Get adrenaline in such extreme ways. It's a heady feeling: the role of adrenaline in our lives. Can adrenaline be harmful?

Ecology of consumption. Cognitively: From the characteristic beating of the heart and the surging feeling that appears in the chest and spreads to the very tips of the fingers ...

This article is about adrenaline and its role in our lives. Photographer Aaron Tilley (Aaron Tilley) and director Kyle Bean (Kyle Bean) specially recreated in photographs such unsettling moments when something terrible is about to happen.

The project highlights a curious connection between the perception of the mind and the response of the body. The mere anticipation of an upcoming event causes an adrenaline rush, even if nothing has actually happened yet.

In anxious anticipation

From the characteristic beating of the heart and the surging feeling that appears in the chest and spreads to the very tips of the fingers, to muscle spasm and rapid breathing: These are the effects of adrenaline that we feel physically in our body, but they actually start in our brain.

There is a curious relationship between what the mind perceives and how the body reacts to it. Adrenaline affects our autonomic nervous system when something bad is expected to happen, even if nothing has happened yet. This hormonal surge is an essential survival tool for our ancient ancestors, who had to fight or flee to protect themselves from immediate threats.

These surges prepare our body for danger, ahead of the impending event and our reaction to it. Otherwise, a person might not survive the saber-toothed tiger.

adrenaline effects on physical level we owe it to our adrenal glands. When a stressful situation occurs, there is a feeling of fear and danger, the neuroendocrine cells of the adrenal medulla produce a powerful hormone called epinephrine, better known as adrenaline.

But the human mind is a powerful thing. We have the ability to induce the same inner rush just by thinking about the worrying moment rather than actually living it. Whether you're getting ready to ask for a raise, contemplating a steep ski slope coming up soon, or getting up the courage to ask a super sweet friend/girlfriend out on a date, it's all stressful situations, which the brain perceives in the same way as a free fall from a height of 2000 meters. Even if at this time you are sitting at kitchen table and drink tea.

AT documentary Adrenaline: The Science of Risk (2002) states that a person is the only being, which exposes itself to mortal danger in pursuit of a pleasant pastime.

But not all of us are excited about this. Someone enjoys sitting at home and unraveling crosswords from the Sunday newspaper, while someone needs to conquer the Half Dome granite monolith in Yosemite to complete the experience.

Fortunately, the adrenaline rush can be felt without putting yourself in real danger.

AT modern world instead of escaping from wild animals, a new generation of extreme people actively get similar experiences through innovative ways- artificially. There is no need to expose yourself to risks when there is safe options similar stimuli.

Numerous digital platforms provide an opportunity to experience thrill away from the epicenter of events. We have a veritable smorgasbord of experiences available to us: fear from horror movies on Netflix, adventures with professional climbers on Instagram, or broadcast of the NBA Finals on some website.

Honestly, when there are no enemies, there is no need to fight for survival, everyday life getting a little... boring. Despite the fact that it is convenient, the same route of travel, the same established order affairs in the same city loses its luster over time.

Previously, most often a person only in his own dreams could visit unknown lands, and now many people turn such dreams into reality, document and post on the Internet, sharing their achievement with the whole world.

Feeling the need for adrenaline, you can get the thrill of just watching other people's adventures. Here, the key factor is empathy, empathy with the current emotional state of another person. Living someone else's experience can be incredibly powerful. And all you need is an internet connection. You instantly satisfy your adrenaline rush from the comfort of your couch.

The desire for an indirect experience of adrenaline is not a new phenomenon. When the moon landing was televised spaceship Apollo 11 in 1969, 600 million people clung to television screens. Awestruck and uneasy, they stared at the grainy footage.

Four decades later, we can still stimulate our synapses by revisiting this. historical event for the hundredth time in extended HD format. In other words: you don't have to be an astronaut to feel like you're in space.

Think back to 2012, when the Curiosity spacecraft made a soft landing on the surface of Mars, as if in some kind of sci-fi movie. Great amount those who wished to watch this extraordinary event in real time with the same sweaty palms and sinking hearts as the NASA engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Pasadena, who are responsible for the interplanetary journey of the rover.

Most people have never been to the moon, and it will be a long time before humanity makes such an opportunity widely available. But technology has allowed us to go places where few people have been, or no human has gone before at all, be it space or the cheetah trail in the Serengeti.

You may experience moments that seem incomprehensible in your life. But as you look at it, the sensations make you realize that even your wildest dreams are actually achievable. In this way, passive observation can stimulate the viewer to get themselves off the couch and move towards a similar personal high.

Whether you're preparing for an exciting event ahead or just imagining you're taking part, the thrill of anticipation is sometimes comparable to the final reward. Often, just the thought of "what if suddenly ..." is as powerful as the event itself in reality.

Also interesting:

That intoxicating feeling that bubbles up inside before fear takes over helps you discover your personal lust for life. And it doesn't matter how you experience it: watching other people's adventures or holding your breath before your own deep dive. published

Jordan Kushins

Join us at

Hello! I am 25 years old, in the past - a professional gymnast. Due to injury, I can no longer devote so much time to sports. But, my blood boils and I want to constantly test the limit of my abilities. How can I increase adrenaline at home? I heard that you can drink adrenaline in pills - is it true? Eva, Belgorod

When a person is in a stressful situation, the specific glands of his body begin to produce the hormone adrenaline in large quantities. If we are in a state of complete peace and tranquility, of course, there can be no talk of any release of adrenaline. There is not enough adrenaline for those individuals who experienced it earlier due to their professional features and opportunities. In particular, athletes constantly feel the adrenaline rush when they are fighting for first place in competitions and even training.

People who are accustomed to talking in raised tones, constantly screaming and yelling, are also “addicted” to adrenaline, which is secreted in our body by the adrenal glands. Naturally, adrenaline is released from all those who are fond of extreme sports.

What does a person feel when he experiences a surge of a hormone in the blood? Incredible upsurge of strength and emotions, frenzied energy and thirst for exploits and accomplishments. It's really special condition, which can subsequently cause dependence.

You can increase it in the most common and banal way that you can imagine - this is a stressful situation. Most people deliberately provoke others, irritate them, in order to get a response and get their cherished dose of adrenaline. But it's not the most The best way. Moreover, it is unhealthy and fundamentally wrong. because nerve cells are destroyed under the influence of stress, which leads to disruption of the central nervous system.

During a strong nervous shock, the respiratory tract of a person expands, therefore, the body receives much more oxygen into the lungs. This fact leads to a surge of strength and an increase in human performance.

If a person is afraid of something, then this can cause a reaction of a part of the brain (hypothalamus) directed to the adrenal glands. Adrenaline and other hormones are released into the blood, activating physiological strength and speed. This is the so-called adrenaline rush.

Adrenaline tablets

You can increase adrenaline in the blood in a medical way by taking adrenaline in tablets or injections. But, it is necessary to understand that in medical practice this substance is used for only one purpose - to correct physiological state sick. There is not enough adrenaline in those who have kidney pathologies, severe allergies underwent major heart surgery. A dose of adrenaline is also administered to people who have been injured in an accident and have lost a large amount of blood.

This hormone restores emotional condition sick. If a person has been diagnosed with severe depression, it is likely that their adrenal glands are not producing enough adrenaline.

In medicine, they are used to eliminate anaphylactic shock, which occurs in a person during cardiac arrest or during a severe form of heart failure.

Based on the foregoing, it can be understood that to increase the level of the hormone through the self-administration of a number of medications, Not recommended. Moreover, this can cause irreparable harm to the body.

Hormone harm

An excess of adrenaline in the human body leads to sharp increase blood pressure. So, in the pursuit of emotions, a person can “earn” heart failure for himself. Each release of this hormone increases the risk of arrhythmias. In addition, due to such jumps in adrenaline and blood pressure, blood vessels are prone to aneurysms. And if you follow the logical chain, then the aneurysm comes next, the most severe and irreversible stage, is a human brain stroke.

If a person starts mindlessly chasing extreme emotions in order to cause a rush of adrenaline in the blood, then sooner or later this can lead to serious violations cardiovascular activity and most life support systems. Not enough adrenaline? Then imagine yourself in a hospital in serious condition, and the desire to chase frantic emotions will disappear immediately.

Many do not know what happens after a sharp jump in the adrenal hormone in the body. This is a hormone that is responsible for reducing overload on the body and reducing external negative impact. That is, after an artificial influx of forces, which can be provoked by the person himself, there comes a recession. The body begins to literally slow down and react extremely slowly to stimuli. As a result, a person will feel even more empty and broken than before taking the hormone.

If the human nervous system is subject to constant stress, then the adrenal glands may simply not have time to produce such an amount of the hormone. This leads to the emergence of best case and, at worst, fatal.

Given the above, you need to think about whether such risks and health games are worth it in order to experience a momentary surge of strength? Our life is already too short to shorten it consciously.

The release of adrenaline (epinephrine) is caused by stressful situations that occur in our lives. Anxiety, worries, a sense of danger and fear - all this triggers a surge of the hormone in the body: whether it's a parachute jump, an attack in a dark alley, or a cat that suddenly rushes under your feet.

When the state normalizes and the brain gives the command that there is nothing to worry about, it goes into decline. But have you ever thought about what the release of adrenaline entails, is it exclusively beneficial or irreparable harm is possible?

The adrenaline hormone jumps not only when someone or something really threatens a person’s life. External aggressive environment or nervous work cause a person to constantly be in a stressful state. This exhausts the body, causing the release of adrenaline, so it is important to be able to abstract and relax. Relaxation techniques successfully cope with this mission. For greater efficiency, it is recommended to proceed to action immediately, after the first signs appear.

This reaction has accompanying sensations that can be used to recognize a hormonal surge. Symptoms of an adrenaline rush:

Cardiopalmus. As a rule, in response to stress, the heart begins to beat more intensely.
Dyspnea. Especially noticeable in those who do not suffer similar ailment in habitual life. Feeling short of breath, rapid breathing, inability to deep breath.
Increased sweating. Areas particularly prone to this manifestation are the armpits and palms.
Reduced vision. For some time there is a deterioration in vision, objects around may become blurry or foggy.
headaches and pain in the chest area.
Fatigue caused by sleep disorders, in particular insomnia.

Symptoms enough general, however, knowing them, it can be assumed that an adrenaline rush will soon occur. The more often it comes similar situation, topics better man recognizes his feelings and understands what will happen in a matter of moments.

Proven Ways to Relax

In fact, there are many such ways. Feeling a wave of adrenaline, it is recommended to focus on breathing. Focus not on what created the stress, but on how to breathe correctly. Calmness will not take long. Focus on inhaling and exhaling alternately. Making it deep inhale with lungs, linger literally for 5-7 seconds, then exhale calmly and measuredly.

Continue this exercise until you feel relieved and calm. This really helps, because by switching attention to breathing, you stop assessing the situation from the point of view of possible danger. Brain stops feeding SOS signal cells that synthesize the hormone adrenaline and are responsible for the surge of adrenaline into the blood.

The next method is impossibly simple and, for sure, you are well aware of - just count to 20. The secret of success is similar to the method described above, the value is in transferring attention to another activity.

Doctors advise with the approaching sensation of a surge of the hormone, move on to relaxing the body. Lie down on a horizontal surface, the floor is best, with your back down. Stretch your limbs, try to calm down. Now, for a couple of seconds, create tension in the body by squeezing the feet. Slowly, slowly unclench and bring the body to the starting position. Wait about 15 seconds and repeat the manipulation again.

It is advisable to start from the bottom and gradually move to other muscle groups: legs, hips, abdomen, arms, shoulders, neck. In this simple way, you will achieve complete relaxation.

A positive attitude is also good for eliminating anxiety. Visualization can work wonders. To lower the amount of the hormone adrenaline in your blood, think of something that will immediately put a smile on your face and make you forget about the stressful situation. Next, move on to the specific problem and reflect on what the desired outcome is. Methodically draw up a plan of action to improve the trouble and act. Psychological relaxation coupled with physical will give a double effect.

Psychologists say that sometimes in order to reduce anxiety, you just need to voice out loud everything that causes anxiety. To formulate thoughts and find “free ears” is already half the solution to a stressful situation. Whether it's a psychologist, a relative, or a close friend, all of these people can help you fix the problem. Firstly, you yourself will be able to more clearly understand the essence of what is happening, and secondly, an unbiased opinion from the outside sometimes opens your eyes, forcing you to look from a different angle.

Lifestyle Correction

The release of the hormone into the blood can occur different reasons, which has already been mentioned. The condition manifests itself with a number of specific symptoms. You can influence the rising level of the hormone through relaxation. However, this is far from the only way. Changes in lifestyle can significantly correct the release of adrenaline, especially if it occurs with enviable regularity.

You can adjust your lifestyle and reduce the number of adrenaline bursts in the following ways:

get enough sleep;
practice meditation;
pay attention to sports;
eat in a balanced way;
do your favorite hobbies.

In itself, the emotional discharge that a person experiences with a surge of the adrenaline hormone is essential. This is the so-called alarm clock, which allows you to gather in a stressful situation and redirect all your strengths, skills and abilities to save life.

At the same time, the frequent intake of the hormone adrenaline into the blood runs the risk of turning into adverse effects. Have you ever felt like falling asleep while falling asleep? This is nothing more than a panic attack that occurs when falling asleep. Syndrome panic attack develops due to an overdose of the body with the hormone adrenaline.

Adrenaline and insulin are hormones that have opposite effects. The hormone adrenaline ensures the conversion of glycogen stores into sugar, while insulin accumulates glucose, forming those same reserves. The central nervous system is responsible for the release of insulin and adrenaline, so every emotional arousal leads to an adrenaline surge that raises blood sugar levels.

If a person is healthy, then at this moment the hormone insulin is connected to the case and lowers the glucose indicator to the required level, designated as normal. But if a person is sick diabetes, then your own insulin can not cope with the load. The patient requires the introduction of exogenous insulin. People whose hormone insulin is produced in smaller volumes than necessary are strongly advised to avoid stress and adrenaline rushes.

Every person in life happens situations when he is attacked by fear. Someone was almost run over by a car, another almost fell off a roof or balcony, a third caught a child falling on the rails under the train. At this time, something happens to the body, because of which we are able to jump over a two-meter fence or jump on the bandwagon of a departing tram. We are helped by fear, or rather adrenaline (epinephrine). What is adrenaline and how it works, what is it for, we will understand in this article.

Secretion and functions

The adrenal glands produce the fear hormone adrenaline in the body. This happens in a person at a time of stress. In an unexpected, exciting situation, a substance is released that excites a and b-adrenergic receptors located in different bodies and body tissues.

As a result, the hormone dilates the vessels of the brain, and narrows other vessels of the body. At the same time, blood pressure rises, the skin turns pale, the pupils of the eyes dilate, the heart begins to beat quickly and loudly. The mechanism of action of adrenaline is that the danger signal is received by the hypothalamus - essential part brain. The hypothalamus instantly redirects the message to the adrenal medulla, which responds with a surge of the hormone. Why is this needed?

Epinephrine enters all organs and tissues, developing a person's readiness to respond to a stressful situation. Not always extreme situations end happily, but the people who survived were helped by the action of adrenaline, this is obvious. It affected the brain, stimulating it to make an instant decision on how to behave in the event of a danger to life. The hormone belongs to catecholamines.

In conditions of work associated with danger, adrenaline is produced in the body permanently. It helps build skeletal muscles, increase myocardium. The hormone stimulates an increase in protein metabolism. This requires high-calorie nutrition, otherwise there will be exhaustion and loss of strength, accompanied by weakening of the muscles. The increase in heart rate with the release of epinephrine contributes to the wear and tear of the heart muscle if the stress is prolonged.

The hormone enters the blood, activating the ability of all organs to work in a critical situation. Treatment with adrenaline is based on this. When the operation stops internal systems The life support doctor injects the patient with epinephrine, and the system starts up. But the action of the hormone lasts only 5 minutes. During this time, the resuscitator must take measures to save the patient.

Adrenaline in the body also gives us a "second wind". It would seem that the runner on the track, the mother of many children on a walk, the loader carrying heavy bags no longer has the strength left, and suddenly a second wind comes. This means that a person has released a hormone into the blood.

Sensations during the release of the hormone

Feelings depend on the physiology and psychology of a particular person. Many experience fear when adrenaline is released. Their palms sweat, their knees become “cottoned”, their foreheads become covered with cold sweat. In others, the heart beats loudly, the face turns pale, a pulsation is felt in the temples. Someone is dizzy, someone has an unusual clarity of thought and muscle tension. Sometimes all these sensations are grouped in various variations.

Many young people, especially for a surge of adrenaline, go in for traumatic sports - freestyle, skydiving, skiing, windsurfing, hang gliding. These people, who know how to get adrenaline, at the moment of danger feel the feeling of flight, the rise of passions, the intoxicating feeling of controlling their body and defeating the elements.

The interaction of the hormone with human organs and physiological systems

The action of adrenaline on the body brings both benefits and significant harm, depending on the duration of the stressful situation. Emotions aside, this is what adrenaline does in the human body:

The effect of adrenaline on the heart is to increase the contraction of the heart muscle. At the same time, the pulse speeds up. But strengthening the muscle that pumps blood can give rise to an arrhythmic heartbeat. Increases in blood pressure. In this case, the activity of the heart is inhibited, bradycardia occurs. That is, the initial effect on the heart is stimulating, then inhibitory.
This hormone affects the nervous system, activating it. Increased degree of wakefulness, mental and physical activity. Feelings of restlessness and anxiety may occur. The hypothalamus at the time of stress increases the amount of cortisol in the heme, which contributes to the adaptation of a person to ordinary life situations.
The hormone stimulates metabolism, increasing the content of some substances in the body and reducing the volume of others. Produced in the hemolymph increased amount glucose, the degree of exposure to glycolytic enzymes increases. The hormone increases the destruction of fats, reduces the generation of lipids, enhances protein metabolism.
Smooth muscles are exposed to various effects from adrenaline, which depends on the type of adrenergic receptors contained in it. fabrics respiratory tract and intestines lose tension.
Skeletal muscle builds up if persistently elevated epinephrine levels are caused by daily heavy physical work. At increased metabolism protein is depleted.
The hormone has a hemostatic effect on the blood vessels. This is due to an increase in platelet activity under the influence of epinephrine and the fact that epinephrine constricts small capillaries.

Adrenaline is a strong hormone that influences the secretion of other substances of the same class. Due to the properties of epinephrine, the amount of serotonin, histanin, kinins and other mediators that depress allergic reactions. These substances are produced with the help of adrenaline from mast cells.

The hormone also promotes anti-inflammatory processes. It takes part in the prevention of swelling of the mucous membranes.

The benefits of the hormone for people

The benefit of epinephrine is obvious only when its bursts occur in isolated life situations associated with stress. How adrenaline works in extreme cases:

Accelerates the response of a person to an instantaneous difficult situation. Activated peripheral vision which makes it possible to see the ways of salvation.
stimulated muscular system. A person is able to run 2 times faster, jump 2 times higher and further, lift weights more than their own weight.
Increased dynamism and initiative thinking. Logic instantly works, memory is actively connected, the brain suggests non-standard solutions.
Airways fill up quickly large quantity oxygen, which also helps to endure huge physical exertion.
The pain threshold increases. This contributes to the continuation of activities at a critical moment when it is impossible to quit work. For example, when skiing, hang gliding or snowboarding after an injury, when pain interferes with physical actions to save a life. Raise pain threshold reduces tension in the heart muscle and central nervous system.

After a shocking adventure, it turns out that the person who endured it is terribly tired and hungry. This is an understandable state. You need to eat well and rest. Overweight after stress will not increase.

Doctors sometimes use the effects of adrenaline by injecting a patient with epinephrine ( active substance adrenaline) to protect him from pain shock. During clinical death adrenaline is injected into the heart during surgery to resuscitate the patient. During pregnancy in women, the hormone is prescribed only in last resort, if we are talking about saving the life of a future mother.

The harm of the hormone of fear

As already noted, adrenaline in our blood in constant critical situations is harmful. It is impossible, speaking about the functions of adrenaline, not to say about the following:

An increase in blood pressure above normal;
constriction blood vessels and the formation of platelets also negatively affects health;
Depletion of the brain cells of the adrenal glands;
Adrenal insufficiency can initiate cardiac arrest;
A permanently overestimated value of epinephrine in the body threatens with a stomach ulcer;
Habitual stress and adrenaline production can cause chronic depression.

To suppress the action of adrenaline in the body's hemolymph, it is secreted. Its release also occurs under the influence of non-standard situations in life, but norepinephrine manifests itself by causing apathy in humans, muscle relaxation, and fatigue. This hormone protects our body from overexertion.

A specialist may order a blood test for adrenaline as part of a catecholamine test. This happens when you suspect neoplastic diseases adrenal and nervous tissue, as well as at endocrine disorders and to determine the causes of BP hypertension. What level of the hormone is normal is indicated in the right column on the form of the result of the study.

What to do with a surge of adrenaline?

If the produced hormone is not associated with an acute life situation, hard work, extreme event, the body needs to “throw out emotions”. Under the influence of adrenaline, a state of irritation and physical malaise is formed. When you feel the above signs of an increase in adrenaline, proceed as follows:

Lie down on a bed or sit in a chair so that you are comfortable;
Breathe with all your might - inhale through the nostrils for “one”, exhale from the mouth for “1-2-3-4”;
Think fun, engage in self-persuasion that you are all right.

If these measures do not help, drink 2 tablets of valerian or motherwort. At frequent stress yoga classes, relaxation exercises help people. Your doctor may prescribe norepinephrine injections.

Adrenaline, medically called epinephrine, is a neurotransmitter released in response to stressful situations. The release of adrenaline causes an accelerated heartbeat, rapid breathing and gives an influx of strength and energy. The release of adrenaline usually occurs when stressful conditions, but with the help of certain actions you can call it yourself. There is nothing wrong with periodically pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and besides, during the day you will not be prevented by an additional burst of energy. You can get an adrenaline rush from being frightened or from physical activity. But be careful. Do not put yourself in danger in trying to get an adrenaline rush.

Steps

scare yourself

Watch a horror movie or series. Horror films are designed to evoke a sense of fear in the viewer. If you experience genuine horror while watching a horror movie, it can cause you to have a “fight or flight” response, which will cause your body to produce adrenaline. If you want an adrenaline rush, watch a horror movie online or rent a DVD.

Play an active video game. Being engrossed in a computer or video game can give you an adrenaline rush. Tense games tend to release adrenaline. Consider renting or buying a fast paced game with lots of gore and violence. War games and first-person shooters often become an adrenaline rush.

Take a risk. Risky activities can release adrenaline from the body. But this is not the main thing, since it will be useful for you to take small risks from time to time in order to get out of your comfort zone.

The main thing is that you do not do anything that can harm you. Riding with eyes closed will definitely give you an adrenaline rush, but it's not worth the risk. It is better to stick to behavior that is not characteristic of you.
Ask someone out on a date. Sing at the karaoke bar. Dance with a stranger. Buy a lottery ticket. Audition for a play. Anything that makes you doubt can give you an adrenaline rush.
If you need more powerful release, there are certain activities that involve a kind of manageable risk. Things like bungee jumping and skydiving, for example, come with a certain amount of risk, as you have to fall from high altitude. But as long as you're working with an experienced skydiver or bungee jumper, you shouldn't be in any danger. If you decide to take such a step, contact an experienced professional and follow all safety instructions exactly.

Get involved in what scares you. Fear can also stimulate the release of adrenaline. Face your fears in a safe and controlled environment to ensure a good adrenaline rush.
- Think about things that scare you. If you're afraid of heights, for example, invite your friends to go to a rooftop bar. If you've been terrified of dogs for years, go to your local dog park. Expose yourself to your fears. This will give you a fight-or-flight response that will give you an adrenaline rush.
Go to a haunted house. Visiting haunted houses can often lead to an adrenaline rush. This is due to the fight-or-flight response, which stimulates the flow of adrenaline. The good thing about a haunted house is that it is a controlled environment. You can expose yourself to unpleasant stimuli and at the same time feel safe, thereby causing an adrenaline rush, but without experiencing genuine fear or anxiety.
- Logically, with the approach of Halloween, it will be easier for you to find a haunted house. Regardless, stay vigilant throughout the year. Some organizations may host a haunted house as part of a special event or fundraising campaign, regardless of the season.
- If you live near an amusement park, then their haunted house is open to you all year round.
Have some coffee. Coffee stimulates the adrenal glands, which release adrenaline and thereby trigger the “fight or flight” response in your body. In a similar way, a surge of adrenaline is achieved. Just use this method with caution. Too frequent consumption a large number caffeine can make you feel more tired than you were before coffee. If you drink coffee, don't drink more than one or two cups at a time.