Our minds have a way of holding onto experiences, especially where strong emotions were felt. We're all aware that thinking about stressful moments from the past can make us feel anxious and drive us into a stress response - but did you know that the opposite is also true? That when we hold in our minds a happy memory, we can feel more resilient to stress?
That's what we'll explore here today.
For children and young adults, this ability to recall joyful moments is not just a comfort—it could be a vital tool for our wellbeing and mental health.
Unfortunately - relying on memory alone doesn't work. We can't trust our brains to correctly or clearly remember things forever - even those that matter most! As parents we go to great lengths to record memories for our children and now there are valid reasons to keep doing this.
Happy memory recall is more than a trip down nostalgia lane; it's a scientifically supported way to alleviate stress, boost mood, and foster resilience. When families use a combination of media and journaling to record a memories, it becomes an investment for mental wellness later on.
The Science Behind Memory Recall
Research has consistently shown that recalling positive memories can boost our mental health. According to several studies, cherished moments trigger positive emotions that uplift one's spirit and sense of belonging. Where memories were revisited on a regular basis, they acted as a natural buffer against stress, anxiety and even depression. But why?
When we remember something happy, our brain reacts by releasing dopamine and serotonin—two neurotransmitters that play critical roles in regulating mood and emotional wellbeing. This chemical release doesn’t just make us feel good in the moment; it creates lasting changes in brain circuits that help counteract feelings of sadness, as seen in studies by MIT.
In fact, the study by Askelund et al demonstrated that recalling positive memories can reduce the risk of depression in vulnerable teenagers. Teens who practiced recalling happy moments experienced a lift in their overall mood, giving them the emotional resilience to manage life’s challenges more effectively. This link between memory and mental health is a developing concept and a powerful, yet underused tool that helps young people establish healthy emotional habits for adulthood.
Happy Memories and Children’s Emotional Development
For children, recalling happy memories can also play a role in emotional development. Children are constantly learning their place in family life and positive memories validate their importance. When a child looks back on a fun family outing or a moment of praise, they are reminded of their own capacity for joy, success, and connection.
Clinical Psychologist Simon Ashfield-Smith says:
"A child’s self-worth and belonging would be wonderfully fostered through revisiting such a collection of data. It demonstrates to the child that they are loved and belong to a family."
By making happy memory recall a family tradition, parents can foster a healthy emotional toolkit for their children. In essence, encouraging young people to consciously remember their happy experiences can act as a mental and emotional safety net and remind them of who they are beyond their struggles.
Why Pairing Media with Journaling Works
Did you know that pairing media and journaling amplifies the benefits of memory recall?[Askelund et al].
Media, whether it be photos, videos, or other forms of creative expression, helps anchor memories in the present moment. Journaling, on the other hand, offers a space for reflection.
Reflection is a well known technique for processing our internal world. When we write about our happy experiences, we process these events more deeply. Combining media and journaling means that memories are not only recalled but also thoroughly processed.
Not bad huh?
Encouraging the Practice in Everyday Life
So, how can parents tap into this unused source of mental resilience?
Start recording stories or caption photos. Journal about your most happy family experiences. You will be thankful for these little details when you revisit the photos years later!
Don't forget about Voice Recordings! Things like funny conversations, the sound of them laughing, or voice messages you want to leave them are going to be so valuable later on! Apps like Nomii will one day give parent's the ability to effortlessly combine multiple types of media to create one complete memory.
Make it a tradition: Set aside regular time to revisit happy memories together - make it habitual. Perhaps sneak in an extra session on days that were extra hard on the kids. This models for them the importance of remembering positive experiences as a kind of wellness exercise.
Celebrate Achievements Big and Small: Start recording little achievements that are usually overlooked. Whether it’s finishing a book, getting up from a fall, or a moment where they showed kindness - celebrating these small things now will be priceless later when they need to look back on all these proud moments during difficult times.
Conclusion
We now know that recalling happy memories has wonderful outcomes for our mental health, and is another tool to add to our collection.
By making happy memory recall a regular part of life, parents can help children develop another good habit to boost emotional resilience, mood, and improve overall wellbeing.
Remember: The memories we keep today are seeds that become the tree we take shelter under later.
References:
Silver Memories. The Science of Remembering: How Memory Preservation Can Benefit Mental Well-Being. Available at: https://silvermemories.com.au/blog/the-science-of-remembering-how-memory-preservation-can-benefit-mental-well-being
The Conversation. Recalling Happy Memories Can Reduce Depression Risk in Vulnerable Teenagers: New Study. Available at: https://theconversation.com/recalling-happy-memories-can-reduce-depression-risk-in-vulnerable-teenagers-new-study-109742
Psychology Today. The Benefits of Reliving Your Happy Memories. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/a-buoyant-life/202303/the-benefits-of-reliving-your-happy-memories
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Positive Memory and Mental Health. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719713/
MIT News. Recalling Happier Memories May Help Reverse Depression. Available at: https://news.mit.edu/2015/recalling-happier-memories-reverse-depression-0617
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