The emotion of awe emerges as a subtle yet profound regulator of mind and body. Far more than mere wonder, awe represents a unique emotional and physiological state capable of influencing stress responses, meaning‐making, social connection, and even physical health.

Psychologists describe awe as a distinct emotional experience marked by two core features: a sense of vastness—encountering something greater than one’s usual frame—and a need for accommodation, in which our mental schemas must expand to make sense of the experience. In essence, we witness something larger than ourselves, and our sense of self shifts. Unlike typical positive emotions, awe frequently brings what’s termed a “small-self” effect: we feel temporarily diminished, integrated into a larger whole, less ego-driven, more relational. Research notes this shift in self-focus is one of the key mechanisms by which awe yields benefits.

Chronic illness and medical stress often involve heightened inflammation, anxiety, and a reduced sense of control and meaning. Interventions that promote mental resilience and emotional well-being can thus influence physical outcomes through blood pressure regulation, inflammation modulation, and behavioural adherence. Experiencing awe has been linked with reduced activity in brain networks tied to rumination and self-focus, such as the default mode network. Physiologically, moments of awe reduce sympathetic arousal, increase vagal tone, and lower inflammatory markers. For those living with chronic stress or illness, regular awe experiences may act as a psychological “reset,” supporting healthier trajectories.

Awe also propels individuals to seek meaning and feel part of something larger. The reframing offered by awe—moving from “I am only my condition” to “I am part of something bigger”—can re-energize coping and psychological resilience. Research shows awe increases generosity, cooperation, and feelings of connection with others. Stronger social bonds, less isolation, and increased prosocial attitudes toward caregivers and peers support better health outcomes, as greater support networks often translate to better self-management.

Awe expands subjective time—people report that time slows or stretches—which correlates with less urgency, more reflection, and better decision-making. For individuals managing complex routines, this slowing of mental tempo may lead to more consistent health behaviours.

Several simple practices can help invite awe into daily life. “Awe walks”—brief outdoor walks focused on noticing something vast or beautiful, such as trees, sky, or water—have been shown to reduce distress and increase positive emotions after only a few weeks. In clinical settings, waiting rooms can display nature images or music that evokes expansiveness, offering short reflections like “What in nature seemed vast to you today?” Even minimal exposure to awe-evoking stimuli improves mood and perspective. Group sessions where people share awe experiences can strengthen support networks, while therapists might include awe-based prompts when addressing meaning, identity, and loss of control.

While promising, awe is not a cure-all. Threat-based awe—such as witnessing a disaster—may not provide the same beneficial effects and can even trigger distress. Cultivating awe in safe, intentional contexts is key. Some might find awe overwhelming or destabilizing if unmanaged. More research is needed to determine how awe-based interventions influence biomarkers, disease progression, and outcomes.

Awe offers a compelling avenue not only for improved emotional well-being but also for physiological and behavioural gains that may support overall health. By fostering moments of vastness and gentle transcendence, we can leverage a powerful, accessible emotion that expands perspective, reduces stress, strengthens connection, and deepens our sense of meaning.

References

1. Keltner, D. & Haidt, J. The Science of Awe. Greater Good Science Center White Paper. (2019). ggsc.berkeley.edu

2. Stellar, J. E. et al. “Awe as a Pathway to Mental and Physical Health.” Frontiers in Psychology (2021). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

3. Piff, P. K. & Gordon, A. “Eight reasons why awe makes your life better.” Greater Good Magazine, UC Berkeley (2018). greatergood.berkeley.edu

4. Rudd, M., Vohs, K. D. & Aaker, J. “Awe expands time and increases generosity.” Psychological Science (2012). berkeleywellbeing.com