One way to be less stressed? Awe
Stress narrows your focus to help you survive. Awe expands your focus to help you thrive.
Stress focuses you on your self so that you can get through whatever obstacle is in front of you. But what happens when you feel stressed all of the time? Your connections to the world and others are our most reliable sources of joy and happiness. To counterbalance our very stressful world, we need to consciously invite in the experiences that open us up to the beauty, wonder, and love that exists around us, too.
Here are a few ways to feel more awe in your life.
Take an ‘awe walk’. Researchers found that taking a 15-minute walk with the conscious goal of feeling awe inspires you to behave more generously and compassionately.
Get out into nature. One of the most consistently-cited sources of awe, being in nature is so good for our mental health and physical well-being. One study found that just 20 minutes in natural decreases your cortisol.
Look for inspiration. Whether it’s learning about an amazing human accomplishment or act of resilience, reflecting on an act of generosity, or watching a video of amazing sights and experiences, you can induce awe right where you are.
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