Why is climbing so addictive?

Climbing makes you wonder if addictions are good right? We all love a good sport. It is best when it serves as a hobby and a form of exercise. Sports and hobbies are addictive, it is mostly because of the feeling you get after an activity or an exercise session.

Climbing and other sports make the body release the feel-good chemical (dopamine) amongst others like serotonin, norepinephrine and it creates endorphins. Mountain climbing/hiking is a good way to view the world.

There are health benefits and it is a fun activity. It helps you destress and the body has a way of wanting whatever leaves the owner in a good place. There are many reasons why climbing is addictive and this article highlights a few of them.

1. THE HIGHER YOU GO, THE BETTER THE VIEW

If you are an active climber or you have seen videos of people climbing, you will notice how the view gets better with each new step. The view from a mountain is pleasing to the eyes and the mind. There are always breathtaking and beautiful scenes to discover while climbing. Being a part of a climbing group, there is always a new spot to see. What is more exciting than knowing there is something new every other time? Yes, it gives an adrenaline surge which is very addictive.

2. CLIMBING COMES WITH HEALTH BENEFITS

Not only does this sport push you to do more, but it also keeps your body in shape. It has physical and mental benefits. Most climbers have great bodies. Climbing focuses on the muscles, forearms, upper arms, shoulders, cardiovascular muscles, and every other part of the body. climbing involves a workout routine that focuses on the core muscles.

Going to the gym is addictive and it’s the same as climbing. Its mental health benefits include stress relief, decision making, goal setting and gives you a sense of achievement. As a first-time climber or an active one, your body feels good after a climb and when the soreness is gone, you will want to go back. Climbing boosts the endurance level of your body and nothing helps your blood pump better than taking steps up a mountain.

3. IT BOOSTS YOUR SOCIAL ENERGY

Climbing gives you the chance to meet new people. No one likes the idea of being up the hill alone. If you have a climbing team that goes up the mountain every weekend, there are chances you would meet a new person. Maybe a new member of the team or an old buddy who has missed out on the last two climbing trips. When climbing, you will get to meet people from different backgrounds going up the mountain for different reasons.

4. IT IS A FUN ACTIVITY

Dopamine is the feel-good chemical released in the body when you do something exciting. Mountain climbing has a way of making your body release this chemical amongst others. People get addicted to drugs for the same reason, which is the feeling it gives to them. Most people camp at the top of a mountain to enjoy nature’s view at night. There are other fun sides to climbing which you crave to explore after the first trip. Each climbing experience comes with a new feeling and the fact that you can always create a new fun idea is addicting.

5. NATURE IS ADDICTIVE

It is almost equivalent to being in a space where your mind and soul can wander. Nature can be addictive to some people as it helps them ease off stress. While climbing, not only do you get a good view, you are also exposed to other nature’s gifts to climbers. The mountain is a good space to meditate and climbing gives you the freedom to do that. Finding a space to free your mind would have you going back to that spot. It is like your favorite restaurant or chill spot.

6. CLIMBING TEACHES GRATITUDE, PATIENCE & PERSISTENCE

It is like being in a space where you can almost see the whole world. Climbing opens your mind to discover new routes and it tests your mental skills. Climbing has a way of making you grateful and makes you want to protect the environment more. The more you climb, the more your respect for life and the little things around you increase.

Climbing is a healthy addiction. When you decide to stop or abstain from climbing, you will go through withdrawal symptoms. Every mountain you climb will teach you something. It is not the kind of activity you are advised to stop unless you have an injury and need to heal. Hobbies are addictive and it’s okay to feel addicted to climbing. What is the most exciting part of climbing for you?