Fishing is a great outdoor activity. For some, it’s “just” a hobby, for others a sport. No matter how much you love fishing, you can benefit your mental health and wellbeing. We consulted Findyourfish.net to know what are the benefits of fishing for one’s health. Let’s see!
Fishing Can Influence Your Cortisol Levels
Because you have to wait for a fish for long hours sometimes, fishing can be similar to meditation. As an effect, when you go fishing, you can reduce your cortisol (stress hormone) levels and calm down a bit. The best news is that the cortisol levels can drop not only for the duration of the trip. Even three weeks after you go fishing, you can benefit from the positive effect of this calming activity. Some experts recommend fishing for people who have PTSD or have experienced trauma.
Fishing Can Improve Your Cognitive Function and Creative Thinking
If you are an angler, you probably already know that fishing is never static. Sometimes the bait that helped you catch a fish doesn’t work the very next day. Because of that, you need to get creative with your techniques. Facing challenges like this can improve your problem-solving skills, develop your creativity, or even improve your cognitive functions.
Being Around Water Can Put Your Problems Into Perspective
While fishing, you need to focus on many things. Additionally, you are more relaxed. Because of that, you might forget about your problems or look at them from a different perspective. Moreover, while fishing, you need to be around water. If the body of water is big, such as a great lake or an ocean, you might feel that there is something greater than you and your problems, giving you a little break from overthinking.
You Can Enjoy a Soothing Sensory Experience
Just by being next to the water, you can experience its soothing power. Your senses can be calmed down by the murmur of the river or a beautiful spectacle of the light on the surface of a lake. Remember that, while fishing, you are surrounded by nature. Immersing yourself in the great outdoors is famous for its beneficial effects on mental health.
Fishing Is a Great Moment to Connect with Friends
It is not a secret that connecting with your friends can have various benefits for one’s mental health. Friends can help you relax and support you during hard times. Fishing with your friends can be especially beneficial, as you are outdoors and enjoy a fun, bonding activity together.
While Outside, You Can Get More Vit. D
While fishing, you get more vitamin D into your body thanks to sun rays. The sky doesn’t have to be perfectly clear to get a boost of this important vitamin. According to specialists, the right vitamin D levels can improve mental health and lower the risk of getting depressed.
You Can Stay More Active
Fishing can help you with both mental and physical health. Its physical side can help you with your mental state. Being active can boost your mood and increase your oxytocin level. So, on top of all the benefits mentioned above, you can help your mental health by helping your physical health! All of this while enjoying fishing.
