Can Nostalgia Really Heal? A Mix of Love AND Science

Hi, Friend!

You’ve seen me popping into this space a lot lately, talking about nostalgia—and how we’re weaving it into every part of Season of Yes. But I want you to know: it’s not just for fun, and it’s definitely not just about living in the past.

Nostalgia isn’t a silly concept or just a theme to help us escape reality. There’s actual SCIENCE to back up why it’s such a powerful (and often underused) resource—one your brain and heart use to restore hope, deepen connection, and remind you who you are, especially when life gets hard.

DID YOU KNOW? Research shows:

• Remembering your favorite memories actually calms your nervous system and helps lower stress.
  
  

• Nostalgia makes you feel more hopeful, optimistic, and resilient—even during hard times.
  
  

• Sharing nostalgic moments strengthens community bonds and helps you feel less alone (even in online spaces!).
  
  

• Looking back with intention helps you connect the dots between who you were, who you are, and who you’re becoming.
  
  

When we invite in those little memories–a favorite summer song, the taste of a childhood treat, a movie night under the stars–we’re not just chasing good feelings. We’re honoring the parts of ourselves that survived, adapted, and held on to hope, even if it was quiet.

That’s why Season of Yes is laced with nostalgia on purpose. We want to make it easy to remember what made you smile before life got heavy. We want to create safe, sweet spaces where your body can relax, your heart can soften, and your dreams can stretch their legs a bit.

If you’re not ready for “big” growth right now, that’s more than okay. Maybe you just need to feel good. The kind of good no amount of doomscrolling or chocolate cake can touch, even if just for a minute. That’s real healing. That’s what keeps us going.

So the next time you catch yourself smiling at an old song, movie, or memory, know that you’re actually giving yourself a dose of calm, connection, and hope.

That’s why we do what we do inside Season of Yes. Because joy and belonging aren’t just nice extras. They’re essential.

With so much love (and a wink to your inner child),
Sierra

P.S. Ready to join us for Season of Yes? We're ready and waiting to welcome you with open arms.