It’s an emotion that’s tricky to describe, but researchers writing in the latest issue of Psychological Sciences describe “awe” the following way: A feeling that comes from experiencing something striking in size or scope; something that changes the way you perceive the world. These jaw-dropping moments don’t need to be epic—listening to an incredible orchestra or watching a yogi do some mind-melding pretzel poses are a few examples. (We’d like to add “Daniel Craig in the new Bond movie” to the list.) More from Prevention: Mindfulness For Busy Schedules In three related experiments, the research team evaluated whether feelings of awe could actually expand a person’s sense of available time. And it worked. Study participants who experienced a feeling of awe—from things like watching a video of the Eiffel tower or seeing a birds-eye view of Paris—felt as though they had more time than those who didn’t. And that’s not all: Researchers also showed that awe reduces impatience, enhances life satisfaction, and makes people more likely to invest in experiences rather than material goods. “When people pay attention to the present—which is what these kinds of experiences encourage—time sort of stands still,” says study author Kathleen Vohs, PhD, a professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota. “They think they have more time because they’re in the ‘here and now.’” So how can you steal this awesome trick? Try these: Swap screensavers: Visual stimulus is strongly linked to feelings of awe, so pick a screensaver that inspires you. “The grand canyon or a starry sky are great examples,” Vohs says. “People report that it really takes them away from daily stressors.” Focus on family: Even being around loved ones can trigger feelings of awe and slow down the clock, says Vohs. “Kids, especially, seem to inspire the emotion,” she says. Get outside: Skip the gym in favor of a bike ride, or enjoy a brief walk somewhere remote. If you’re really crunched for time, Vohs suggests glancing skyward. “That feeling of vastness can be so powerful,” she says. More from Prevention: Surprising Health Lessons From Your To-Do List Follow her on Twitter: @katiedrumm Send news tips and positive vibes to: Katie.Drummond@rodale.com
