Awe Walks in the Hallways

Duration: 10–15 minutes (can be integrated into daily routines)
Participants age: Teachers
Well-being area: Positive emotions, mindfulness, gratitude, stress reduction
Feasibility for teachers: Easy – no special preparation needed, just intentional practice
Materials: None required (optional: reflection journal)

Description

An Awe Walk is a mindful walk through the school hallways with the intention of noticing and appreciating positive aspects of the environment. Instead of rushing or focusing on problems, teachers walk expecting to see evidence of joyful learning, collaboration, and authentic engagement.
Examples:

Look for creative student work displayed in the hallways.
Notice moments of connection between colleagues or students.
Browse digital spaces with curiosity and appreciation for authentic learning.

The principle: We find what we are looking for. By intentionally seeking awe and positivity, we shift our mindset toward gratitude and joy.

Why

Experiencing awe has proven benefits for well-being:

Reduces stress and anxiety by shifting focus away from worries.
Enhances positive emotions such as wonder, gratitude, and joy.
Strengthens social connection by fostering appreciation for others’ efforts.
Improves mental health and resilience through mindfulness and perspective-taking.
Research shows that awe can increase life satisfaction and even improve physiological health by lowering inflammation and stress markers.

Learn more

Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2023). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on psychological science, 18(2), 309-320.
Levasseur, A. (2023, September 8). How Awe Walks Helped My Students Slow Down. Greater Good Magazine, Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_awe_walks_helped_my_students_slow_down
Fontaine, S., can Leeuwen, M., Hannam, J., & Newsom, D. (2025). 8206 Awe walks for young people: a feasibility study.