In a fast-paced world where changes are constant, we may often find ourselves comforted by the smallest, most unexpected objects.
From keychains dangling stuffed animals to photos of celebrities and even colourful pins decorating backpacks and totes, along with colorful stickers adorning water bottles, knick-knacks are widely used within our community.
While these accessories can be viewed as meaningless novelties at first glance, they can be worth so much more.
Knick-knacks can act as storytellers of our lives, representing friendships and fond memories, and serving as tokens of comfort in a personal and sentimental way.
Growing up is a confusing yet inevitable phase of life. From managing academics and navigating new relationships to transitioning to new environments, many of us are bound to find ourselves in stressful and challenging situations. However, when these situations become overwhelming, we often turn to one thing: our friends.
When they are out of reach, these accessories can evoke memories of our friendships, allowing us to feel secure, even when they are physically unavailable.
“[I have] a matching keychain with my best friend, it reminds me of our friendship and the time we bought it together,” wrote a student.
Although knick-knacks cannot replace the company that our loved ones provide, they can remind us of their presence and sometimes, that is all we need to feel better.
Aside from seeking out friendships, there are many times when we wish to leave the tedious and boring aspects of our daily lives and escape to a moment where we were truly content.
Whether your knick-knacks were purchased on a family holiday, a fun outing with your friends, or a memorable school trip, they often carry special memories. These associations can entice those nostalgic emotions of relaxation and joy and transport us out of the mundane.
“My stickers are [meaningful mementos of] shopping trips that remind me of past holidays,” a student responded.
Beyond being symbols of relationships and reminders of distant holidays, knick-knacks also have the potential to serve as tokens of reliability during difficult times.
As schoolwork becomes increasingly rigorous and life becomes more demanding, we are bound to experience feelings of anxiety, especially when we are unable to seek immediate comfort.
When overwhelmed with these feelings, these accessories can be a source of solace.
According to a study in the Journal of Behavioural Addictions, researchers Keong Yap and Jessica R. Grisham found that individuals often form emotional bonds with objects, as “extensions of their identity and repositories of autobiographical memories.”
These attachments we create can provide a sense of security and emotional stability during times of pressure.
“Sometimes, I’ll use [my plushie] as a stress ball during tests because it’s familiarity calms me down,” a student wrote.
This sentiment is reflected in a study published by researcher Hidenobu Sumioka on the National Library of Medicine, which explains that physical contact with a comfort item lowers cortisol levels in the body, effectively reducing anxiety and stress.
This biological response highlights the impact that sentimental objects can have on our mental health.
Our knick-knacks are more than just playful collectibles or accessories that we display; they are tied to memories, friendships, and moments of comfort, and they quietly reflect the emotional lives of people who carry them.
As we move through different stages of life, we are bound to collect mementos along the way such as tokens from moments that made us laugh, cry, or feel truly understood.
These objects, though ordinary in appearance, can be the most unfaltering tokens in our lives, giving us comfort in a way that is unexpected, yet always welcome.
