How to get those happy hormones when there's no wind
We all know the feeling. After a perfect kiting session, your body is buzzing, and your mood is sky-high. The wind, the water, the thrill—it’s addictive! Why? Because while we kite, our bodies release a cocktail of happy hormones that keep us coming back for more.
But what happens when there’s no wind? How do we keep those feel-good vibes going without our usual source of adrenaline and dopamine? Let’s explore the good stuff, and more importantly, how to get it when Mother Nature’s not on our side.
The happy hormone cocktail while kiting
Kitesurfing doesn’t just make us smile—it taps into some powerful neurochemicals that make us feel alive:
Endorphins: These natural painkillers are released during intense exercise, and kitesurfing is no exception. They give you that euphoric “runner’s high” and reduce pain.
Dopamine: Every time you nail a trick, catch the perfect wave, or just stay upright after a sketchy moment, dopamine floods your system. It’s the hormone of accomplishment, reward, and motivation.
Serotonin: The sun, the breeze, and being surrounded by nature all boost serotonin, which helps regulate mood. More serotonin = more calm and happiness.
Adrenaline: The rush of speed, the thrill of jumps, and the wind pulling you along—adrenaline pumps up your energy and heightens your senses.
Oxytocin: Kitesurfing isn’t just about solo rides; it’s a social sport too. Whether you’re swapping stories on the beach or sharing tips with fellow kiters, oxytocin—the bonding hormone—gives you that warm, fuzzy connection.
What to do when there’s no wind
But let’s face it, the wind doesn’t always cooperate. So how can we keep getting that hormonal boost when we’re stuck on shore? Sure, some people might turn to less-than-healthy habits to chase those highs, but there are plenty of positive ways to get your fix.
Here’s how to tap into those same hormones without wind:
Exercise (Endorphins)
Hit the gym, go for a run, or do some bodyweight exercises at home. High-intensity workouts can mimic the endorphin rush you’d normally get from kiting. A CrossFit session or even a quick HIIT workout can do wonders to lift your mood.
Challenge yourself (Dopamine)
Set a goal unrelated to kitesurfing. Maybe it's learning a new skill, mastering a difficult recipe, or completing a tricky puzzle. Dopamine loves a good challenge, and achieving small wins will keep your brain engaged and motivated.
Get outside (Serotonin)
You don’t need wind to enjoy the outdoors. Take a hike, paddleboard, or just walk along the beach. Sunlight and nature are natural serotonin boosters, so even a short stroll in the fresh air can do wonders for your mood.
Try something thrilling (Adrenaline)
Adrenaline junkies need to get their fix somehow. If kiting is off the table, consider rock climbing, mountain biking, or even rollerblading. Find something that gives you a physical challenge and gets your heart pumping.
Connect with others (Oxytocin)
Don’t isolate just because there’s no wind. Meet up with friends for a drink, join a social sports club, or have a kitesurfing debrief session. Even better, teach someone something new! Sharing experiences with others releases oxytocin and keeps that social buzz alive.
When the wind isn’t blowing, don’t let your mood sink
Sure, nothing quite compares to the rush of being on the water, but when the wind dies down, you’ve still got options. By tapping into different activities, you can keep your body and brain happy until the next big kitesurfing session.
In fact, mixing it up could even improve your performance on the water! So next time the wind isn’t playing ball, just remember: there’s more than one way to ride those waves of happiness.
xox Berit