What are considered extreme sports? Some spine-tingling examples include cave diving, bungee jumping, kitesurfing, abseiling, white water rafting, and base jumping, just to name a few. Yes, these sports are certainly extreme, and for many of us, they’re frightening enough to raise the hair on the back of our necks just contemplating the thought of attempting them. But for others, the temptation to try out these terrifying experiences outweighs the fear that many of us feel towards them.
So, what’s the appeal of extreme sports? If you’re studying for a psychology degree like an online Masters in Mental Health Counseling, you’ll no doubt learn the psychological factors behind why some humans seek the thrill of participating in extreme sporting activities others prefer to avoid.
Let’s explore what it is that draws thrillseekers to extreme sports, and the psychology behind these potentially life-threatening choices.
Chasing That Spine-Tingling Adrenaline Rush
What is adrenaline? And why does it inspire some people to consider pursuing activities that are arguably – in the eyes of perhaps more wary individuals – quite stupid? Or at the very least, life-threateningly risky, as in the case of extreme sports?
Adrenaline – the hormone that is excreted into our bloodstream by our adrenal glands – is part of the biological function that helps prepare the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response in the face of a dangerous or life-threatening situation. It makes sense, then, that when we’re choosing to jump off a cliff, or out of a plane, our adrenal hormone will skyrocket – causing the adrenaline ‘rush’ many adventurers and thrillseekers are seemingly obsessed with attaining.
So, why extreme sports? Well, it seems many of these so-called adrenaline ‘junkies’ will stop at nothing to reach the exhilarating peak of this hormonally-charged out-of-body sensation. That rush is, indeed, what drives many extreme sports enthusiasts to seek out these risky activities. Yes, partaking in extreme sports can fulfill the pursuit of the physiological high that is associated with putting ourselves in near-mortal danger.
Seeking Thrills, Adventure, And Excitement
The truth is, we don’t move enough in the monotony of our daily lives. Many of us don’t really do very much either, to be frank – at least, nothing particularly exciting. From the drudgery of working our daily 9 – 5 jobs to keeping our kitchens clean, and perhaps, if we’re feeling particularly adventurous, fitting in a gym session after work, there really isn’t much excitement to be had on a day-to-day basis. Yes, for some of us, we’re simply seeking thrills to break up the mundane reality of real life. Enter extreme sports.
In favor of extreme sports, it can also be argued that overcoming our fear of participating in these types of activities also enhances our confidence. In this sense, extreme sports are not only a cure for boredom, but they can also improve our sense of self-esteem, self-worth, and achievement. The exhilarating feeling of fulfillment one can experience from ticking off a bucket-list activity – like bungee jumping in South Africa, or paragliding over the Swiss Alps – is also without compare.
Improving Our Mental Health And Well-Being
According to Dr. Eric Brymer, an accomplished behavioral scientist and senior lecturer at Australia’s Southern Cross University, partaking in extreme sports is actually good for us. Or at least, for our mental state, that is.
Why? According to Dr. Brymer, participating in an extreme sporting activity quite literally forces us to be present in the moment – a central aspect of mindfulness. The benefits of mindfulness have been well-documented: it has been associated with a greater sense of connectedness with the world, inner fulfillment, and even, a superior quality of life. In addition to this, Dr. Brymer believes that extreme sports can help us separate ourselves from the stress and anxiety of our daily lives – allowing room for mental release and a calmer state of mind.
From chasing that elusive adrenaline rush, to actively seeking the thrill and excitement of adventure to break up the monotony of daily life, extreme sports certainly have their appeal – if you don’t mind risking your life.
But, besides the risk of experiencing potentially fatal injuries, extreme sports can be good for us. Overcoming our fear of participating in extreme sports can enhance our confidence, improve our self-esteem, and also, help us cultivate a calmer, happier mental state.
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