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Why and how it's secreted -

Let's start by looking at why and how adrenaline is secreted. It's produced and secreted in the kidneys and serves the purpose of helping humans cope with distress.

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No pain -

When it's in effect, it may mean that a person won't experience pain. You might continue running or playing sports, only to realize afterward that you've done damage.

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Improved eyesight -

When adrenaline is secreted, people's vision improves. This is understood as an evolutionary response to danger.

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Lung capacity increases -

Lung capacity increases and the blood is oxygenated faster. Oxygenated blood feeds muscles faster, so they're prepared for action.

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Memory function improves -

It's expected that the brain functions more efficiently in terms of memory retention when adrenaline is secreted. For example, rats and mice can work out how to escape mazes when they're injected with adrenaline.

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Energy -

Adrenaline diverts food from the digestive system and therefore gets energy by converting glycogen in muscles to glucose (the sugar found in apples, for example).

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Thinking fast -

It helps us make decisions much faster because it stimulates neurons to fire off two to three times faster.

Now, let's look at everyday adrenaline-inducing activities.

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Karaoke -

Unless you've got a voice like Mariah Carey or are completely wasted, then the likelihood is that public karaoke will scare you into getting an adrenaline rush.

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Stand-up -

Another rather terrifying activity is stand-up comedy. The idea of being heckled off stage will surely have you weak at the knees.

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Auditions -

Most of us would be at our nerves' end at the thought of showing up to a blind audition at our local theater.

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Speed -

Rollerblading might look rather safe, but speed is dangerous. Always wear protective gear and minimize risk of a serious injury.

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Dying your hair -

If you're in any way conservative, then this can be pretty frightening, especially if it's a bold and unusual color.

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Shaving it all off -

This one is sure to give you a rush! You ought to be prepared though, because once that razor hits your head there's no going back...

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Gaming -

There's a good reason that some games are addictive and others give us a tremendous rush. They can be frightening, exciting, stimulating, and completely overwhelming, all at the same time.

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Getting a tattoo -

Tattoos are known to be addictive. They're also painful and kind of scary, and are known to produce an adrenaline rush.

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Watching a scary movie -

This is the most common way in which people give themselves a rush. Just turn on Netflix and away you go!

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Reading a scary book -

Maybe movies aren't your thing. Books can be even more frightening with our rich imaginations.

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Theme parks -

Theme parks are generally safe and visitors rarely harms themselves. However, they are perfect for getting an adrenaline rush because you do feel like you're holding on for dear life!

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Talking with a stranger -

So this is probably the most nerve-racking idea for some of us who are a little bit shy. Try walking up to a stranger and talking to them. You might feel your palms starting to sweat as you approach.

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Rooftop bar -

If you're afraid of heights, then going to rooftop bar with your friends for a drink might just do the trick.

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Take a risk -

Taking a risk might mean making a bet (although it's not advisable for many), committing to an investment, or trying to change jobs.

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Dog parks -

Essentially you will get an adrenaline rush when you face your fears. If you're frightened of dogs, then dog parks are likely quite the scary place.

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'Haunted' places -

If there's an abandoned psychiatric hospital or even a big creepy house nearby that will scare you half to death, it will probably do the trick by walking its lonely halls.

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Signing up for a class -

Try something new, especially something that scares you. Maybe you haven't been to the gym in years. Maybe you're terrified to go to a wood-carving class because you feel like you won't be good. Just throw yourself in the deep end.

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Caffeine -

Drinking a cup of coffee helps stimulate the adrenal glands to release adrenaline.

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Challenging yourself -

Running produces endorphins, which calm us down. The point is that setting yourself a very tough challenge can have the effect of releasing endorphins, even if it's not physical.

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Make the challenge real -

Try setting yourself a tremendous challenge, physical or otherwise, and then texting everyone about it.

Sources: (Healthline) (Inc. Magazine)

See also: How similar are the Nordic countries?

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