“Awe Walks” Increase Prosocial Emotions, Make Smiles Bigger, and Selfies Smaller

Data from a new randomized trial

Here in Connecticut a sweltering summer has given way to a surprisingly brisk fall, and, with COVID-19 still keeping many indoor recreation spots shuttered, outdoor activities remain the go-to for those of us with cabin fever.

If you’re like me, you enjoy a nice walk, and a new study appearing in the journal Emotion suggests there’s a better way to do it. No, it has nothing to do with shoes or posture. It’s about attitude.

We need to walk for awe.

Awe is a positive emotion that people feel when they are in the presence of something bigger than themselves that they can not immediately understand. Awe can be inspired by nature, art, music, collective action, even the courage of others. And yes, you can walk for Awe.

Researchers from UCSF led by Dr. Virginia Sturm wanted to investigate whether “Awe Walks” would lead to emotional benefits.

Here’s how it worked.

52 older adults were recruited and randomized into a control walk group or an awe-walk group.