Awe is a complex emotion that occurs when we experience or witness something wondrous, vast, terrifying, inspiring, amazing, or mind-blowing. Awe can be triggered by experiences as diverse as walking through an untamed natural landscape, viewing a highly complex piece of art or architecture, having a spiritual or religious experience, or witnessing a seemingly impossible athletic feat; astronauts who visit space report feeling something like awe when they look at Earth from a great distance. Awe
The Awe-Physical Health Connection
The relationship between awe and physical health is bidirectional and profound. Modern neuroscience has confirmed what clinicians long observed: psychological states directly impact bodily systems.
Physical Symptoms of Awe
People managing awe commonly experience:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Digestive disruptions (IBS, nausea, appetite changes)
- Sleep disturbances affecting cellular repair
- Immune system dysregulation
- Cardiovascular effects (blood pressure, heart rate variability)
- Chronic pain amplification
How Awe Affects Body Systems
Stress hormones: Awe often elevates cortisol and adrenaline, which when chronically elevated cause inflammation, insulin resistance, and immune suppression.
Nervous system: The autonomic nervous system shifts toward sympathetic dominance ("fight or flight"), reducing digestive, immune, and reproductive function.
Inflammation: Psychological distress promotes inflammatory cytokines linked to heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
Physical Health Practices That Help Awe
Research shows these interventions improve both awe and physical health simultaneously:
- Regular aerobic exercise — 30 min, 3–5× weekly reduces symptoms significantly
- Anti-inflammatory diet — Mediterranean diet pattern supports mood and reduces inflammation
- Sleep optimization — 7–9 hours consistently transforms awe outcomes
- Breathing practices — diaphragmatic breathing activates parasympathetic recovery
- Reducing alcohol and processed foods — both worsen awe symptoms
When to Seek Integrated Care
Look for healthcare providers who address both physical and psychological dimensions if awe is affecting your body. Integrative psychiatry, functional medicine, and psychosomatic medicine specialize in this overlap.