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We have all felt it—that sense of wonder that stills our thoughts when we stand before a vast ocean, gaze up at a star-filled sky, or listen to a piece of music that feels transcendent. This powerful emotion, known as awe, has long been cherished for its ability to shift our perspective and connect us to something larger than ourselves. Now, a growing body of scientific work suggests that these breathtaking moments may also have a tangible and beneficial impact on our physical health.

At the heart of this discovery is the intricate relationship between our minds and our immune systems, a field known as psychoneuroimmunology. One of the body’s key defense mechanisms is inflammation. In the short term, it’s a crucial response to injury or infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, often fueled by persistent psychological stress, it can contribute to a wide range of health concerns [3]. Researchers have become increasingly interested in how positive emotional states might help counterbalance this.

What the Research Shows

While feelings like happiness and contentment are known to be good for us, recent evidence suggests that awe may have a unique biological signature. A pivotal observational study published in the journal Emotion explored the connection between daily positive emotions and inflammation [1]. Researchers took samples of saliva from participants to measure their levels of key pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal the immune system to ramp up its inflammatory response. Specifically, they measured Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a well-known marker of inflammation [1].

When they analyzed the data alongside participants’ self-reported emotional experiences, they found that awe was the single most powerful predictor of lower IL-6 levels [1]. In this study, the experience of awe was more strongly associated with reduced inflammation markers than other positive emotions like joy, pride, or amusement [1]. It is important to note this was an observational study, which identifies a strong correlation but does not prove causation.

More recent reviews of the research are delving deeper into how this might work. A 2022 review in Current Opinion in Psychology highlights that the experience of awe seems to quiet the brain’s default mode network, which is associated with self-focused thoughts and rumination [2]. By shifting our attention outward, awe may help reduce the mental patterns that contribute to stress. Researchers are also exploring how awe might positively influence the vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system that helps regulate immune responses and promote a state of “rest and digest” [2].

Experts at institutions like Johns Hopkins and Harvard Health note that beyond its potential anti-inflammatory effects, awe consistently promotes feelings of connectedness, humility, and prosocial behavior [4, 5]. By making our personal worries feel smaller in the grand scheme of things, awe can offer profound psychological relief [5].

What This Means for Everyday Wellness

Integrating more awe into your life does not require a trip to a world wonder. The key is to intentionally seek out and appreciate experiences that expand your perspective. It’s a practice of mindful attention.

Consider these gentle invitations to cultivate awe:

• Engage with Nature: Spend a few moments looking closely at the intricate patterns of a leaf, watch the clouds drift across the sky, or find a dark spot to gaze at the stars. The practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is built on this principle of immersive, mindful attention in a natural setting.
• Immerse Yourself in Arts and Culture: Listen intently to a complex symphony, watch a documentary about the vastness of space or the depths of the ocean, or slowly walk through a museum, allowing yourself to be absorbed by a single work of art.
• Appreciate Human Endeavor: Reflect on incredible acts of collective kindness, scientific discovery, or athletic achievement. Reading about or watching stories of human courage and creativity can be a powerful source of awe.

The goal is not to force the feeling, but to simply create the space for it to arise naturally. By paying full attention, you open the door to wonder in the world around you.

A Gentle Reminder

Cultivating awe is a beautiful, enriching addition to a holistic wellness practice, not a substitute for medical care or established health routines. These moments of wonder gently remind us of our connection to the world and may quietly support our body’s natural equilibrium.

Sources and Resources

1. [1] PubMed Central, National Library of Medicine. Positive affect and markers of inflammation: discrete positive emotions predict lower levels of inflammatory cytokines (2015-04). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25581105/
2. [2] ScienceDirect. Awe and the body: A review of physiological and neurobiological research (2022-10). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X2200115X
3. [3] National Institute on Aging (NIH). How Does Stress Affect the Aging Brain? (2023-01-18). https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/how-does-stress-affect-aging-brain
4. [4] Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Health Benefits of Awe (2023). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-health-benefits-of-awe
5. [5] Harvard Health Publishing. Sour mood? Awe-inspiring experiences may help (2022-09-26). https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sour-mood-awe-inspiring-experiences-may-help-202209262820

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Educational disclaimer: This article is for general wellness education only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always speak with your clinician before starting or changing any medication, supplement, or wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.

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