NEW research from University of Southampton has found that nostalgia keeps people warm during cold winter nights.

Volunteers took part in five studies exploring how remembering days gone by can keep you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

The study, in collaboration with universities in China and the Netherlands, investigated the effects of nostalgic feelings on reaction to cold and the perception of warmth.

Dr Tim Wildschut, senior lecturer at the University of Southampton and co-author of the study, said: “Nostalgia is experienced frequently and virtually by everyone and we know that it can maintain psychological comfort.

“For example, nostalgic reverie can combat loneliness. We wanted to take that a step further and assess whether it can also maintain physiological comfort.

“Our study has shown that nostalgia serves a homeostatic function, allowing the mental simulation of previously enjoyed states, including states of bodily comfort; in this case making us feel warmer or increasing our tolerance of cold.

“More research is now needed to see if nostalgia can combat other forms of physical discomfort, besides low temperature.”

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