to reduce stress levels. When we engage in playful activities, we can relax and let go of the worries and concerns of daily life. Playfulness allows us to focus on the present moment and enjoy simple pleasures. This can help reduce cortisol levels in the body, a crucial marker of stress.

Playfulness can improve creativity. We are more open to new ideas and experiences when we are playful. This can lead to greater creativity and innovation, both in our personal lives and in our work.

In addition, playfulness can increase resilience. We can better cope with life's challenges and setbacks when we are playful. We are more likely to see obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. This can help us bounce back and thrive in adversity.

Playfulness can also improve social connections. When we engage in playful activities with others, we can form more profound and meaningful relationships. Playfulness can break down barriers and help us to connect with others on a more authentic level. This can lead to more outstanding social support, a critical factor in mental health.

So, how can we cultivate playfulness in our lives? Here are a few tips:

1. Make time for play. Set aside some time each day or each week to engage in activities purely for fun. This could be anything from playing a game to walking in nature.

2. Embrace your inner child. Allow yourself to be silly and playful, and don't worry about what others may think. Playfulness is all about letting go of inhibitions and having fun.

3. Try new things. Be open to new experiences and activities. This can stimulate creativity and lead to new discoveries and insights.

4. Connect with others. Playfulness is often best experienced in the company of others. Look for opportunities to engage in playful activities with friends, family, or colleagues.

In conclusion, playfulness is an essential mental health aspect with many positive benefits. It can help to reduce stress, improve creativity, increase resilience, and improve social connections. By making time for play, embracing our inner child, trying new things, and connecting with others, we can cultivate a playfulness that can help us thrive and flourish.

This content is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not the same as therapy. If you need to talk to someone, go to BetterHelp.com or PsychologyToday.com and start treatment with a professional today!

For access to the weekly writing prompts and other exclusive content, consider becoming a paid subscriber!

Don’t forget to tune in live at 9:30 AM for “Happy Monday” - a live-streaming podcast experience to start the week off strong! Available on FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Twitch, and YouTube live - and then wherever you get podcasts later. Go to www.kirksheppard.com for the links.