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Is Fishing Good for Stress Relief?
National Stress Awareness Day 2022
Stress relief comes in many forms. Some people find relief in exercise, some in writing, and others in spending time outdoors. For us anglers, one of the most effective stress relievers is fishing. Every time we drop our line in the water, the everyday worries start to disappear.
What is Stress?
The stress itself does not constitute a mental health issue, instead, it is a response as a survival strategy to keep humans safe. Stress is natural but it is when we come overwhelmed with stress that we need to take care of ourselves.
Today marks National Stress Awareness, so we would like to dedicate this article to the research and reasons surrounding the health benefits of fishing and how fishing can affect the brain.
Why Angling Direct Cares About Mental Health
With the ongoing stresses of work, social and the overall crisis of living, it is vital we, as fishing retailers advocate the mental benefits of angling and hopefully help anyone struggling to find time to fish as an outlet for their stress.
Angling Direct teamed up with Anglian Ruskin Professor; Lee Smith and Tackling Minds to research the relationship between recreational fishing and mental health in a sample of UK adults.
Anglian Ruskin on Opportunities for Green Social Prescribing:
This groundbreaking data proves conclusively the link between fishing and improved mental and physical health. Fishing can provide relaxation, a solution or a way to relieve a build-up of stress.
Angling Direct, along with Tackling Minds and ARU would like to just say a huge thank you to the 2.5k people who completed the survey and contributed towards this research conducted by the ARU (Anglian Ruskin University). This research will help to further prescribe fishing to those struggling with stress, depression and anxiety.
We could not agree more! If you're someone who's looking for a new way to relax and de-stress, then we highly recommend giving fishing a try. We are going to share with you 5 reasons why fishing is great for stress relief.
5 Reasons Why Fishing Reduces Stress
1. Fishing Gets You Outdoors & Helps You Manage Stress
There's something about being out in nature that just has a way of calming the soul. When you're surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, it's hard to focus on your stressful thoughts. Instead, you start to appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer. The fresh air does wonders for your body and mind.
Whether you’re by the ocean, a lake, or even a river, simply being surrounded by water can help reduce stress levels. The sound of running water is also known to be therapeutic and can help lull you into a state of relaxation.
2. Fishing is Relaxing
As the study from ARU proves, fishing offers anglers relaxation. It is a sport that requires a lot of patience. You have to be prepared to sit for long periods of time waiting for a fish to bite. This can be really beneficial for your stress levels because it forces you to slow down and just relax. There's no rushing or hurry involved in fishing - it's all about taking your time and enjoying the process.
3. Fishing Teaches You Patience
As previously mentioned, fishing requires patience - something that many of us lack in our fast-paced lives. By learning how to be patient while waiting for a fish to bite, you can transfer this skill into other areas of your life and learn how to better deal with stressful situations.
4 . Fishing Boosts Your Mood, Helps with Stress and Mental Health
When you spend time outdoors doing something you enjoy, it's natural for your mood to improve. Fishing is no exception! The combination of being outside, being around friends/family, and enjoying the peace & quiet can really work wonders for your mental state and leave you feeling happy & stress-free. In addition, the success of catching a fish can really increase your serotonin level!
5. Fishing Disconnects You from Technology
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we’re always connected – and that can be overwhelming. However, when you go fishing, it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. This will give you some much-needed time away from your phone, email, and social media. Trust us, taking a break from technology will do wonders for your stress levels!
New To Fishing?
If you're someone who's looking for a new way to relax and de-stress, then give fishing a try. It's a great way to get outdoors, bond with loved ones, and boost your mood. Plus, it teaches you patience, which can benefit other areas of your life.
Fishing for Beginners
Fishing is a fun hobby and great for reducing stress levels! Whether it's the therapeutic effects of being surrounded by nature or the chance to disconnect from technology and clear your mind, there are plenty of reasons why anglers love hitting the water when stressed out.
So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, grab your tackle box – because there's nothing like a good day of fishing to help reduce tension and boost your mood!