Happy Throwback Thursday! Today, you’ll catch us singing N’SYNC in the shower, baking our favorite cookie recipes, or posting TBT pics on Instagram. Why? Because it’s fun!
We’ve talked about how it feels to do things that bring us joy - not for the outcome or the benefits, but just because we like doing it. And this is what we did all the time as kids - we lived in a place of intrinsic motivation. So today, we’re talking about how joyful memories from our childhoods can foster happiness.
Memories we have of fun, fulfilling activities or relationships can increase self-esteem, feelings of social connection, and offer a sense of meaning (Verplanken, 2012). Reflecting on happy memories also promotes healthy choices, reduces stress, and supports productivity (Luna, 2018). But above all, they’re just fun!
Reflecting on fun childhood memories often brings a smile to our face and connects us to the joy we felt doing certain activities. That intrinsic joy we felt is important to pay attention to. It’s easy to get caught up in the things we’re told we should do as young adults and to forget what brings us joy. Reflecting on childhood memories and what we loved to do as a child can connect us to our sources of joy as young adults. For example, I know I loved to play dress-up when I was a kid. Although I don’t play dress-up anymore, something I do to brighten my day is wearing a fun, colorful outfit.
What did you love to do as a kid? We challenge you this TBT to pick something you loved as a kid, and find a way to do it now. Maybe you can make your childhood favorite meal, listen to a nostalgic song, or look back on old photos and home videos. Whatever you choose, use it to remind yourself that you can choose to bring joy into your life, and how good it feels when you do - and if you post a photo, tag us at @uvmthriveguide! We’d love to hear from you.
We are you, we feel you, and we’re here for you.
~UVM Thrive Guide
References
Luna, K. (2018, November 5). Happy childhood memories linked to better health later in life.
American Psychological Association.
Verplanken, B. (2012). When bittersweet turns sour: Adverse effects of nostalgia on habitual
worriers. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol, 42(3), 285–289. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.1852
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