I go to dozens of concerts a year, and I often leave in a daze, feeling like the whole thing was a blur. So my interest was piqued when I recently noticed social-media posts from some lucky people who had scored tickets to Taylor Swift’s enormously popular Eras Tour. Many described experiencing “post-concert amnesia,” struggling to recall small details or even large parts of the show.
When I asked a few experts what was going on, they explained that some people might simply be too excited. As the body’s stress levels increase—in response to exciting or distressing factors—the neurons associated with memory start firing indiscriminately. That makes it almost impossible to form new memories.
While that might seem disappointing—especially if you shelled out big bucks to attend a concert—one cognitive psychologist told me that we would all benefit from reframing how we think about memory. Forgetting isn’t a deficiency: We’re not designed to remember life, but to experience it.
"In my 10 years as a therapist, I’ve never seen one person get better hating themselves. A lot of people truly believe that tough love leads to change, but in my experience, it brings shame. Compassion for ourselves, on the other hand, can lead to growth."
—Sarah Rollins, a therapist in Michigan
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Today's newsletter was written by Angela Haupt and edited by Mandy Oaklander.
