Stargazing: The Wellbeing Reasons to Try It

“Stargazing sessions are on the rise as a new form of mindful meditation – helping people to relieve stress and find mental silence in all things astral.

1. Stargazing Makes You Kinder

Gazing at the stars could make you a nicer person, a study suggests. And that’s because it helps us feel “diminished in the presence of something greater than oneself.” When we look up at the night sky, we realize how insignificant we – and our problems – are. Connecting with the innate power of the dark and unfathomably vast sky invigorates us and helps us remember that there's a much bigger picture going on beyond our busy lives. We feel small and experience a sense of awe when looking at the stars, and this sense of wonder promotes altruistic, helpful and positive social behavior. “By diminishing the emphasis on the individual self, awe may encourage people to forgo strict self-interest to improve the welfare of others.”, said lead researcher, Dr Paul Piff.

2. Stargazing Slows You Down

When you look up at the stars, you’re entirely in the moment, slowly drifting off into a meditative state where things around you start to fade into the background; bringing you enlightenment, peace and a sense of awe. It's like you're freed from all distracting thoughts, obligations and expectations when you contemplate the cosmos. There's nothing to do but stop, watch and reflect – which has plenty of benefits for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

3. Stargazing Is a Stress Reliever

"The night sky is therapy," says Ottawa astronomy educator Gary Boyle. Another 2014 study suggested those who stargaze feel more connected to nature. It brings an inexplicable calmness to your mind and body. Whatever your struggles might be, as soon as you look to the stars, a lot of this weight will fall to the wayside, and the tension in your mind and body will start to loosen.

4. Stargazing Boosts Your Creativity

Your subconscious is kind of your creative ideas factory, home to your innovative and playful spirit. Looking up at the sky – totally being in the moment – brings you that sense of enlightenment, peace and awe. Combined with an almost meditative state, this is when our imagination can roam free and go beyond the limitations our brain often imposes on our thoughts

5. Stargazing Can Be Social

If you want to meet people, why not book a stargazing class or head to a local astronomy evening? A simple Google will show you what’s happening in your area and it can be a fun way to meet new people and share the experience of surveying all the night’s sky has to show us.”

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✨Takeaway: One of nature's most powerful reminders that light exists even in the darkest of times is stargazing. Stargazing can be as simple as taking a break from our hectic schedules and finding some peace or help get a new perspective.

✨Reflection: Have you ever tried stargazing?

#Minfulness #Stargazing #Wellness #Wellbeing #Stress #MentalHealth