Once in a while, thrill-seekers would definitely head to amusement parks or any other places that they know for a chance to ride the fastest, tallest, and also scariest thrill rides. It is actually so enjoyable to feel the wind racing, the tracks rumbling, the amazing loop-de-loops, and also stomach-churning drops. All of these would get our blood pumping and adrenaline flowing.
Little did people know, riding all these kinds of thrill rides actually brings health benefits to your own body. Enjoying thrill rides is linked to sensation-seeking as the tendency to enjoy varied, novel, and intense physical experiences such as rock climbing and parachute jumping. At first glance, it may seem to be down to the experience of speed. But the evidence for linking sensation seeking to speed is not compelling.
These are 5 health benefits of thrill rides:
1) Stress Relief
One theory as to why riding thrill rides is so enjoyable has to do with stress relief. Dr. Epstein, a psychologist at the University of Massachusetts, tells the New York Times that, “Being totally absorbed is in itself pleasurable. The complete concentration that blanks out everything else temporarily relieves you from all conflicts. Even if it’s scary, its a way to drive out disturbing thoughts”. Riding a roller coaster can help you forget all of your everyday problems, even if only for a few seconds.
2) Good For Your Lungs
Thrilling activities are often accompanied by heavy breathing, but that doesn’t mean that it’s bad for asthmatics. In fact, a study reported by the US National Library of Medicine reports that asthma patients recorded more regular breathing while on and following their thrill rides.
3) Helps Fight Phobias
If you have ever conquered a fear of heights or spiders before, chances are you felt pretty liberated afterward. The same can be said for riding roller coasters. By overcoming your fear, you will become more confident and courageous in other walks of life too. Phobias can also have severely limiting physiological effects, like sweating and shaking, so laying your worries to rest might help with that too.
4) Clear Your Sinuses
You may know the feeling of your sinuses clearing as you ascend or descend in an airplane. This action can be simulated on a roller coaster on a smaller scale and without being in a pressurized cabin. The sharp up and downforce can work to clear your sinuses and dislodge any blockages.
5) Adrenaline Rush
When you experience an adrenaline rush, your whole body goes through a “fight or flight” response, which is an automatic reaction that will leave you feeling energized and exhilarated, especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie. An adrenaline rush can help make minor aches and pains hurt less.
Sources: Little Things.