Your Daily Dose of Awe

Awe is a complex human emotion marked by vastness, transcendence, and mind-blowing enlightenment. It arises when something extraordinary reshapes how people see themselves, others, and the world. Awe can function as accessible “medicine” because its effects often become clear after the state has already shifted. Neurophysiological markers linked to awe include increased vagal tone, increased oxytocin release, reduced inflammation, and lower bodily stress responses. Awe is also associated with decreased sympathetic nervous system arousal, reducing fight-or-flight activation. These changes correlate with improvements in mental and physical health and support a restorative rest-and-digest state.

"Most of us have experienced moments like these-brief but unforgettable experiences that leave us feeling connected, humbled, and more alive all at once. This is , a complex human emotion marked by a sense of vastness, transcendence, and what is often described as "mind-blowing" enlightenment. It is the feeling we experience when something is so extraordinary that it reshapes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us."

"I invite you to think of awe as medicine for your mind and body, dispensed from within you. Often, we do not realize awe's effects until they have already shifted our state. Why? This emotion is born from our internal systems, triggered by our interactions with others, ourselves, and the world. We are our own pharmacists. In fact, a dose of awe may be one of the healthiest and most accessible 'prescriptions' for well-being."

"Modern science reveals specific neurophysiological markers associated with awe, including increased vagal tone-a measure of relaxation regulated by the vagus nerve; increased release of oxytocin, the hormone linked to bonding and trust; reduced inflammation and lower bodily stress responses; and decreased sympathetic nervous system arousal, meaning less activation of the "fight-or-flight" response. All of these have been correlated with improvements in both mental and physical health."

"In other words, the experience of awe can help shift us into a restorative "rest-and-digest" state, elevating our sense of meaning, social connection, cognitive cl"

Read at Psychology Today