A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie the Pooh series, once wrote that “no one can be uncheered with a balloon.” Holding a red balloon like the silly old bear did is a great way to enjoy them, but an even better one is to go hot air ballooning.
There are over 7,500 hot air balloons in the US alone. They fly approximately 250 days a year, traversing the sky and providing a safe and relaxing ride.
If this wonderful experience isn’t already on your bucket list, you may want to add it once you learn the many health benefits of ballooning.
Exhilaration and Relaxation
The beginning of a hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating experience. The world below shrinks and an amazing view stretches around you. Your brain releases endorphins that improve your mood and cause your heart rate to increase. This improves the oxygenation of your blood and may help you burn calories.
The feeling of hot air ballooning changes once you get higher into the air. You’ll feel an overwhelming sense of calm and get more peace than you’ve had in years. This effect fights stress and depression. It helps your immune system fight off infections and improves your memory and judgment.
Fresh Air and Sunlight
Hot air ballooning is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to expose yourself to the sun’s rays. One of the many benefits of doing so is how it helps your body synthesize vitamin D to:
- Heal skin conditions
- Improve your mood and sleep
- Maintain bone health
- Prevent cancer and multiple sclerosis
- Reduce the risk of althezimers
The fresh air you’ll get also has a massive impact on your health. It cleans out toxins in your lungs and lets them dilate fully. It helps white blood cells prevent illness and improves digestion. The amount of oxygen in your blood is tied to the level of serotonin in your brain, an emotion-regulating hormone. It helps those with high blood pressure keep their blood oxygenated.
Workout and Team-Building
If you’re wondering, “how long is a hot air balloon ride,” the answer depends on the company you book your balloon rides through. The average length is 45 minutes to 2 hours, and that’s long enough to get a workout in.
Ride a hot air balloon and participate in the rigging and de-rigging process to get the most out of the experience. It’s mildly strenuous and an effective team-building or family activity. Get everyone to join in and they’ll feel like they’ve accomplished a memorable feat together.
More About Hot Air Ballooning
Children love to hold a balloon and then watch it fly into the sky, but everyone should try getting in a hot air balloon as it goes up. It starts out exhilarating and then becomes calming.
Any activity that gets you out in the sun and exposes you to fresh air improves your health, but hot air ballooning is one of the best. Participating in the rigging and de-rigging components is also an effective workout and teambuilding exercise.
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