There is a large body of evidence about the link between getting out in nature – and doing physical activity in nature – and wellbeing. But a recent study among older adults showed that the bigger the landscape and the more awe-inspiring, the more likely people were to feel more connected, more thankful and less stressed.
Researchers from the University of California and Trinity College Dublin asked a group of older adults to go out a weekly walk. Some were asked to seek out vast, physical landscapes and new environments, while others were asked to take regular walks in their usual surroundings.
One of the aims of the study was to explore the effect of “awe” in nature on participants’ wellbeing and general brain health – with awe defined as a positive emotion triggered by an awareness of something much larger than the self.
Over the course of the eight-week study, the awe-walkers experienced increases in their compassion for others and their gratitude – and in their sense of wonder and appreciation for the outside world. However, the control group’s thoughts remained more inward-focused, dominated by their usual daily concerns.
This change in the thoughts and feelings of the group of awe-walkers was illustrated in the selfies that the walkers were instructed to take during their weekly outings. As the weeks went by, the awe group made themselves smaller in the frame, instead choosing to highlight the landscapes around them.
The researchers concluded that the awe walks promote what they call the “small self” – a healthy sense of proportion in one’s relationship with the world. For older adults, the awe walks could help to maintain a healthy brain, said the researchers.
Across West Sussex, we are lucky to have lots of potentially awe-inspiring areas to explore, such as the South Downs, coastal areas and North Downs. So what are the key ingredients for an awe-walk? Here are some tips:
-
Seek out new and impressive environments
-
Put your phone on silent or aeroplane mode to limit interruptions
-
Change your route each week to keep things fresh and increase your sense of adventure and exploration
-
Try local parks, gardens or monuments if you can’t get out of your urban surroundings.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you can find sources of local support on this website.
