Admiração: Porque é que é essencial para a saúde mental

The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.

We experience awe in many different ways – you might associate it with nature, like the vastness of the ocean or the majesty of a mountain range. Or you might connect awe with amazing architecture, like Gothic cathedrals or the Great Wall of China. In other cases, you might experience awe when listening to music, viewing pieces of art, engaging in a spiritual practice or watching a master perform her craft. But whatever its source, new scientific exploration into the concept of awe suggests that it might be essential for our overall mental health.

 What is Awe?

Awe has only recently begun to be recognized as its own, distinct, state of emotion. It is often characterized by feeling small in the presence of something vast, often something that challenges our assumptions of the world. While considered an overwhelmingly positive emotion, it’s also important to note that awe often can contain an element of fear or dread – such as we might experience when watching a powerful thunderstorm. Awe often elicits a feeling of diminishment, but not necessarily in a negative way. Instead, we are reminded when we experience awe that we are one small being that is part of an entire network of others – and that we all are part of a vast universe.

Some research studies suggest that awe is an emotion that encourages us to be more cooperative and to engage in more pro-social behaviors. Perhaps when reminded of how small we are, we feel more inclined to connect with others. This is often where effective talk therapy, including effective online therapy, can be beneficial, as a trusted therapist can help process feelings of awe and provide a strong sense of connection with someone other than ourselves.

How is Awe Good for Us?

Though the science of awe is just over 15 years old, it already has yielded some surprising and interesting results. First, let’s discuss the effect of awe on our mental health. Since feeling awe diminishes our sense of self, this psychological shift can bring about positive results. Research tells us that a hyper focus on the self can be associated with several different mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and drug abuse. In addition, an over-emphasis on self is tied to many pervasive social issues, like bullying, racism and everyday aggressive behavior. Removing focus from ourselves and reminding ourselves that the world is vast and complex is, perhaps counterintuitively, linked to a greater sense of comfort and well-being. In fact, awe has been shown to reduce stress in veterans experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, along with at-risk youth.

In addition, some research suggests that awe may support our physical health. In some studies, awe has been shown to reduce inflammation and support immune function. This is especially true in situations where awe has its roots in nature. Awe also can be experienced through music, and some research has indicated that exposure to music may help reduce symptoms associated with stress and pain. Still other studies suggest that awe can calm our nervous systems and encourage the release of oxytocin – the hormone that helps us form feelings of attachment and trust.

The Takeaway

While research remains fairly new when it comes to awe, it shows promising results. Awe very well may be essential to physically and mentally healthy lives. The good news? You don’t have to travel to the ocean or hike to a mountaintop, visit ancient architecture or attend a symphony performance to experience awe on a regular basis. It’s possible to find moments of awe in your everyday experiences.

For example, it’s possible to fine-tune our senses and become more receptive to the moments of awe that are all around us. Take the time to marvel at new buds on trees in springtime, or to savor the complexities of a favorite meal. When you’re out for an evening walk, engage all five of your senses and really notice what’s going on around you and how you’re  experiencing it all through your senses. Some may call this an awe walk – intentionally tuning in to the natural environment, plus the people you pass along the way, looking for instances of awe.

Awe matters. And it’s available to everyone. Challenge yourself to pay attention to your environment and make space to experience this complex and vital emotion. We think you’ll be glad you did.