Awe and Mental Health: Finding Wonder in Everyday Life

When was the last time something stopped you in your tracks?

Perhaps it was a sky full of stars, the sound of the sea or a moving piece of music. You did not need to solve anything in that moment. You simply noticed something that felt larger than your usual concerns. In psychology, this sense of wonder is often called awe.

What did the research find?

A 2025 randomised trial included 68 adults with long COVID. A four-week online programme combined weekly teaching with brief daily awe practices. Compared with a waitlist, participants reported less stress and fewer depressive symptoms, alongside improved well-being. Anxiety did not differ significantly between groups.

This was a small study in a specific population, using self-reported outcomes and a waitlist comparison. It does not establish awe as a treatment for depression generally, or show that a five-minute walk produces the same benefits.

A five-minute invitation to notice

The following is an optional everyday reflection, not the complete research programme. Choose somewhere comfortable and pause for a few minutes. You might look at the sky, listen to music or notice light falling across a room.

• Put your phone aside if that helps you pay attention.
• Notice one detail you would usually pass over.
• Let curiosity guide you: what is surprising or interesting here?
• Before returning to your day, notice how you feel without expecting a particular result.

There is no need to force a positive feeling

Some days you may feel moved; on others, nothing much happens. Either experience is fine. This is an opportunity to notice, not another task to get right. If you are struggling with persistent low mood or stress, you can discuss support with a health professional while exploring small practices that suit you.