Do you have any old mixed tapes or CDs lying around?
Listen to them! Music that makes us feel nostalgic gives us an emotional lift. In a study from UC Davis, people who listened to an old music mix they made felt more optimistic. Psychology professors say feeling nostalgic isn’t about keeping us stuck in the past. It can be healthy. The music triggers feelings of belonging… and that energizes us and boosts our self-esteem. It gives our lives meaning and perspective… and the end result is a happier, more optimistic outlook.