MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Motoring
  • Video
Subscribe
MH Challenge Week 3 – Khan Porter
Watch 0:59

MH Challenge Week 3 – Khan Porter

{headline}

{headline}

The Way Men Talk About Mental Health Is Changing

The Way Men Talk About Mental Health Is Changing

Can You Run a Half Marathon Faster Than Will Smith?

Can You Run a Half Marathon Faster Than Will Smith?

Prince William Reveals He Did It Tough After Having Kids

Prince William Reveals He Did It Tough After Having Kids

There Are The 5 Male Hair Cuts That Will Trend In 2019

There Are The 5 Male Hair Cuts That Will Trend In 2019

{headline}

{headline}

Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations Early Makes You Happier, According To Science

Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations Early Makes You Happier, According To Science

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

The Invictus Games Are Kicking Off, And Here's Why We'll Be Watching

The Invictus Games Are Kicking Off, And Here's Why We'll Be Watching

{headline}

{headline}

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

Ben Affleck Shares His Emotional Experience With Addiction & Rehab

Ben Affleck Shares His Emotional Experience With Addiction & Rehab

Want A Rest Day? Take It! Your Fitness May Benefit As A Result

Want A Rest Day? Take It! Your Fitness May Benefit As A Result

(Sponsor)

Who Woulda Thought, Connor McGregor Holds The Secret To A Sharp Mind

Who Woulda Thought, Connor McGregor Holds The Secret To A Sharp Mind

Can You Burn Calories Just By Thinking Really, REALLY Hard?

Can You Burn Calories Just By Thinking Really, REALLY Hard?

5 Reasons Why Abs Are Overrated

5 Reasons Why Abs Are Overrated

  1. Home
  2. Life

Will Smith Just Turned 50, And Celebrated In The Most Bad-Ass Way

What else would you expect from the Fresh Prince - by Scott Henderson
  • 08 Oct 2018
Will Smith Just Turned 50, And Celebrated In The Most Bad-Ass Way Getty Images

Firstly, can we please marvel at the fact that Will Smith is 50? The man is a ball of youthful energy and it seemed like just a short few years ago he rocked up to stay with his Aunt and Uncle in Bel Air. He's following in a long line of Hollywood leading men who simply refuse to age or slow down, and if his half-century celebrations are anything to go by, he'll be kicking around like a Fresh Prince for years to come.

To mark the momentous occasion, Mr. Smith flew his family out to the Grand Canyon... seems normal for a typical American family right? Well not exactly, because that's where the normalities end. Will then chartered a helicopter out over the middle of the canyon, only to bungee jump out. As you do.

#COMMIT - 🎞: @westbrook @davec9k

"Anytime I'm scared of something, I feel compelled to attack it," said Smith in the lead up to the jump. And in that single quintessentially Smith-like statement actually goes a long way to explaining the longevity of his career, and the levels of success the film icon has experienced. At least that's what science is saying.

“Moderate stress enhances learning," explains Laurence Gonzales, author of Deep Survival, a book that examines the neuroscience behind fear. "When two neurons fire together, they become wired together….So risk is an integral part of life and learning. A baby who doesn’t walk, for example, will never risk falling. But in exchange for taking that risk, he gains the much greater survival advantage of being bipedal and having his hands free.”

First Day of 50! I'm just getting started. I'm gonna celebrate for 365 days. #willsmiththejump 📷: @alansilfen

According to further research from the Texas A&M University, adventure sports bungee jumping and white-water rafting all induce cortisol and epinephrine, aka adrenaline, at a level higher than any workplace or mundane social situation. Activities that are more physically and mentally stressful assist your body in reacting well to everyday stresses, suggests the team.

“Mindset impacts emotion, which alters biology, which increases performance. Thus, it seemed, by tinkering with mindset — using everything from physical to psychological to pharmacological interventions — one could significantly enhance performance.” suggests Steven Kotler, author of The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance.

You know you're doing something crazy when your Wife & your X-Wife are in TOTAL AGREEMENT! #Repost @jadapinkettsmith ・・・ Congrats @willsmith! You did it! But no more! @shereezampino almost had a Heart Attack!😆

The book is yet another resource that suggests elite performers in all areas of life (this definitely includes Will Smith) continually seek to harness their emotions, such as fear. So should you follow suit?

While your access to both a helicopter and the Grand Canyon may be limited, science and statistics seem to say a resounding 'yes'. In terms of safety, only 1 in 500,000 bungee jumps results in a fatality. While that seems high, it's extremely low and unlikely. For perspective, you're 5 times more likely to die during a dance party... true story.

Scott Henderson
Scott Henderson
As a fitness addict, adventure sport lover, and passionate story-teller, Scott Henderson is committed to living the Men’s Health brand. When he’s not researching and writing about the latest health and fitness news, you’ll find him crushing it in the gym, running up a mountain, or out on the waves.

BIG SUMMER SALE - NOW ON

Just $15 for 6 issues

SAVE 74% Subscribe Now
BIG SUMMER SALE - NOW ON
  • News
  • Life
  • Celebrity

Recommended to you

MH Challenge Week 3 – Khan Porter
Watch 0:59

MH Challenge Week 3 – Khan Porter

{headline}

{headline}

The Way Men Talk About Mental Health Is Changing

The Way Men Talk About Mental Health Is Changing

Can You Run a Half Marathon Faster Than Will Smith?

Can You Run a Half Marathon Faster Than Will Smith?

Prince William Reveals He Did It Tough After Having Kids

Prince William Reveals He Did It Tough After Having Kids

There Are The 5 Male Hair Cuts That Will Trend In 2019

There Are The 5 Male Hair Cuts That Will Trend In 2019

{headline}

{headline}

Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations Early Makes You Happier, According To Science

Putting Up Your Christmas Decorations Early Makes You Happier, According To Science

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

How To Spot Depression In A Mate

The Invictus Games Are Kicking Off, And Here's Why We'll Be Watching

The Invictus Games Are Kicking Off, And Here's Why We'll Be Watching

{headline}

{headline}

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

Why Every Man Should Be Lifting Weights Regularly

Ben Affleck Shares His Emotional Experience With Addiction & Rehab

Ben Affleck Shares His Emotional Experience With Addiction & Rehab

Want A Rest Day? Take It! Your Fitness May Benefit As A Result

Want A Rest Day? Take It! Your Fitness May Benefit As A Result

(Sponsor)

Who Woulda Thought, Connor McGregor Holds The Secret To A Sharp Mind

Who Woulda Thought, Connor McGregor Holds The Secret To A Sharp Mind

Can You Burn Calories Just By Thinking Really, REALLY Hard?

Can You Burn Calories Just By Thinking Really, REALLY Hard?

5 Reasons Why Abs Are Overrated

5 Reasons Why Abs Are Overrated

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • 7Plus
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement
MensHealth Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • 7Plus
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health
  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew

Pacific Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
© 2019 Pacific Magazines