Seeking that adrenaline rush

Skydiving

All too often, I think people get mired down by the responsibilities of life: kids (or in my case pets), family, finances, career etc …. We end up in a routine that becomes comfortable and familiar. There’s a sense of security that comes with that. However, every once in a while, I think it’s a good thing to step outside of that routine and do something that really shakes things up; something that gets the adrenaline going and makes you feel truly alive.

Above is a picture of me jumping out of an airplane on my 31st birthday. I have the picture framed inside a card I bought at a store called Successories. The card has the following caption:

“We take risks not to escape life … but to prevent life from escaping us.”

For my 30th birthday I had decided to do nothing particularly special to mark the event. I hung out with my BFF and she made me one of her mom’s awesome mocha cakes. Because of that lackluster celebration, the following year I felt I needed to change things up in a big way. So, I jumped out of an airplane at 18,000 feet while harnessed to a tandem instructor. We free fell to an altitude of about 5,000 feet – a trip that takes over a minute. That’s more than a full minute of falling at over 120mph! 🙂

That’ll get your heart rate going!

Adrenaline rush

According to Psychology Today, adrenaline created by an abrupt blast of stress sends a flood of oxygen-rich red blood cells through your body, boosts your immune system, and signals your brain to start releasing painkilling dopamine and endorphins.

Another time in my life when I sought that adrenaline rush was on my honeymoon in New Zealand. The Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown was quite close to where we were staying. So Gary and I decided to take the plunge again … only this time literally!

I actually found bungy jumping to be scarier than jumping out of a plane. When you jump from a plane, you’re so high up that when you’re free falling you don’t get a true sense that the ground is getting closer even though it is! With bungy jumping, unless you close your eyes, you see the ground getting closer and closer. I actually hit the end of the bungy about 5 feet from the water but Gary’s head went in the water!

Time for another rush

Honestly, I don’t consider myself an adrenaline junkie, but there is something to be said about doing something that seems wildly crazy. It’s seriously exhilarating once you get over the heart pounding fear! 😉 It gives you energy and makes you feel like you can tackle just about anything!

There was one other opportunity in Auckland, New Zealand where we could have jumped off the Sky Tower. On this one, you plummet 630 feet off the Sky Tower at 52 mph and fall towards a big red X on the concrete pavement. Neither one of us had the guts to do this at that time. However, if we ever go back, I just may have to give that one a try.

Question: Since I don’t see myself getting to Auckland, NZ any time soon, does anyone have any other suggestions for getting that adrenaline rush?