I understand that past moments can have a profound impact on us. Recalling past events can evoke a range of emotions, from joy to grief, and everything in between.
Emotional memory is a term used to describe the ability to consciously remember experiences that evoked an emotional reaction.
Emotions can affect your memory in many ways. For example, strong emotions can either enhance or suppress your memory, depending on the situation and the emotions it provokes . Emotional arousal refers to feelings that “wake you up” and make you more reactive to your environment. Anger, excitement, fear - emotions like these can quicken your pulse and sharpen your focus. In an aroused state, your brain streamlines its attention to only the most important stimuli around you. Details get priority if they are easy to perceive, involve emotion, or relate to your goals. Memories of emotional events are often more vivid and accurate than memories of neutral experiences
According to a Psychology Today article, emotional memories can be triggered by a certain date, a particular place, a song, or even a scent . Emotional memory adds credibility to the notion that thoughts can trigger emotion just as the activation of emotion can create cognitions.
If you’re still deeply affected by your past, it’s important to identify the triggers that cause negative emotions. Awareness alone can reduce their power over you
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