Life often feels like a cycle of routines—work, responsibilities, and daily stress. Yet, moments of awe remind us of something bigger than ourselves. Awe is the feeling we get when standing before a vast mountain range, watching a child take their first steps, or listening to a piece of music that stirs the soul. It is a powerful emotion that inspires wonder, humility, and connection.
In recent years, psychologists and neuroscientists have started to study awe more closely. Their research shows that awe is not just pleasant—it also has measurable benefits for mental health. Experiencing wonder can reduce stress, strengthen social bonds, and improve overall well-being.
What Is Awe?
Awe is a complex emotion that arises when we encounter something vast, new, or extraordinary that challenges our understanding of the world. It can be triggered by:
- Nature (mountains, oceans, sunsets)
- Art and music
- Acts of kindness or courage
- Spiritual or religious experiences
- Scientific discoveries
Unlike simple joy or surprise, awe combines amazement with a sense of smallness. It shifts attention away from ourselves and toward something greater.
According to psychologist Dacher Keltner, a leading researcher on awe, this feeling is a “collective emotion” that helps people connect to communities and ideas beyond the self【Keltner, 2016】.
The Science of Awe
Researchers have identified several ways awe affects the brain and body.
1. Reducing Stress
Awe triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body. A 2015 study published in Emotion found that people who experienced awe had lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, biological markers linked to stress and poor health【Stellar et al., 2015】.
2. Expanding Perspective
When we feel awe, the brain’s default mode network, responsible for self-focused thinking, quiets down. This shift reduces rumination and opens space for new perspectives.
3. Promoting Social Connection
Awe makes people feel smaller in relation to the world, which increases humility and generosity. In experiments, participants who experienced awe were more likely to help strangers and engage in prosocial behavior【Piff et al., 2015】.
4. Enhancing Creativity
By challenging existing ways of thinking, awe promotes curiosity and flexible problem-solving. This boost in creativity supports emotional resilience and innovation.
Awe and Mental Wellbeing
Awe and Anxiety
Chronic anxiety often traps people in cycles of worry and self-focus. Awe shifts attention outward. For example, standing under a starry sky can make personal worries feel less overwhelming. This change in perspective reduces anxiety and fosters calm.
Awe and Depression
Depression is often linked with hopelessness and disconnection. Awe helps counter these feelings by restoring a sense of meaning and belonging. According to the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, awe encourages people to find beauty and value in life, even in difficult times【GGSC, 2020】.
Awe and Resilience
Experiencing awe can act as a buffer against stress. People who regularly experience awe report higher life satisfaction and greater resilience when facing challenges【Anderson et al., 2018】.
Everyday Sources of Awe
You don’t need to climb Mount Everest to feel awe. Small, daily experiences can spark wonder:
- Watching a sunrise or sunset
- Listening to moving music
- Reading stories of human courage or kindness
- Visiting museums or exploring art
- Spending time with children and observing their curiosity
- Exploring new places in your own city
The key is to approach experiences with openness and attention.
The Role of Nature in Awe
Nature is one of the most reliable sources of awe. Research consistently shows that spending time outdoors improves mood and lowers stress.
- A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that just two hours in nature per week was linked to significantly better mental well-being【White et al., 2019】.
- Forest bathing, a Japanese practice of mindful walks in nature, has been shown to reduce cortisol and blood pressure while increasing feelings of awe and relaxation.
Nature not only calms the nervous system but also reminds us of our place in the larger ecosystem. This sense of belonging reduces loneliness and fosters gratitude.
Awe Walks: A Simple Practice
Psychologists have developed the concept of “awe walks”—intentional walks where people seek out wonder in their surroundings. This could mean noticing the patterns of leaves, the vastness of the sky, or the kindness of strangers.
A 2020 study from UC San Francisco found that older adults who took weekly awe walks reported less stress, greater joy, and more positive emotions【Sturm et al., 2020】. This simple practice shows how accessible awe can be in everyday life.
Awe, Spirituality, and Meaning
For many, awe is closely tied to spirituality. Whether through religious rituals, meditation, or simply contemplating the universe, awe fosters a sense of meaning and connection to something greater. Psychologists note that meaning-making is a key factor in resilience and long-term mental health.
Even outside of religion, awe inspires humility, gratitude, and compassion—all of which support mental well-being.
Integrating Awe into Daily Life
Here are some practical ways to invite more awe into your routine:
- Pause and Notice: Take moments to stop and appreciate beauty around you, whether it’s architecture, music, or a simple act of kindness.
- Spend Time in Nature: Schedule regular walks in parks, forests, or near water.
- Seek Art and Music: Listen to uplifting music or visit galleries and performances.
- Learn Something New: Reading about science, history, or space exploration can spark intellectual awe.
- Practice Gratitude: Journaling about moments of wonder strengthens awareness and appreciation.
The Bigger Picture: Awe and Society
Awe is not only personal—it has social benefits. Studies show that awe makes people more cooperative and community-minded. It shifts focus from individual achievement to collective well-being. In a world marked by stress, division, and uncertainty, fostering awe could promote greater empathy and unity.
Conclusion
Awe is more than a fleeting emotion—it is a science-backed pathway to better mental health. From lowering stress and anxiety to increasing resilience and social connection, experiencing wonder strengthens both mind and spirit.
The best part? Awe is all around us. By noticing beauty, engaging with nature, or simply pausing to reflect on life’s mysteries, we can bring more awe into our days.
The science is clear: when we allow ourselves to experience wonder, we nurture joy, meaning, and emotional well-being.