Skydiving: Why It Makes You So Happy

Disclaimer: This blog post is not written to try and convince you to go skydiving by saying it will make you feel “incredibly happy.” Nope, we’re going to keep things on the up and up, so here’s some truth: skydiving will make you feel a level of happiness you haven’t experienced in years. The act of skydiving creates a chemical mix in your brain that’s not unlike medication prescribed to counteract depression. This is why skydiving is so addictive – it makes you feel INCREDIBLE!

Unhappy Skydivers Don’t Exist

If you’ve never visited a dropzone before then prepare to hang out with some of the happiest, most chill people in the world. At the DZ you’ll hear laughter all day as jumpers animatedly chat with each other – you can feel positive energy. The reason for this is because everyone is high – not on any kind of drug, but on endorphins created in the brain that makes people feel… you guessed it – happy. You won’t find an unhappy skydiver unless it’s a rainy day!

Getting Past Your Fear (and the Door)

If you’ve never made a skydive before, it’s likely you’re feeling a ton of anxiety and of course, that’s perfectly normal, but it’s important to know that you will be rewarded with a spell of euphoria that feels oh-so-amazing. Your skydive experience will not be a complete freak-out session, but rather one of the most exhilarating and joyful events in your life once you get past the door. The scariest part of skydiving is preparing to leave the plane, but once leaving the safety of the airplane something magical happens – the fear leaves you instantly (this is no exaggeration)! Fear is replaced with exhilaration. At no point do you feel like you’re:

Out of control
Plummeting to earth
Unstable
Getting ground rush
Going 120mph

Instead, you feel in control as if you’re floating (the sensation of skydiving is very hard to describe) and that floating sensation is amazing.

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
– George Addair

How Does Skydiving Affect Your Body?

Skydiving is like therapy for many because of how it makes you feel. The explosion of adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine secreted in the brain makes people feel incredible. Many veterans who suffer from PTSD have taken up skydiving as a form of therapy. For those with overactive brains, skydiving quiets the brain and forces you to live completely in the moment.

The Mental Cocktails:

Adrenaline

Have you ever heard of someone who summoned the energy to lift a car off of a trapped person with superhuman strength? That’s adrenaline! Adrenaline is a powerful hormone in the body that can force a physical change immediately! An adrenaline rush is what scientists have termed as “excitation transfer process.” Whatever you call it, we can affirm that the boost of adrenaline is like a dose of empowerment and exhilaration that has lasting effects well after the skydive is over!

Serotonin

Did you know that Prozac and Zoloft are designed to increase serotonin levels in the brain in order to help battle depression? Serotonin combats anxiety and creates a sense of calm. A skydive will give your brain a serotonin surge and is why many therapists have recommended people experience adrenaline or extreme sports.

Dopamine

Similar to serotonin, dopamine affects one’s motivation and energy which influences learning, sleep, mood, and even how the body processes pain. Too much or too little dopamine plays a large role in an individual’s mental health. The surge of dopamine experienced during a skydive is directly tied to the skydiver’s happiness high, not dissimilar to a runner’s high (if you’re a runner, you totally get this).

Is Skydiving Addictive?

Yes. Anything that makes you feel this good (while being completely legal) is addictive. It’s not just about being happy, but the added bonus of taking a break from one’s thoughts and being completely in the moment is what makes the skydiving experience so addictive. It’s not unlike any other adrenaline-fueled activity that makes you feel alive.

If you desire to make a skydive but feel unsure, we invite you to visit us in person or call us! We’d be happy to speak with you about the entire experience!

First Time Skydiving: 5 Things You Should Know

Can You Be Too Old To Skydive?

What is Tandem Skydiving?

Why Skydivers Are Some of the Happiest People in the World