BestCasinoSites.net spoke to James Roy, brain health expert at Brainworks Neurotherapy, to reveal how thrill-seeking can be good for your mental health:
- Adrenaline rushes are biologically good for you
Engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities triggers the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins and dopamine which serve as natural stress-relievers, inducing feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
An interesting study claims that roller coaster rides might just be the therapy you need. Don’t let the fear of stepping into the unknown overpower you! Start by taking small steps to introduce adventure into your life, which can be immensely rewarding and have a profound impact on your wellbeing.
2. You get to focus on the present
Whether you’re navigating through rough terrains or just about to jump off a plane, the intensity of the adventure pulls you out of your head, encouraging mindfulness and presence in the moment. Immersing yourself fully in the present helps diminish stress, letting go of worries about the past or future as you connect more deeply with your inner self.
3. You get a huge self-esteem boost
Taking on new challenges and accomplishing them not only drums up confidence but also provides a sense of self-belief. Whether embarking on grand adventures or small ventures, each new experience can act as a powerful catalyst for personal growth as you break through your own barriers and develop greater abilities to cope with stress and adversity.
4. You get to achieve mental clarity
From scaling mountains to forest cycling, adventure sports often take place outdoors which can be an excellent stress-buster. Navigating challenging terrains or conquering physical obstacles demands intense focus and this heightened cognitive engagement not only enhances mental clarity, but also hones problem-solving skills. Exposure to natural settings can offer a rejuvenating effect on the mind, and is especially effective in reducing mental fatigue and fostering a sense of vitality and mental wellbeing.
Top 15 thrill-seeking destinations for adventure lovers revealed
Final scores out of ten take into account each country’s normalised population. For the complete data, please click here. The data has also been visualised into a graphic, available for editorial use here.
France reigns as the adventure capital of the world
According to the study, France is the world’s adventure capital, boasting an overall adrenaline score of 8.86/10. Prized for its stunning mountain ranges from the Pyrenees, Alps to Chamonix, the country offers over 720,000 hiking trails. Test your limits by conquering Europe’s highest peak, the Mont Blanc ranges, towering at 4,810 metres, or by jumping on one of France’s 227 thrilling roller coaster rides!
Adrenaline checklist in France: Cliff Jumping from the Calanques, Rock climbing overhanging limestone in Provence, Cycling on a glacier.
Trailing behind in second is Mexico, achieving a final score of 8.56/10. Your journey to this Latin American gem can be incredibly action-packed as you scale Mexico’s iconic snow-capped cone, Pico de Orizaba, with a peak of 5,636 metres above sea level; tackle one of the world’s biggest sport climbing areas at El Potrero Chico; or indulge in the thrill of games at any of the 364 casinos* Mexico boasts.
Adrenaline checklist in Mexico: Extreme urban downhill biking in Taxco; Bungee jumping at Los Cabos, Zip-lining in the Jungles of Yucatan.
The land of paella and sangria ranks as the third must-visit destination for adventurous souls, scoring 8.41/10. Spain offers an enticing array of outdoorsy pursuits, boasting the highest number of thrill-seeking trails – from rock climbing (10,600), mountain biking (6,430,000), to hiking (10,300,000) – among all cities studied. Spain’s pristine landscape appears tailor-made for adventure enthusiasts.
Adrenaline checklist in Spain: Rock climbing In Picos De Europa; Canyoning at Junta de los Rios; Andalucía, Walking the El Caminito del Rey.
Argentina takes fourth place, earning an impressive final score of 8.34/10. Home to the third highest peak (6,960 metres) in the study, The Aconcagua attracts over 3,000 mountaineers annually, despite being nicknamed the ‘Mountain of Death’. With a whopping 172 casinos*, includingSouth America’s largest casino complex, the Trilenium, Argentina offers ample opportunities for both seasoned risk-takers and casual players alike.
Adrenaline checklist in Argentina: Mountain biking in Bariloche; Ice trek on top of Perito Moreno Glacier, Paragliding with Condors in Córdoba.
From kayaking down the Grand Canyon to cliff camping in Colorado, the United States rounds off the top five adrenaline hotspots, earning an impressive final score of 8.16/10. With the highest density of casinos in the study totalling 2,937 across the country, and over 900 roller coasters – including the world’s second-fastest roller coaster, Kingda Ka – America is a must-visit if you crave the rush of adrenaline.
Adrenaline checklist in the US: Rafting in the Grand Canyon, Mountain biking the Grand Staircase in Utah, Rock Climbing in Yosemite National Park.
