Is it bad to feel homesick? Or is it actually something that can benefit our emotional health? Nostalgia is associated with a trip of memories to the past to try to experience again the emotion that it meant in our life. Indeed, it is longing for what we already experienced with a person or somewhere in our past.
On the other hand, nostalgia can also be triggered by the desire to feel what we have not experienced. To go a little deeper into the topic, in this Psychology-Online article we will describe what is nostalgia in psychologyits definition, the causes and symptoms of nostalgia and what you can do to overcome it.
What is nostalgia according to psychology
The term nostalgia comes from the Greek “Nostos” which means “return home”, and which is combined with “algos”, whose translation is “pain”. According to this etymology translation, nostalgia is the sadness or pain from being away from home.
The concept of homesickness was first coined in 1688 by Dr. Johannes Hoffer, who described it as a “mental disorder,” since the doctor related this condition to the need that Swiss soldiers had to return home. The doctor described that his patients experienced episodes of crying, anxiety, irregular heartbeats and, in the most severe cases, even difficulty breathing.
However, the most recent studies show that this nostalgic feeling It is very common in people, so it is no longer considered a mental illness. Some more recent research even states that nostalgia produces considerable benefits for mental health, as long as it is managed correctly.
Why do I feel very homesick?
The reasons for feeling homesick are varied, but all They manifest from memories, which activate mental relationships. Likewise, although nostalgia is a feeling inherent to human beings, the way it manifests itself and its intensity can be different between each person.
Let’s see what are the main causes that can trigger the feeling of nostalgia:
- Loneliness.
- The distance from a loved one or a valued place.
- The need to revive a bygone era.
- The loss of a loved person or a pet.
When nostalgia invades us
Nostalgia involves feelings of longing for the following aspects:
- Closest people: such as a partner, friends, family or pet.
- Environments important: like home or places you’ve traveled to.
- Unforgettable events: such as birthdays, weddings or holidays.
In any case, nostalgia involves the “I” as the central figure and the interaction it can have with others. Likewise, it is a somewhat bittersweet feeling which, if not managed well, can cause negative feelings and a great feeling of emptiness and loneliness. If you want to learn how to identify them, we recommend this article about .
What are the benefits of feeling homesick?
Studies carried out at the University of Southampton (England) suggest that nostalgia can give us a positive perspective on the past. This perspective gives a greater sense of continuity to the present to be able to move forward in life.
Furthermore, other studies, such as the one developed by psychologist Constantine Sedikides, establish that nostalgia serves as a effective strategy to increase connection with peopleevents and places, as it helps clarify objectives and, in turn, allows you to move forward with greater confidence.
Below, we show you other of the main benefits of nostalgia:
- Raise the feeling of emotional connection And social.
- Increases the sense of the present and motivation for the future.
- Promotes the sociable behavior.
- Raise empathy. In this article you will find information about.
- Serves for combat thoughts of loss and death.
- Develop a greater sense of belonging and affiliation.
In short, nostalgia is associated with feelings that are part of human nature. The important thing is to know how to manage it correctly to avoid falling into depression and anxiety due to not being able to return to that past state that you want to relive.
How to overcome homesickness
Nostalgia is not an easy feeling to overcome, but it is possible to do so. If you are wondering what to do when homesickness invades you, the first thing you should understand is that it is a process that takes time. However, if you put these simple tips into practice, you will be able to reduce its impact on your life.
- Talk to someone about what makes you homesick: you shouldn’t be ashamed of feeling homesick, as it can happen to all of us at some point. Therefore, it is convenient to vent to someone. In fact, it would be good for you to talk to a friend to make you feel better, since they can support you.
- Keep your mind busy: the more time you have to think about the cause of your homesickness, the more homesick you will feel. Therefore, try to maintain a good level of physical and mental activity. You can do exercises, start a course of something that catches your attention, relax a little or do any other activity that keeps your mind busy.
- Share your nostalgia in a group: try to contact the people who are part of your nostalgia, since this way you will connect better with your loved ones. This strategy will also allow you to learn another perspective, which perhaps you had not experienced.
- Maintain traditions by creating new memories: A very assertive way to manage nostalgia is to create new memories from the traditions you had in the past. In this way, nostalgia becomes a great ally to face the present.
- Adopt a pet: Having a pet is a great emotional support that serves to reduce anxiety related to homesickness. Likewise, it will be a very effective strategy to create new memories.
- Focus on the positive: it is convenient that you think about everything positive that you have around you. Assess your ability to face new challenges. This will help your creativity and strength come to the fore. In this article you will see.
The purpose is for you to find the inner balance you need. It is not about avoiding nostalgia, but about learn to manage it assertively so you know how to live with your past, but always focusing on a better future.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is nostalgia in psychologywe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- Garrocho, DS (2019). About nostalgia. Damnatio memoriae. Madrid, Editorial Alliance.
- Ricoeur, P. (2010). The memory, the history, the oblivion. Madrid, Trotta, 2010.
- Zell, E., Strickhouser, J.E., Sedikides, C., & Alicke, MD (2020). The better-than-average effect on comparative self-assessment: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 146(2), 118-149.