Think Well
Article

Banish the blues with a trip down Memory Lane Most of us take photographs at important events, particularly family gatherings like Christmas and birthdays.

However, how often do they see the light of day afterwards? Lots of people up and down the country probably have boxes full of old snaps, or - as is increasingly the case thanks to digital photography - memory cards and disc drives loaded up with shots that never get printed out.

This is something of a shame, especially as recent research suggests that looking through old memories can help to improve people's moods.

Psychologies magazine has cited a study by The Open University to illustrate this interesting fact. Senior lecturer Peter Naish carried out research on happiness and found that whilst activities like eating and drinking boosted wellbeing by one per cent, looking at photographs improved it by a huge 11 per cent.

It seems the memories of happy times contained in the pictures have the power to make us feel better even many years later.

Tania Mason from the publication said she thinks the emotions generated by looking at images of people we feel strongly about adds to this.

"It is as if having something we can hold and stare at begins to articulate the overwhelming love we have for a person," she commented.

Meanwhile, getting out those photo albums and taking a trip down Memory Lane can also be a good way to improve your mood.

"It's all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stresses and pressures of life. Take a step back and reminisce over all the brilliant times you've had.”

"Photos of birthdays, holidays and family gatherings will help give you some perspective and remind you of all the great things you've done," the website states.

Furthermore, not only could you get a lift by looking at the pictures, but you could also benefit from the laughter that's sure to arise by reminiscing about them with people you know.

A World of Good Health suggests having a good laugh has the power to lower blood pressure, improve memory and boost the immune system - so giggling over that snapshot of your brother buried up to his neck in sand on the beach could help you to live longer!

Why not dig out some old albums or create new ones with fresh photos and see if you can feel more buoyant this autumn?