The Psychological Benefits of Skydiving: Overcoming Fear & Building Confidence

Is skydiving good for your health? It sure is! Whether it’s your first jump or your 1,000th, skydiving not only provides the skydiver exercise benefits but also psychological benefits that can have a positive effect on your overall life. While skydiving might not exactly be a cure-all, it is known to have its fair share of physical, emotional and mental health benefits that you can notice right away!

Does Skydiving Change Your Life?

Skydiving benefits far more than just your physical and mental well-being – it actually has the ability to CHANGE YOUR LIFE! While skydiving is absolutely a darn good time, you’ll find that it quickly morphs into something much more than that. We’re talking about a groundbreaking experience that has the ability to shake things up, change your perspective, and enrich your soul. 

The spiritual benefits of skydiving extend beyond the surface level exhilaration and adrenaline rush that most picture a skydive to encompass. On a skydive, you’re putting yourself in a situation that forces you to push against the natural fight-or-flight instincts and reach out beyond your comfort zone – trusting that your instructor has your best interest and safety in mind. While it may seem daunting at the moment, this brave feat stretches you towards a destination that involves a great deal of personal growth and molds you into a wiser, better you! It’s amazing how jumping from an airplane can change your view on the world as a whole and on an individual level.

Mental & Psychological Benefits of Skydiving

1. A Positive Boost

Throughout the day (and every now and then) we tend to get a little sluggish and in need of a positive boost. No need for a shot of espresso, skydiving gives us a wonderful shot of dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline that makes us feel like a real life superhuman – and it’s au naturel! This combination of chemicals is released as soon as the fight-or-flight response from your body is triggered, which is usually on the airplane to altitude.

One of the best parts of skydiving is how amazing you feel right after. Once you land from the parachute ride, a sense of euphoria rushes over you that can last all day (sometimes longer). Along with the euphoria comes along the huge sense of accomplishment from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and conquering your fears. 

You’ll gain a new found confidence once you discover your true capabilities to withstand being put to the test. You’ll start to wonder what else you can achieve that you’ve been nervous to start. Skydiving will have you thinking that you can do anything. (Hint hint: you totally can!) This feeling is what gets people hooked on skydiving and bleeds into other aspects of your life – impacting them for the better in every way!

2. Enhanced Brain Function

It is scientifically proven that the effects of skydiving on the brain can actually improve brain functionality and memory! The adrenaline hormone is triggered when the brain senses danger and can produce a physical change in the body almost immediately – increasing oxygen uptake, heightening awareness, and giving you supernatural-like strength. Ever wondered how a typical person can lift an entire car in emergency situations? Adrenaline. 

Serotonin, or the “happy hormone,” is also a wonderful chemical that is expressed on a skydive that helps provide your body a sense of calm. While dopamine is pretty similar to serotonin, it also improves brain functionality and learning capabilities, motivation, mood, sleep and pain processing. Dopamine is usually the culprit of many mental health disorders – whether the brain has too much or too little. 

3. Improved Mental Health & Clarity

In a world where every day brings its own uncertainty, especially in its current state, it’s easy to feel stuck on an endless rollercoaster of change. But consider this: if just looking up into a clear blue sky can offer a reprieve, imagine the tranquility that comes with being up there! 

One of the most subtle but most life-altering advantages of skydiving is the overall sense of clarity you’ll have during and after your skydive. As soon as you jump out of the airplane, all of those nagging worries and what-ifs vanish in the exhilarating rush of the moment. It’s just you, the wind, and the pure joy of freefall. When you’re soaring through the skies, suddenly nothing else matters.

Even when the parachute opens, the pure bliss of the pin-drop silence whilst underneath a colorful canopy, floating above the beautiful Earth. Ahhhhhh. Need we say more? The view alone has a way of changing your perspective in a powerful way that opens your mind and grounds you in your authentic being. Skydiving is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.

The health benefits of skydiving add an extra layer of sweet reward that you can use to justify even further going through with making the leap. Ready to reap the positive effects of skydiving? Contact your dropzone and schedule a skydive today! Blue skies.