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There are two things that keep my spirits up when everything seems to be going wrong—daydreaming and nostalgia. If you’ve got the blues, there’s nothing like cuddling under a warm blanket, grabbing a mug of hot tea and some childhood snacks, and thinking back to the good old days. (Preferably with an old movie, game, or soundtrack to help you get in the right mood.)

If you’re a nostalgiaholic who loves reminiscing about how things used to be and what we used to have, then the ‘Nostalgia’ subreddit will be right up your alley. A community of nearly 868k people, r/nostalgia is a place for everything—from things to commercials from our past, whether they’re happy, funny, or sad. Get ready to dive headfirst into your childhood. Just remember to upvote your fave pics while you’re swimming through long-forgotten memories.

Feeling nostalgic for some more nostalgia posts? Check out Bored Panda’s earlier article about the ‘Nostalgia’ subreddit right here. And be sure to let us know in the comments what you miss the most from your past, dear Readers.

Bored Panda spoke about nostalgia with Kemi Omijeh, a child and adolescent therapist based in London and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. "Many psychologists, myself included, believe our childhood is the foundation to who we are as adults. It explains why we frequently revisit our childhood as it influences our present," she explained. Read on for Omijeh's full insights about the pros and cons of nostalgia, as well as how to control your daydreaming if it's getting out of hand.

#1

Who Remembers Looking Through The Card Catalog To Find A Book?

Who Remembers Looking Through The Card Catalog To Find A Book?

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#2

Entertainment Cabinets, The Click Sound It Would Make After Closing

Entertainment Cabinets, The Click Sound It Would Make After Closing

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#3

Blank Vhs Covers Had Some Wild Artwork

Blank Vhs Covers Had Some Wild Artwork

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Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still keep a few dozens in my attic, in a box with the VHS recorder; last year, when I checked, quality was the same. Poor, but friendly. I still use some 150 audio cassetes, my Technics deck is still in my audio rack!

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Therapist and BACP member Omijeh explained to Bored Panda that how we remember our childhood experiences directly correlates to the kind of childhood we've had. In other words (and to generalize a bit), we're nostalgic about our childhood if our experiences are full of being loved and nurtured. Meanwhile, the opposite is also true.

"If we’ve had a difficult childhood, it can be hard to feel nostalgic, instead it will feel like something we need to get over in order to move on," said Omijeh.

According to her, nostalgia, aka our brains reliving the fun and happy times we've had, is good and healthy. "Nostalgia can also be a good coping strategy for times of low mood and challenges," she said. However, Omijeh points out that there's a limit: nostalgia can become a hindrance to everyday life when it interferes with our everyday lives and our ability to be present.

#4

Legends Of Pbs

Legends Of Pbs

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Purr·maid
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still love watching Bob Ross paint (on re-runs of course - RIP Bob as well as Mr. Rogers).

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#5

Remade My Room From The 90s In A 3D-Software, As I Remembered It

Remade My Room From The 90s In A 3D-Software, As I Remembered It

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Troux
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your rendering skills are incredible!!! I can't believe this isn't a photograph!

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#6

Elementary School Paper

Elementary School Paper

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"If we end up comparing it to our experiences today and feeling like nothing is as good as it was, then this will inevitably affect our mood and our ability to do what we need to do," therapist Omijeh said. “We can become stuck in our nostalgia; in which case it might be best to seek help from a counseling professional to help you process your past in order to enjoy your present. You can find a counseling professional through the BACP."

Another nuance is that when we're living our past memories, we're seeing them through a filter. The details might not be accurate and we're reliving what we want to remember.

Considering that some of us (ahem, yours truly) can get stuck on daydreaming quite a bit, we were curious to find out what can be done to control it and feel more 'present,' instead of always floating about in fairyland.

#7

Visiting Home And Mom Busts Out My Sheets From 1986

Visiting Home And Mom Busts Out My Sheets From 1986

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Purr·maid
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For my very first trick·or·treating experience, my mother got my little brother & me matching costumes. He was He-man & I was ... Orkel. Why Mom, why?

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#8

Cd Wallets... I Know They're Still Around, But 90s Nostalgia

Cd Wallets... I Know They're Still Around, But 90s Nostalgia

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#9

90's Movie Theaters

90's Movie Theaters

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"Identify your patterns. Think about the times you usually daydream, is there something about that situation or those times that mean you’re daydreaming? Do something about it if that is the case. Set a time limit, use a timer if it ensures you stop," BACP member Omijeh said. "Write down the biggest thought or feeling as a result of the daydream. That way you’re not just stopping daydreaming. You are doing something positive as a nice transition from stopping daydreaming to doing something."

She also suggests interrupting daydreams by reminding ourselves of action points and to-do lists. Even something like singing or humming your favorite song can work wonders to distract you. Not a fan of music? Try reciting a poem or remembering your math skills by doing the times table. In other words, do something, anything to distract yourself from your daydreaming if you feel that it occupies too much of your time.

"Finally, turn your daydream into a visualization or goal exercise. Your daydreams could be a communication about your innermost desires. Could you begin to plan how to achieve those desires?" the therapist mused.

#10

Viennetta, The Ice Cream That I Knew My Family Couldn’t Afford

Viennetta, The Ice Cream That I Knew My Family Couldn’t Afford

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Marianne
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I distinctly remember the sound in the commercial when the chocolate cracked :D

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#11

Actor Jonathan Hyde, A Staple Of Fun 90s Movies (Pictured: Richie Rich, Jumanji, Titanic, And The Mummy)

Actor Jonathan Hyde, A Staple Of Fun 90s Movies (Pictured: Richie Rich, Jumanji, Titanic, And The Mummy)

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#12

Fisher Price Farm

Fisher Price Farm

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Zinia Sundahl
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom gave these to me cause she was cleaning out the attic. The silos missing, so is the fence, along with the stuff the horse is carrying, also no trough, it’s kinda dirty. I asked my kids to clean it off to sell it. And they go “NOOOOOOOO DONT SEEEELL IIIIIIT!” and I go “why?” They go “CAUSE I WANT IIIIIT” now guess what, it’s sitting in the corner, collecting dust. (But I also sorta want to keep it because it’s a vintage set I got it when I was like 5 and it was full then but you know how messy kids are 🤣)

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Seeing how the r/nostalgia subreddit was formed back in 2008, in a very meta way, it won’t be long before someone’s nostalgic for its founding days as well.

Whether or not nostalgia is good or bad for you is a complex question, as we've seen. But, in short, it’s all about balance. On the one hand, living just in your memories draws you away from the present, making you blind to your surroundings and the important events happening around you. We should be happy with where we are in the present, not just the past.

And, well, if we’re not too content with where we are in life, it’s best to make some honest changes so we have some great memories to look forward to in the future. But nostalgia has some great upsides, too, and plenty of researchers and therapists agree.

#13

Sweater My Grandma Sewed For Me In The Early 90s

Sweater My Grandma Sewed For Me In The Early 90s

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#14

I Truly Miss Rental Stores

I Truly Miss Rental Stores

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MrsPossum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still miss these sooo bad! The little ritual of picking out the movies and the snacks, and waiting for the new releases... 😢😢

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#15

Anyone Else Want To Bring Back Kitchen Phones With The 10 Ft Cord?

Anyone Else Want To Bring Back Kitchen Phones With The 10 Ft Cord?

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Purr·maid
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The mullet, the phone cord, the rocker shirt & the holes in the knees. Yep, it's all there.

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On the other hand, being nostalgic can have benefits as well. It’s no secret that the way we think and what we think about affects our daily lives. Similarly, Scientific American confirms that the bittersweet nostalgic feelings we get actually improve our mood, our vitality, and possibly even our mental health.

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That’s because nostalgia boosts something known as ‘self-continuity’ which is how connected we feel to our past selves and the narrative we have about our lives. So it really does pay off to reminisce about the brightest parts of your life, full of loved ones, warmth, and wholesome activities. Just remember not to get stuck there for too long, Pandas—it’s time to make new heartwarming memories.

#16

I Miss This Cartoon Network

I Miss This Cartoon Network

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#17

Somehow, This McDonald's Floor Was Always Sticky And Slippery At The Same Time

Somehow, This McDonald's Floor Was Always Sticky And Slippery At The Same Time

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#18

The Tupperware Lemonade Jug That Was In Everyone’s Fridge

The Tupperware Lemonade Jug That Was In Everyone’s Fridge

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#19

Anyone Remember Seeing Wishbone?

Anyone Remember Seeing Wishbone?

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Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This goodest boy helped me pretend I've read books.

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#20

Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)

Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)

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Jo Davies
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“- Prince John: And why should the people listen to you? - Robin Hood: Because, unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.”

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#21

Getting Your Feet Measured Whenever You Got New School Shoes

Getting Your Feet Measured Whenever You Got New School Shoes

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#22

Wooden Playground: Despite Scorching Hot Metal Slides And Rubber Bridges - We Always Went Back For More...

Wooden Playground: Despite Scorching Hot Metal Slides And Rubber Bridges - We Always Went Back For More...

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Dave P
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and the items were fun, not like todays ones where for "safety" they took out all the fun slides with lame ones, no proper jungle gyms, etc.

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#23

Big Wood Grain Console Tvs

Big Wood Grain Console Tvs

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#24

My Collection Of Old Electronics That I Cannot Throw Out

My Collection Of Old Electronics That I Cannot Throw Out

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Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just imagine a pandemic disease in the '90, with all these phones without internet...

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#25

The Blanket That Was Set Over Every Grandma’s Couch

The Blanket That Was Set Over Every Grandma’s Couch

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Thomas Buttons
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ohhh. I have one of these in my closet. Can’t bring myself to get rid of it. Nana made it! In those exact colors.

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#26

Checking The New Release Section In Blockbuster

Checking The New Release Section In Blockbuster

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A.M. Pierre
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not saying I dislike having 1000's of shows and movies at my fingertips. However, when you don't have instant access to things, it makes them special and fun. Going and picking out a movie was special. It was fun. And I miss that.

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#29

Anyone Still Remember Wacky Races?

Anyone Still Remember Wacky Races?

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#30

The Toxic Smell And Taste Of Plastic Balloons

The Toxic Smell And Taste Of Plastic Balloons

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now this is a trip down memory lane. My brother bought this once, and he taught me how to blow up a bubble. Yes, the smell was ghastly.

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#31

90s High School Science Classroom

90s High School Science Classroom

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#32

Christmas Life Savers Book

Christmas Life Savers Book

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favourites as a kid were clove (don't ask) and butter rum. I miss them now.

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#33

School Maps Over The Whiteboard

School Maps Over The Whiteboard

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#34

Paper Plate Holders

Paper Plate Holders

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#35

Who Remembers Tiny Sized Chiclets?

Who Remembers Tiny Sized Chiclets?

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#36

Flintstones Vitamins

Flintstones Vitamins

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Full of Giggles
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My doctor recommended I start taking 4 a day to help boost my immune system when she determined I had long-haul COVID. No joke. I'm 37.

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#37

"Zip Off" Shorts

"Zip Off" Shorts

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#39

Mcdonald’s Ash Tray

Mcdonald’s Ash Tray

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Purr·maid
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother told me that you could even smoke in the hospital back in the day. Even while in labor.

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#40

Having To Watch The Price Is Right When You Stayed Home Sick From School

Having To Watch The Price Is Right When You Stayed Home Sick From School

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#41

A Piece Of Childhood That Meant Warm And Fuzzy Memories. Gracie Films Logo

A Piece Of Childhood That Meant Warm And Fuzzy Memories. Gracie Films Logo

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#42

Sand-Filled, Glittery, Rainbow Lizards

Sand-Filled, Glittery, Rainbow Lizards

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howdylee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

still got mine! i got a mini one, and a huge one, and 3-4 normal sized ones. not sure i'm ready to pass them down to my kids!

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#43

The Dining Room Table & Chairs That Everyone Seemed To Have

The Dining Room Table & Chairs That Everyone Seemed To Have

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#44

Bubblicious Watermelon Bubble Gum

Bubblicious Watermelon Bubble Gum

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know how I was able to chew two wads of those at a time. My jaw is tired as I am thinking about it.

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#45

The Golden Age Of Cartoon Network (1998-2005)

The Golden Age Of Cartoon Network (1998-2005)

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#46

Does Anyone Remember The Pagemaster?

Does Anyone Remember The Pagemaster?

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#47

Throwback To The Times When You Could Happily Spend Hours Just Moving Piles Of Sand From One Place To Another

Throwback To The Times When You Could Happily Spend Hours Just Moving Piles Of Sand From One Place To Another

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#48

Going To The Mall In The 80s And Having A Wall Of Cassettes To Choose From

Going To The Mall In The 80s And Having A Wall Of Cassettes To Choose From

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#49

Land Before Time! Pizza Hut Toys! In The 80s And Early 90s..pizza Hut Did Cool Stuff

Land Before Time! Pizza Hut Toys! In The 80s And Early 90s..pizza Hut Did Cool Stuff

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#50

LEGO Ghost From The 90s. Glows In The Dark!

LEGO Ghost From The 90s. Glows In The Dark!

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