Nostalgia chic is very much the flavour of the Zeitgeist, so naturally, this Philosopher-in-Residence felt compelled to add some thoughts in this, the first instalment of our latest series On Nostalgia.

As well as being the topic for all the carefully-curated socials, nostalgia is closely linked to our mental health, wellbeing and sense of identity. If we are encountering turbulent times presently, this can make us more likely to hanker after the past and perceived fonder times. Current turbulence may also make us wonder where it all went wrong and like we are unable to re-attain the good old days. Conversely, present problems may trigger memories passim that don’t have the cosy nostalgic vibe but more of a “why does this stuff always happen to me” feel.

So how can we harness the good bits of nostalgia without it becoming a nutrition source to angst? The two-to-one rule, that’s how:

1. Make time to reflect on things that made you happy or proud in the past. Plan this properly, for example set a 10 minute timer, think of a memory and draw, write or reflect on what happened, in as much detail as possible. Think about the time of year, place, colours, what happened, why it was good.

2. Spend half the amount of time reflecting on something from the past that currently has negative connotations. Instead of focusing on why it was bad, describe what you learned, how you grew, maybe you just crawled through it. Be sure to draw, write or reflect about this in the allotted time too.

3. Spend a final 5 minutes (or the time spent on exercise 2, if different) looking back over what you focused on in point 1, adding any more recollections or details to consolidate the mindset of positivity and growth.

Next fortnight I’ll be writing On Wessex, for the second Nostalgia series missive – learn what that has in relevance for you by bookmarking some time to drop by. Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Pen Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here: HOW TO HAVE A "SPRING CLEAN" AT WORK - Make Me A Plan