Memories of the good old days - but were they?

Scientists agree that our recollections of the days gone by are not always accurate. Our memory wears rose tinted spectacles, remembering and exaggerating the good and forgetting the bad.

New research* released last week has gone one step further to show that some of our most vivid memories are simply figments of our imagination. The study by the University of Hull found that one in five people recall memories of events which they now know did not take place. These ‘fictional’ memories, mostly dating from between 4 and 8 years old, include memories of seeing living dinosaurs, playing hockey at school (when parents confirmed they never played hockey) and flying unaided.

These findings highlight the fallibility of our memories and help to explain why two people can have such different memories of the past and why we feel so nostalgic for days gone by.

If you are feeling nostalgic, be it for the days when penny sweets actually cost a penny, the British summers of the past, university days or the first few weeks of a romance, Bach Original Flower Remedy Honeysuckle can help you to live in the moment. Allowing you to focus on the positive aspects of your present situation, without continually comparing it to past experiences. Add two drops to a glass of water four times a day.

From the makers of Rescue Remedy, Bach Original Flower Remedies are a system of 38 remedies which can help us rediscover the positive side of ourselves and lead emotionally healthy lives. They originate from the Bach Centre and are produced according to Dr Bach’s traditional methods, which date back over 75 years. Bach Original Flower Remedies are made from natural flower essences and are suitable for all the family.

Bach Original Flower Remedies are priced around £5.95 for 20ml and are available from Boots and most independent chemist and health food stores. For more information, visit bachremedies.co.uk. Always read the label.

* Study of 1,600 students by psychologists at University of Hull published in Psychological Science as reported in University of Hull press release ‘Is your memory playing tricks on you?’ 2nd August 2010.