A Waterford doctor and the power of 'awe' 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a Waterford doctor is encouraging people to 'make time for awe' and in doing so enhance their health and wellbeing.

To coincide with the them of the month Dr Mark Rowe, who is a best-selling author of four books and lifestyle medicine pioneer is championing the aforementioned theme.

Highly respected as a leading wellbeing expert, Dr Rowe is encouraging everyone in the community to pause, reflect and reconnect with the power of ‘awe’ in daily life. 'Make Time for Awe' is a simple and powerful approach to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

Many people associate 'awe' with once-off inspiring life events, however, Dr Rowe said it can be part of everyday life: “In our fast-paced, hyperconnected world, awe is often overlooked, yet the experience of awe is at the cutting edge of research on emotional wellbeing."

"Our bodies respond differently when we are experiencing awe than when we are feeling joy, contentment or fear. Awe, those moments that stop us in our tracks and fill us with wonder, can have profound benefits for mental health," he said.

"They can expand our perspective, reduce stress, and foster a deeper sense of connection with others and the world around us," he added.

Dr Rowe said that physically, awe activates the ‘vagal nerves’ or the clusters of neurons in the spinal cord that regulate various bodily functions, slowing our heart rate and breathing, while easing digestion. He said that in addition, it also has psychological benefits: "Many of us have a critical voice in our head, telling us we’re not smart enough, beautiful or simply good enough. Awe seems to quieten this negative self-talk."

Dr Rowe has spent years researching the intersection of science, spirituality, and wellbeing and his message for May is clear: "Positive mental health is not just about addressing illness, it’s an ongoing strategy to actively nurture resilience, cultivate micro-moments of joy and experience meaning in everyday life."

Dr Mark Rowe details the health benefits as ‘AWESOME’: A - An antidote to stress; W - Wonder and inspiration; E - Enhances health - supports immunity and lowers inflammation; S - Satisfaction with life increases; O - Other-centred, in terms of connectedness, cooperation and kindness; M - More curious and creative; E - Emotional wellbeing and happiness increase.

“Making time for awe in daily life might sound lofty, but it’s actually about slowing down just enough to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary," he added. Throughout May, Dr. Rowe will be sharing daily reflections and simple practices to help individuals invite 'awe' into their everyday lives, on his social media channels as part of the #MakeTimeForAwe in the month of May. 

For more information, follow Dr Rowe on @DrMarkRowe or visit drmarkrowe.com