Actor Jerry Lewis said, "Adrenaline is wonderful. It covers pain. It covers dementia. It covers everything." Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a stress hormone that triggers our "fight-or-flight" response. When faced with a threat, the brain signals the adrenal glands to release this hormone, which becomes dopamine and then adrenaline. Many people, including self-proclaimed "adrenaline junkies," crave the euphoric feelings that come with adrenaline rushes. They seek thrilling experiences, like jumping out of a helicopter with a stranger or swimming with sharks, just for the thrill. Here are some of the best activities for an adrenaline rush. What's given you an adrenaline rush? Is there anything too exciting to try?
About this list
- 1

Jumping out of a plane with someone you just met feels thrilling. Sky diving's adrenaline rush comes from having time to prepare before the jump. Training and the plane ride demand a lot of willpower and guts to complete it.
40 - 2

Roller coasters provide a great adrenaline rush. Amusement parks offer accessible, affordable options compared to sky diving. You choose your extreme level: a short ride or a major thrill. Riding with a dozen other screaming people makes it fun.
26 - 3

If you skip bungee jumping, try cliff jumping for an adrenaline rush. Make sure you jump into deep water, clear of rocks, hard surfaces, and people.
24 - 4

Free falling hundreds of feet provides an adrenaline rush. Free falling around rock walls or deep oceans is better if a giant rubber band is the only thing keeping you alive.
22 - 5

White water rafting is a thrilling experience. Rough waters, threatening rocks, and big drops make this extreme sport perfect for an adrenaline rush.
19 - 6

Ziplining offers repeated excitement. Suspended in the air on wires, you whiz across water, unsure if you will stop before hitting a tree. The adrenaline rush after landing makes you want to go again quickly.
19 - 7

Hang gliding lets you see an area from a new, beautiful perspective. You experience an adrenaline rush, especially if you fear heights. You also get an exciting flight without a motor.
16 - 8

Paintballing might not be your first adrenaline choice. Running with a paintball gun and hiding from attackers can be intense, even if you've never tried it.
13 - 9

Rockclimbing delivers an adrenaline rush indoors or out. You realize how hard it is halfway up the wall. A crowd of strangers watching adds a feeling of proving yourself.
11 - 10

Deep diving seems calm, like swimming with fish. But deep diving makes you realize you might meet scary marine life. Even in a shark cage, facing a huge, toothed creature still feels exciting.
8 - 11

Want an adrenaline rush without jumping from a plane? Try ice swimming. Your body will hate you at first. Then, you breathe again and feel the adrenaline surge.
3 - 12
Face a fear for an easy adrenaline rush. Fear rejection? Apply for your dream job or flirt with someone. Scared of birds? Go to the park with bread. Realizing fears are irrational frees you with adrenaline.
-2 - 13

Climbing a mountain gives you an adrenaline rush and a tough workout. You cross an item off your list. You also see a breathtaking view from above the clouds.
-3 - 14

Running marathons offer achievement satisfaction and health. They also deliver an adrenaline rush. Plus, you release lots of endorphins.
-19 - 15

Singing karaoke gets an adrenaline rush, even with a bad voice. Public speaking scares many. Public singing seems risky. Letting yourself be vulnerable and have fun makes it a rewarding, embarrassing experience.
Also ranks #42 on Best First Date Ideas
-21
More like this

Best First Date Ideas
Over 1,000 fans voted on 50+ items for Best First Date Ideas, with the top 3 being a museum or aquarium visit, dinner out, and a park stroll.

17 People Share Funny Stories Of Being Mistaken For Employees
On Subreddit r/IDontWorkHereLady, people share funny stories of being mistaken for employees. We've compiled the most hilariously frustrating ones, varying from frustrating to wholesome - vote up the best ones!

Strongest MCU Characters, Ranked
Over 7,000 fans voted on 20+ characters in Strongest Characters In The MCU, Ranked. The current top 3 are Thor, Scarlet Witch, and Doctor Strange.

Best 'My Hero Academia' Fanfiction, Ranked
Over 13K fans voted on 30+ items for Best 'My Hero Academia' Fanfiction, Ranked. The top 3 are Hero Class Civil Warfare, Yesterday Upon The Stair, and Erased Potential.

Comments (0)
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your take and reply to others.
First take? Share what stood out to you.