--- title: The Science of Awe | MCI Institute description: Discover how the science of awe can boost brain function, reduce stress, and enhance emotional wellbeing. image: https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MCI_Dec2016/Image/mci-logo.png?width=260&height=94&name=mci-logo.png --- [![MCI_Institute.png](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20%26%20Favicon/Logo.png?width=100&height=40&name=Logo.png "MCI_Institute.png")](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/) Call us on [1300 658 388](tel:1300%20658%20388)   [![MCI Institute Online Courses](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MCIinstitute_RGB_Color_Black-01%20(2).png?width=113&name=MCIinstitute_RGB_Color_Black-01%20(2).png)](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/) [ Free Career Consult ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/contact-us) # Wellbeing Blog # The Science of Awe Posted by [Morgan Beame](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/morgan-beame) on Jul 4, 2025 8:46:09 AM ![Morgan Beame](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hubfs/Morgan-1.png)   Welcome to your MCI Wellbeing Blog for July! This month, we're exploring the power of awe. Have you ever felt a deep sense of amazement - like when standing beneath a star-filled sky, watching a thunderstorm roll in, or hearing a piece of music that moves you to tears? That feeling is called *awe*, and it’s more than just a fleeting emotion. It’s a powerful experience that can positively affect your brain, body, and overall wellbeing. **What Is Awe?** Awe is the emotional response we feel when we encounter something vast, beautiful, or beyond our understanding. Unlike other positive emotions like joy or amusement, awe often makes us feel small—but in a good way. It shifts our focus away from ourselves and toward something greater, encouraging humility, curiosity, and connection. ** ![wellbeing blog -Jul-03-2025-10-42-30-6672-PM](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/wellbeing%20blog%20-Jul-03-2025-10-42-30-6672-PM.png?width=600&height=400&name=wellbeing%20blog%20-Jul-03-2025-10-42-30-6672-PM.png)** **How Awe Affects the Brain** Neuroscience shows that awe reduces activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is responsible for self-referential thoughts and rumination. When this network quiets down, we become less focused on our worries and more open to the present moment. This can lead to lower stress levels, improved mood, and increased mindfulness. Awe also boosts cognitive flexibility, helping us think more creatively and adapt to new situations. It’s been linked to better problem-solving, increased curiosity, and even enhanced memory. ** ** **Awe and Emotional Wellbeing** Experiencing awe regularly can lead to greater life satisfaction and a stronger sense of meaning. It encourages prosocial behaviour, making us more generous, empathetic, and community-minded. People who feel awe are more likely to help others and feel a deeper sense of connection to their communities. Awe also helps us regulate emotions. By shifting our perspective, it allows us to reframe challenges and approach problems with a calmer, more open mindset. **![wellbeing blog (1)-2](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/wellbeing%20blog%20%20(1)-2.png?width=600&height=400&name=wellbeing%20blog%20%20(1)-2.png) ** **How Awe Benefits Students** For students, awe can be especially powerful. It helps reduce academic stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system and promoting a sense of perspective. When students experience awe—whether through nature, or creative projects—they often feel more motivated and engaged. Awe also enhances learning. It boosts curiosity, which is key to deep understanding, and improves memory retention by making experiences more emotionally meaningful. ** ** **Finding Awe in Everyday Life** You don’t need to travel to a mountaintop to experience awe. It can be found in everyday moments—watching a sunrise, reading a powerful poem, or observing the intricate patterns of a leaf. The key is to slow down and be present. Try watching a nature documentary, listening to music that gives you goosebumps, or taking a mindful walk in your neighbourhood. Even brief moments of awe can have lasting effects on your wellbeing. ** ** **Why Awe Matters** In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, awe offers a much-needed pause. It helps us step back from stress, reconnect with our values, and feel part of something larger. Whether you're seeking clarity, calm, or inspiration, awe is a simple and powerful tool for mental and emotional health.   **Recommended Resources** - [**Queensland Brain Institute – The Science of Awe**](https://qbi.uq.edu.au/blog/2025/04/what-does-awe-do-our-brains) - [**Greater Good in Education – Awe for Students**](https://ggie.berkeley.edu/student-well-being/awe-for-students/) - [**Student Wellbeing Hub (Australia)**](https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/)** – **A government-supported platform with free tools and resources to support emotional wellbeing and resilience in students.   **Final Thoughts** Awe isn’t just a beautiful feeling - it’s a gateway to deeper learning, emotional resilience, and human connection. By embracing moments of wonder in our daily lives, we can nurture our brains, uplift our spirits, and foster a more compassionate world. Whether you're an educator, student, or simply someone seeking more meaning, cultivating awe is a small act with profound impact. So pause, look up, and let yourself be amazed - you might just find more than you were looking for. ** ** **Need assistance as a student at MCI?** Do you require assistance with your studies at MCI? Do you need a role play partner? Be reminded, to please reach out to your mentor. Finally, you always have the option and are encouraged to interact with other students by joining the MCI Student Facebook page. [![Join our group here](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2552316/aeb52c30-ae9f-4873-8262-1694a36bcca5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2552316/aeb52c30-ae9f-4873-8262-1694a36bcca5) **If you would like to ****talk to ****an**** MCI Mentor, please click below:** **[![Book a time for us to chat](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2552316/f6f00323-24a3-4a14-9f17-ae789fcfa744.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2552316/f6f00323-24a3-4a14-9f17-ae789fcfa744)** All the best! --- [![Morgan Beame](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Morgan-1.png?width=210&height=210&name=Morgan-1.png) ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/morgan-beame) July 3, 2025 #### [By Morgan Beame](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/morgan-beame) Morgan Beame is a student mentor at MCI Institute. She has a background in medical and customer service industries. Courses mentoring: Certificate III Supply Chain Operations (Warehousing Operations), Certificate III in Cleaning Operations, Certificate IV Human Resources, Diploma of Human Resources Management, Certificate IV in Business (Operations), Certificate IV Leadership and Management and Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration). ![MCI logo](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/hubfs/MCI_Dec2016/Image/Footer%20Logo.png "MCI logo") Follow us - - - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/school/3357597) #### Get In touch *[**1300 658 388**](tel:1300%20658%20388)* Level 13, 201 Miller Street North Sydney, NSW, 2060 Australia [Get in touch with us](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/contact-us/) #### Enter your email below to subscribe to our newsletter **Quick Links** [All Courses ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/course-search-mci) [About Us](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/about-us/) [Our Student Reviews](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/graduate-reviews/) [Blog](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-live) [Wellbeing Blog](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/wellbeing) **Popular Courses**   [Business Courses](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-business-courses) [Business Administration Courses ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-business-adm-courses) [Human Resources Courses ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-human-resources-courses) [Leadership Courses](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-leadership-management-courses) [Project Management Courses ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-project-management-courses) **Studying with MCI **   [How to Enrol](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/how-to-enrol-mci) [Princing & Duration ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-course-duration-and-pricing) [Pathways to University ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/mci-pathways-to-uni/) ##### Copyright © MCI 2025, Management Consultancy International Pty Ltd trading as MCI Institute RTO 91088 [Book A Free Career Consult ](https://www.mciinstitute.edu.au/contact-us/) ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/970079241/?guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=403535840007966&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "AU", "addressLocality" : "Sydney", "addressRegion" : "NSW", "postalCode" : "2000", "streetAddress" : "Level 4, 23 Hunter Street" }, "description" : "Upgrade your career with accredited online business courses at MCI Institute. 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