A Simple Cure for Overwhelm: Discover the Power of Awe

Have you ever stood in a place so beautiful it made your worries seem small?

A few years ago, I found myself on the coast of Nicaragua, wandering along untouched beaches filled with tidal pools, ancient rock formations, and tiny, vibrant sea life scuttling in and out of view. The rhythm of the waves, the glistening reflections in the water, and the overwhelming sense of timelessness made me stop in my tracks. I remember feeling my breath slow, my shoulders relax, and my mind let go of whatever trivial concerns had followed me there.

That feeling—awe—is one of the most powerful emotions we can experience. It’s more than just being impressed by something. Awe shifts your perspective, quiets your stress, and reconnects you with the vastness of life.

The best part? You don’t need a pristine beach or ancient rocks to experience it. Awe can be found in everyday moments, and it’s one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to reduce stress. Let’s unpack how awe works and how you can bring it into your daily life.

Why Awe Works

Awe isn’t just a feeling—it’s a mental reset.

When you experience awe, your focus shifts from yourself and your stressors to something much larger. It’s like stepping out of your own head and realizing the world is full of beauty, wonder, and connection.

Here’s what awe does to your mind and body:

• Lowers Stress: Awe triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that calms your nervous system and promotes feelings of safety.
• Shifts Perspective: It reminds you that life is bigger than your current worries, which helps put your problems into perspective.
• Improves Mood: Awe floods your brain with dopamine and serotonin, the feel-good chemicals that enhance happiness and emotional resilience.

Think of awe as nature’s "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" for your mental state—it helps you reset, recharge, and refocus.

What the Science Says

Research confirms what ancient traditions and poets have always known: awe changes us.

• A study published in Emotion Journal found that people who regularly experienced awe reported lower stress levels and greater overall well-being.
• Research in Psychological Science revealed that awe increases feelings of connection and gratitude, which are essential for resilience.
• Even micro-moments of awe—like seeing sunlight dance on water or watching a bird in flight—can have significant benefits.

The takeaway: You don’t need a mountaintop or a canyon. Awe is everywhere if you’re willing to look.

Let’s Try This Together

You don’t need to wait for a vacation to feel awe. Here’s how to cultivate it in your daily life:

1. Look to Nature

Step outside and pay attention to the small, intricate details around you:

• The way sunlight filters through the leaves.
• The sound of birds or the rustling of trees in the wind.
• The shifting colors of the sky as the sun sets.

Reflect: How does focusing on these details change the way you feel?

2. Watch Something Amazing

Find a short video of something awe-inspiring. It could be the Northern Lights, the intricate designs of deep-sea creatures, or a time-lapse of a blooming flower.

• Allow yourself to fully immerse in the wonder.
• Notice how it quiets your mind.

3. Recall a Moment of Awe

Close your eyes and think of a time when you felt truly amazed.

• Relive that moment in as much detail as possible—the sights, the sounds, the feelings.
• Let the memory fill you with the same sense of wonder you felt in that moment.

Make Awe Part of Your Day

Here’s how to weave awe into your daily routine:

• Morning Wonder: Start your day by stepping outside and noticing the beauty around you—whether it’s the sunlight, the crisp air, or the simple joy of being alive.
• Midday Pause: Take a 5-minute break to watch a nature video or look up photos of breathtaking landscapes.
• Evening Reflection: Before bed, think of one awe-inspiring moment from your day. It could be something as small as a child’s laugh or the beauty of a starry sky.

Awe doesn’t demand grandeur—it’s about noticing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Your Turn

Here’s my challenge: Take 5 minutes today to intentionally seek out a moment of awe. Whether it’s in nature, a memory, or something you watch, allow yourself to feel that deep sense of wonder.

And remember, awe isn’t about perfection—it’s about noticing the magic in life’s small, quiet moments.

Be well,
Jim Donovan, M.Ed.

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About the author:

Jim Donovan M.Ed. is a multi-platinum musician, educator and TEDx speaker.

His mission is to share the restorative power of music through education and performance.

Donovan is an Assistant Professor and Director of Music and Wellness at Saint Francis University.

His viral TEDx Talk "How to Trick Your Brain Into Falling Asleep" has been viewed over 7 million times to date.

He currently performs with his band The Sun King Warriors who can best described as as a blend of rhythm heavy roots rock, with a strong dose of big barreling drums. 

Jim Donovan got his start as a founding member of the multi-platinum selling band Rusted Root.  There he co-wrote the song “Send Me on My Way” featured in the movies "Ice Age", "Matilda" and the Netflix series "New Girl". During his time with the band 1990-2005, he recorded and released seven full length albums. Including "When I Woke" (3x platinum). He also had the honor of sharing the stage with many of his musical influences and heroes including Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin (1995 US/UK tour), Carlos Santana (1997/2002 US tour), The Allman Brothers Band (1995/96 US tour), The Grateful Dead (1995 Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA) and many others. Send Me On My Way also became the first song on Mars where it “woke up” NASA’s Mars Rover.