5 ways awe can benefit your mental health (and how to seek it)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what awe is, including the science of awe-inspiring experiences and 5 ways it can benefit your mental health. Plus, how to seek out awe in everyday life.
When was the last time you saw something so extraordinary that it stopped you in your tracks? Or witnessed a scene that took your breath away? That feeling of wonder and amazement, called awe, is a profound emotional experience that can transform our perspective and enrich our lives.
Perhaps you took a life-changing trip somewhere that you haven’t been able to shake or felt a connection with a piece of art you stumbled upon. Maybe you were touched by the kindness of a stranger that was unexpected or even witnessed the birth of a baby. Events like these can lift us out of our day-to-day routines, which can often feel predictable and mundane, and provide us with a fresh outlook on life — as if we’re seeing the beauty of life for the very first time.
What is awe?
Awe is a feeling that comes from encountering something that alters our understanding of the world. It can come from extraordinary experiences that challenge our usual thinking and leave us feeling a mix of fascination, deep respect, and perhaps sometimes even fear.
Experiencing awe can help to expand our usual perspectives and enhance our appreciation for the complexity and richness of life. This emotional response can deepen our understanding of the world and reinforce our connection to it and to each other.
The feeling of awe can be triggered by many things, from travel to inspirational people and everything in-between.
Nature: Natural wonders, like towering mountains or expansive oceans, remind us of the sheer scale and power of nature and shine light onto how small we are in the grand scheme of life.
Art: Artistic and cultural expressions—such as captivating paintings, powerful musical performances, or groundbreaking films—can evoke awe by exposing us to the depths of human creativity.
People: Significant human achievement, like witnessing a rocket launch or a complex surgical procedure, can show us the incredible capabilities of human ingenuity and perseverance.
Spirituality: Religious and spiritual experiences can give a sense of something greater than ourselves, whether through meditation, prayer, or sacred rituals.
Generosity: Acts of great kindness, bravery, or moral integrity can inspire awe by demonstrating the profound impact of human compassion and ethical commitment.
The science behind awe
Awe can have both psychological and physiological effects. When we experience awe, it can fundamentally alter how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
Psychological impact: Awe can shift our focus from the everyday stress and anxiety associated with our personal issues, to something greater than ourselves. The feeling of being part of a vast, intricate network can lead to feelings of interconnectedness, making us more empathetic toward others.
Physiological response: Research has shown that experiencing awe may possibly lead to a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines — proteins in the body that make the immune system work harder. While inflammation is a normal and necessary response to infection or injury, chronic inflammation is linked to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. By reducing these markers of inflammation, awe might help mitigate these risks, supporting better physical health and lifespan.
Cognitive benefits: Encountering something awe-inspiring can increase our curiosity and drive to explore, enhancing our cognitive flexibility. This could possibly make us more adaptable in various aspects of life, from problem-solving to engaging with people who have different perspectives. Feeling awe can encourage us to think more deeply and critically about our environment and our place within it.
5 mental health benefits of awe
Experiencing awe may enhance mental health in several ways.
Increases feelings of connectedness: Awe may enhance our sense of connection to others and the world around us. This emotional response could possibly reduce feelings of isolation, which can be comforting and grounding.
Improves mood and wellbeing: Regular encounters with awe may possibly lead to an overall enhancement in mood and wellbeing. When we’re in a better mood, it can benefit many parts of our lives, from our day-to-day interactions and feelings to more long-term effects like lasting happiness and overall satisfaction.
Boosts creativity: Awe may expand our perspective and shift how we think. By breaking us out of our typical thought patterns, awe can possibly inspire new ideas and approaches to enhance our creativity and problem-solving skills.
Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression: By shifting focus away from the self and toward the wider world, awe may help reduce the introspection and rumination that often accompany anxiety and depression. This could possibly provide a natural boost to our mental health.
Enhances empathy and altruism: Experiencing awe may make us more empathetic toward the experiences and feelings of others. This could possibly then lead to more altruistic behavior, moving us to act in ways that benefit other people without expecting anything in return.
How to seek out awe in everyday life: 5 tips
By actively seeking out enriching experiences, you can cultivate a sense of awe regularly. Enhancing your daily life with moments of wonder and inspiration may possibly contribute to your long-term mental and emotional health.
1. Spend time in nature
Nature is one of the most accessible sources of awe. Visit a park, garden, or somewhere new outdoors to observe the intricate details of the landscape, the variety of colors, and the sounds of wildlife. Watching the sunset or noticing the patterns of leaves can evoke a sense of wonder.
💙 Discover how nature can move beyond trees and trickling streams in We Are Nature, a guided meditation to uncover the beauty of the outdoors that lives within you.
2. Observe the stars
Look up at the night sky and reflect on the vastness of the universe and our small place within it. Try visiting your local planetarium or join an astronomy club.
💙 Relax into the quiet beauty of nighttime with a sense of safety and peace with Kirat Randhawa’s Connecting With the Night.
3. Visit landmarks
Explore local or historical landmarks to connect you with the vast history and human achievement in your community, which can cultivate a sense of appreciation for the past and gratitude for the present.
💙 Continue your gratitude practice to further support your mental health by following 7 Days of Gratitude.
4. Engage with art and music
See live music performances, visit art galleries, or go to the theater. The creativity and passion of artistic and cultural works may leave you feeling inspired and full of awe and wonder.
💙 Lose yourself in Lo-Fi Beats, a curated playlist of continuous downtempo beats meant to help relax your mind and boost creativity, daydreaming, and mental health.
5. Watch documentaries about the Earth and the universe
Look for films about nature, space, or humanitarian efforts that show the wonders of the Earth and beyond. This can expand your understanding and appreciation of the world.
Benefits of awe FAQs
Is awe good for the brain?
Experiencing awe can be beneficial for the brain. It may stimulate areas involved in emotional regulation and perceptual expansion, which could possibly help enhance cognitive functions.
When we feel awe, our brain is encouraged to think beyond its usual boundaries, promoting new connections and insights. This may improve problem-solving abilities and encourage a more creative and expansive way of thinking. Also, awe may possibly reduce stress and increase overall brain health by promoting a sense of wellbeing and satisfaction.
Does awe release dopamine?
While direct research on awe and dopamine release is limited, it’s possible that awe induces feelings that are associated with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in our experience of pleasure, motivation, and reward. Since feeling awe often results in joy and elation, this might stimulate the brain's reward system in a similar way to other rewarding experiences, contributing to feelings of happiness and fulfillment.
What are the 5 stages of awe?
The concept of five stages of awe isn't formally recognized in psychological studies, but experiencing awe can often be described through several phases.
Anticipation: The lead-up to an awe-inspiring experience can heighten our senses and expectations
Encounter: The moment of initial contact with something awe-inspiring, whether it's a natural wonder, a piece of art, or an act of extraordinary kindness
Immersion: Being fully engaged and absorbed in the experience, losing some sense of time and self
Processing: Reflecting on the experience and bringing it into our worldview
Integration: Applying the insights or the renewed perspective gained into our everyday lives
How do I cultivate awe?
Cultivating awe involves being open to new experiences and seeking out situations that challenge your usual perceptions.
Explore new places.
Engage deeply with art and culture.
Spend more time in nature.
Practice mindfulness to enhance your awareness and presence to help you notice awe-inspiring details in everyday life.
Learn continuously about the world to find new insights and reasons to feel awe.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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