Finding awe in difficult times

When life feels overwhelming, it can be hard to get through the day.

We move from headline to headline. Notification to notification. Task to task.

And somewhere along the way, we stop noticing the world around us.

But research suggests that experiencing awe — moments of wonder, amazement, or deep appreciation — can have a powerful impact on our mental well-being[1].

What is awe?

Awe is the feeling we experience when something reminds us that life is bigger than our immediate stressors.

It’s that feeling you get when:

  • Standing in the mountains

  • Watching a sunset

  • Looking up at the stars

  • Hearing a powerful piece of music

  • Watching someone do something deeply inspiring

  • Seeing art that moves you

  • Witnessing kindness or human resilience

Awe helps interrupt the constant cycle of fear, stress, and overwhelm.

It reconnects us to beauty, meaning, and perspective.

Why awe matters right now

Many people today feel emotionally flooded. Social media and news cycles can leave us constantly focused on crisis, conflict, and negativity.

When that becomes our primary emotional environment, it can be difficult to feel hopeful. Experiencing awe helps balance that. It reminds us that alongside all the painful things happening in the world, there is still beauty. Still creativity. Still connection. Still goodness.

Nature as a source of awe

Nature is one of the most accessible ways many people experience awe.

Here in Alberta, we’re fortunate to be close to incredible landscapes.

But awe doesn’t require a major trip or adventure.

It can happen during:

  • A quiet walk in a park

  • Watching snowfall

  • Listening to birds

  • Sitting beside a river

  • Looking at the changing seasons

The key is slowing down enough to actually notice.

Creating space away from screens

Many people notice they feel calmer and more grounded when they spend intentional time away from their phones.

Constant scrolling keeps our brains in a state of stimulation and emotional reactivity.

Stepping away from screens, even briefly, can help us reconnect with the present moment.

That might mean:

  • Going for a walk without your phone

  • Spending time outdoors

  • Painting or creating art

  • Reading a book

  • Listening to music intentionally

  • Spending uninterrupted time with loved ones

These experiences can help us feel more connected to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.

Looking for what is still good

Seeking awe is not about ignoring pain or pretending difficult things aren’t happening. It’s about reminding ourselves that even in hard seasons, there are still moments of beauty, connection, creativity, and hope around us. The more we intentionally make space for those moments, the more supported and grounded we may feel when life becomes overwhelming.

If things have been feeling heavy lately, you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Counselling Alberta offers support for people who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or simply struggling to cope with everything going on around them. Reach out to connect with a counsellor and find support that works for you.

Information for this blog was provided by registered social worker, Krystal Blacklock

[1] Monroy, M., Amster, M., Eagle, J., Zerwas, F. K., Keltner, D., & López, J. E. (2025). Awe reduces depressive symptoms and improves well-being in a randomized-controlled clinical trial. Scientific reports, 15(1), 16453. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96555-w

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