In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to breeze through our days without fully appreciating the memories we’re creating. We snap photos at every opportunity, often with the intent of sharing them on social media or saving them for later. But how often do we actually look back at them? When was the last time you took a moment to scroll through your photos and appreciate the good times? Making time to review your photos every month can do wonders for your mental health. Here’s how—and why—it works.

Why We Tend to Forget Our Photos

If you’re anything like me, you probably have thousands of photos in your camera roll, and it’s not hard to see why. We take pictures of our morning coffee, our friends, our vacations, and just about any random thing that catches our eye. But here’s the thing: after we post that photo or show it to a friend, most of us rarely look back at it again.

The Cycle of Digital Amnesia

This cycle of snapping photos and then forgetting them has a name: “digital amnesia.” Our cameras and phones make it easy to document nearly every moment, so we don’t rely on memory the way we used to. The downside? We end up disconnecting from our own experiences, overlooking the small victories and the everyday joy captured in those forgotten snapshots. By pausing once a month to scroll through your recent photos, you can reconnect with those memories, relive the good times, and experience a mental and emotional boost.

The Mental Health Benefits of Reflecting on Your Photos

When you intentionally revisit your photos, you’re not just “killing time”—you’re actually investing in your mental well-being. Let’s break down some of the most powerful benefits.

Rediscovering Joy

Every photo tells a story. Looking back at that dinner out with friends or the weekend trip to the coast can reignite those feelings of joy and excitement. It’s like flipping through a visual diary, each photo sparking memories that remind you of how many good times you’ve had. Research shows that reliving happy moments through photos can boost your mood, reinforcing positive emotions and helping you carry that feeling into your present day.

Boosting Self-Esteem

Reviewing your photos can also be a powerful way to recognize your accomplishments. That photo of you after finishing a 5K, the project you finally completed, or even the simple meal you cooked yourself after a long day—all these little things remind you of your achievements. They’re visual proof of your resilience, creativity, and determination, which can improve your self-esteem.

Strengthening Relationships

Photos don’t just capture moments—they capture connections. Revisiting pictures with friends and family members reminds you of shared experiences and inside jokes, even when you’re miles apart. It’s a quick way to reinforce those bonds and stay emotionally connected, even if only through memories.

Encouraging Mindfulness and Gratitude

One of the biggest perks of reviewing your photos is how it encourages mindfulness. We’re all so used to constantly moving forward that we sometimes forget to appreciate what we’ve already achieved. Reviewing photos nudges you to pause, look back, and acknowledge the good things you might have overlooked, cultivating a sense of gratitude.

How to Create a Monthly Photo-Reviewing Routine

So how do you get started? Creating a simple monthly routine will make this process easy and enjoyable. Here’s how to build it into your life:

Set Aside a Specific Day

Choose one day each month to go through your recent photos. It could be the first Sunday of the month, a quiet evening after work, or any time that suits your schedule. The key is consistency. I like to do it on the last Sunday of every month—it’s a relaxing way to wind down and reflect before jumping into a new month.

Select Key Moments

Instead of scrolling through hundreds of photos, focus on highlights. Which photos make you smile, spark joy, or capture a memory you’re proud of? Don’t worry about quantity; quality matters more here. A few meaningful photos will be more impactful than a dozen random ones.

Reflect Intentionally

Take your time with each photo. What do you remember about that moment? What were you feeling? Who were you with? This isn’t about dwelling on the past but rather reconnecting with the joy and significance of those moments.

Consider a Journal Entry

If you want to deepen the practice, consider jotting down a quick journal entry to accompany your favorite photo. Writing a few sentences about what made that moment special can help reinforce positive feelings and give you something to look back on in the future.

Tips for Maximizing Your Photo Review Practice

If you’re ready to take this monthly practice up a notch, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of it.

Create Themed Albums

Organize your photos by themes like “Friends & Family,” “Adventures,” or “Achievements.” This makes it easier to revisit specific memories, especially if you’re looking for a quick mood boost. Over time, these albums will serve as powerful reminders of the different areas of your life where you’ve experienced joy and growth.

Share the Practice with Others

Reviewing photos can be even more fun when shared with others. Invite a friend or family member to join you in this monthly ritual—virtually or in person. Sharing memories and stories together can strengthen your connections and make this a shared experience of joy and gratitude.

Celebrate Small Wins

Not every photo has to capture a life-changing moment to be meaningful. Recognize and celebrate even the small victories, like that time you tried a new recipe or completed a workout. It’s a great way to remind yourself that personal growth happens in both big steps and small ones.

Set Goals for New Memories

One of the best parts of reviewing past photos is that it can inspire you to create new memories. Looking back at your favorite moments can spark ideas for future experiences, encouraging you to pursue more activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s planning a weekend getaway or organizing a small gathering with friends, this practice keeps you motivated to continue building a life you love.

Breaking the Cycle of Digital Amnesia

If you’re worried about forgetting your memories, here are a few ways to make your photos a more intentional part of your life, helping you escape the cycle of digital amnesia.

Take Photos with Intention

Consider photographing moments that really matter, rather than taking pictures simply because you can. Aim for meaningful shots that capture emotions, connections, or personal achievements, and let those guide you as you look back on the memories that truly matter.

Be Thoughtful with Social Media

Instead of posting everything you capture, try sharing only your most cherished moments and adding meaningful captions that describe the emotions or memories behind the photo. This helps you (and your audience) better appreciate each image and keeps your social media feed from becoming an endless reel of forgettable snapshots.

Revisit, Don’t Just Archive

Instead of letting your photos accumulate in an endless archive, keep them accessible. Create folders or albums on your phone or computer that you can easily open and review. Alternatively, print your favorite photos and display them around your home or workspace to keep those memories alive and visible.

Conclusion

Taking just five minutes each month to review your photos is an easy, uplifting habit that can improve your mental health in significant ways. You’ll get to relive your happiest moments, acknowledge your accomplishments, and cultivate gratitude for the life you’re living. Plus, you’ll have a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come and all the things you have to look forward to. So this month, give it a try: take five minutes, scroll through your photos, and relive the good times. Your mind—and your mood—will thank you!