For many, feeling afraid is just as exciting as conquering whatever it is they’re afraid of—albeit clowns, ghosts, or heights. But have you ever wondered why?
For many people everyday life can feel overly routinized. When scared we are fully aware, conscious and in the moment. We are not preoccupied thinking about what happened yesterday or what we have to do tomorrow. When you’re scared, your brain engages in the fight-or-flight response. First coined by Walter Bradford Cannon, this psychological reaction occurs in response to a perceived dangerous event or threat to survival. And it feels good.
Our arousal system is activated and triggers a cascade of ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters and hormones like endorphin, dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline that influence our brains and our bodies. Once we recognize that we’re safe, we shape this state of heightened stimulation as a positive experience.
All it takes is a moment (even less than a second) to realize we’re safe and switch over to laughter and joy. What’s more, undergoing a scary experience cannot only make you feel good about yourself—but proud, too. Psychologically when we make it through a safe yet scary activity, it results in feelings of confidence, competence, accomplishment, and success – it’s a real self-esteem boost. There’s nothing quiet like defeating a hoard of zombies in a haunted house or jumping out of a plane to make you feel like you can take on the world.
Almost like an addiction, the following sensation of relief or success after a scary experience leads to a rush of chemicals that can have an addictive quality, which is why most people continue seeking more scary thrills. And perhaps most importantly, being scared can also simply make you feel closer to someone. We’re taking on these challenges together and in doing so creating stronger bonds, stronger memories, and feelings of closeness. If you watch people coming out of a haunted house you’ll see lots of hugs and high fives.
This technology may scare you – SHOWME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5cxM-g_b9w
Here’s Why You Enjoy Feeling Afraid
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