The Neuroscience of Awe: Why You Should Watch More Sunsets

Why Experiencing Awe More Often Can Improve Your Well-Being 

Neuroscientists define awe as an emotion that shifts our perspective.

Picture this: You’re standing on a quiet beach, toes sinking into the cool sand, as the sky explodes into a masterpiece of pink, gold, and deep violet. For a moment, everything else fades away—the emails, the bills, the ever-growing pile of laundry. You feel small but in the best way possible, connected to something bigger than yourself. That feeling? That’s awe. And it turns out, your brain loves it.

What Exactly is Awe? (Besides That Feeling You Get When Your Dog Tilts Its Head)

Awe is that mind-expanding emotion we experience when faced with something vast, beautiful, or beyond our comprehension. It can come from witnessing the Grand Canyon, listening to a powerful piece of music, or yes, even watching your dog do something ridiculously cute. Neuroscientists define awe as an emotion that shifts our perspective, making us feel small in a way that enhances our sense of connection to the world.

Unlike fleeting pleasures like a good cup of coffee or a satisfying TV finale, awe lingers. It rewires your thoughts, nudging you away from self-centered worries and toward something grander. Whether it’s watching a thunderstorm roll in or contemplating the mysteries of the cosmos, awe has a way of making the mundane feel magnificent.

Your Brain on Awe: The Science Behind the Magic

When you experience awe, your brain undergoes some fascinating changes:

• Less Me, More We: Awe deactivates the default mode network (DMN), the part of the brain associated with self-referential thinking (aka the voice in your head that won’t stop making to-do lists). This quieting of the DMN helps shift our focus away from ourselves and toward the bigger picture.

• Neurochemical Boost: Awe triggers the release of dopamine and oxytocin—our brain’s feel-good chemicals. Dopamine enhances motivation and pleasure, while oxytocin fosters feelings of connection and trust. Essentially, awe is a natural high with zero side effects (except maybe an increased appreciation for Bob Ross paintings).

• Time Slows Down (In a Good Way): Studies suggest that experiencing awe alters our perception of time, making moments feel richer and more expansive. So if you’re constantly feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day, maybe what you really need is a good sunset.

• Boosts Creativity and Openness: Awe can expand cognitive flexibility, meaning it helps you think outside the box. A study from the University of California found that people who had awe-inspiring experiences were more open to new ideas and willing to adjust their perspectives.

Awe and Your Health: Why Your Doctor Might Just Prescribe More Stargazing

Beyond making you feel like a poetic philosopher, awe has tangible health benefits:

• Reduces Stress: A study from UC Berkeley found that people who experience awe regularly have lower levels of cytokines, inflammatory markers linked to stress-related illnesses. Translation: More awe = less stress = better health.

• Boosts Mood and Reduces Anxiety: Research from the University of Toronto suggests that awe can increase positive emotions and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It’s basically free therapy, courtesy of nature.

• Strengthens Social Connection: Feeling small in the vastness of the universe can actually make you a kinder, more generous person. Studies show that awe fosters prosocial behavior, making people more likely to help others. So, watching more sunsets could literally make you a better friend.

• Improves Heart Health: Some studies suggest that experiencing awe can lower blood pressure and promote heart health by reducing stress-related inflammation.

• Enhances Life Satisfaction: People who regularly experience awe report greater life satisfaction and overall well-being. That deep breath you take while staring at the night sky? It’s doing more for you than you think.

How to Get More Awe in Your Life (Without Booking a Trip to the Himalayas)

You don’t need to trek to Everest or skydive from 15,000 feet to experience awe. Here are some everyday ways to invite more awe into your life:

1. Watch the Sky: Sunrises, sunsets, stargazing—nature is constantly putting on a show, and the best seats in the house are free.
2. Listen to Music That Moves You: That goosebump-inducing symphony or soul-stirring ballad? That’s awe in audio form.
3. Seek Out the Extraordinary in the Ordinary: Pay attention to the tiny details—the intricate pattern on a butterfly’s wing, the way light filters through leaves, the sheer magic of a baby’s laugh.
4. Read Something Mind-Blowing: Whether it’s about space, deep-sea creatures, or quantum physics, learning about the vast unknown can spark a sense of wonder.
5. Take the Scenic Route: Whether it’s a drive, a walk, or a bike ride, slowing down and immersing yourself in nature increases the chances of experiencing awe.
6. Watch a Documentary on Nature or Space: Seeing the vastness of space or the intricacies of ecosystems can create a sense of awe without leaving your couch.
7. Engage in Mindfulness or Meditation: Slowing down and becoming fully present in the moment helps you notice beauty and wonder in unexpected places.
8. Try Something New: Experiencing something for the first time—a new hike, a different genre of music, a cultural event—can spark awe by taking you out of your routine.

awe offers a mental reset

The Takeaway: Sunset-Watching as a Brain Hack

In a world that constantly demands our attention, awe offers a mental reset—a chance to step outside of ourselves, breathe, and marvel. And while we can’t always escape to the mountains or visit the pyramids, we can step outside, look up, and let the sky remind us just how vast and beautiful life really is.

Awe isn’t about escaping life’s responsibilities; it’s about seeing them in a new light. By making space for awe in our daily lives, we enhance our well-being, boost creativity, and feel more connected to the world around us. So tonight, maybe put down your phone, step outside, and watch the sky change colors. Your brain—and your soul—will thank you for it.

And if anyone asks why you’re standing outside with a dreamy look on your face, just tell them it’s doctor’s orders.