Why Do We Crave Nostalgia During Times of Crisis?
There’s a reason you keep returning to the same things…
I watched Back to the Future the other day.
I watch Back to the Future quite a bit, honestly.
But then I realized I had already watched it just 5 days beforehand. During this time of uncertainty and stress, you may have found yourself returning to the same TV shows, movies, books, and music that you always have — and there’s a good reason for that.
Nostalgia brings us comfort, and during this time of pandemic, we need comfort more than ever. So why is nostalgia so powerful during a crisis, and why do you prefer it instead of taking on new things?
The Power of Nostalgia
New TV shows, series, and movies are great, but there is a bit of a sense of anxiety with them. You’re not exactly sure what will happen, they may challenge you in ways you didn’t expect, and you’re not sure about the emotions you’ll experience when watching them.
Compare that to your favorite shows and movies. You know exactly what will happen, you’ll know how it will make you feel, and where everything is going. This comfort and control are what makes us return to our favorite things during times of uncertainty.
