What causes the adrenaline you get from opening gifts?

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Matt Rindi, Writer

Ever had trouble sleeping the night before Christmas? Do you get really excited when it’s time to open birthday presents? Have you ever wondered why you have so much adrenaline when you unwrap things?

Unwrapping boxes is one of the most effective ways to give you an adrenaline rush which may be why people love gift-opening so much. It’s clear that humans crave adrenaline. It ignites your fight-or-flight response. Fight-or-flight is a mechanism within your nervous system that creates an adrenaline rush. That’s why in some circumstances, you can have very powerful strength or you can move faster. Thus, adrenaline is a great way to do things you’ve never done before.

“There are other things that cause adrenaline beyond opening presents”.

Said an anonymous contributor.

For example, skydiving! When you go skydiving, it causes you to have an adrenaline rush. Gaining adrenaline can be great because it makes you more aware of your surroundings and allows you to be more alert in certain situations.

I still can’t understand why opening presents and unwrapping boxes gives us so much excitement. Why does it inspire so much joy? Why do you have so much energy when you open it?

“Perhaps it’s because they give you a little taste of the excitement that children enjoy.”

“You get to experience that little spark of joy from getting a meaningful gift”.

Maybe, in some situations, it’s because you know what’s inside. When you have a good idea of what someone got you for Christmas or what you significant other got you for your birthday or anniversary, it can be more exciting. Then, in other situations, it’s because you have no clue what’s inside. It can feel like opening a door not knowing what’s behind it. When you finally open that door, the secrets are out and you immediately feel energized.

No doubt, it’s very fun to unwrap presents. But in the end, it’s not the act of unwrapping that causes adrenaline, but the surprise inside. That’s the beauty of good surprises and adrenaline! It helps renew your energy so that you feel great.