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The secret to making activity more interesting

Behaviour technique

By Weight Watchers
Last updated 11 September 2024
Woman walking her dog in a park, wearing red workout leggings and a white jacket.

If you’ve ever looked at a vast open field, a beautiful piece of art, or just something cool and thought, “Whoa,” you know awe—it’s that feeling of wonder and amazement. Use it to make your next walk, bike ride, or other movement extra energising.

Try this!

Scout out a spot. Choose a place you haven’t been before or paid much attention to in the past. Unplug fully. Silence or turn off your phone so you can tune into your surroundings undisturbed.   Move mindfully. Notice your breathing, how you connect with the ground, and the sights and sounds. Find inspiration. What around you feels energising or intriguing? What colours, shapes, spaces, scents, or other details are you drawn to?

Let’s dive a little deeper…

Bored with your activity routine? Do you tend to fixate on how hard it feels, count down the minutes until you’re done, or dread even getting started? An awe walk (or bike ride, rollerblade, kayak, swim—whatever!) can totally shift your perspective.

Taking time to notice and appreciate what’s interesting, inspiring, or amazing about your surroundings—whether you switch up your route or see an old one with fresh eyes—helps focus your attention and enjoy activity more in the moment, making it more likely you’ll want to do it again. It also helps you tap into awe’s well of benefits. Research suggests awe increases wellbeing and life satisfaction while also decreasing stress. A small study even suggests it could lead you to choose healthier food options shortly after your awe-filled experience.

Bottom line: Combining awe and activity is multitasking at its best. It energises both body and mind in ways that can inspire you to move more, find more joy in your journey, and get even closer to your goals.

Awe Walk | WW Australia