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The Health Benefits of Angling - World Health Day
The month of April is an excellent time to focus on your health and what you can do for yourself. From listening to the way in which body and mind work together as well as helping others live healthier lives. Every year around Easter we celebrate Spring cleaning by getting rid of any unhealthy habits that may have been collected over winter so why not make changes that improve your health too!
World Health Day is celebrated each year on April 7, and this year's theme calls on the global community to work together to ensure universal health coverage for all. It's no secret that fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. But did you know that fishing can also be good for your health? Fishing provides plenty of exercises and fresh air, plus it gives you the opportunity to relax and de-stress. So if you're looking for a new hobby that offers health benefits, consider giving fishing a try! In this guide, we will discuss closely what elements of angling you could try or new habits as an angler you could pick up in order to improve your health.
Positive Side Effects of Fishing
A common feature of fishing that unites anglers worldwide is its proximity to nature. That is arguably the most important "side effect" of the sport. Fishing is consciously chosen by some people to relax in a natural environment. Other people discover the mental health benefits of fishing by watching the clouds reflected on a beautiful summer evening on a quiet pond. The moment when a fish takes the bait or when a large carp displays its dorsal fin is described as unique by many anglers. But to truly comprehend these feelings, you have to fish yourself.
The feeling of being surrounded by natural beauty and understanding how much everything around you means to our survival is a privilege. When fishing, it's important not only to see but also to hear what guides us on this journey so we may continue sensations with gratitude for all they offer in future trips
There’s nothing better than happiness as an angler when he/she has been successful at catching their target fish which would make him feel proud about himself because every fisherman knows that there isn't any other way except hard work pays off in the end. Fishing affects all the senses in a positive way: seeing, hearing, feeling, directing, tasting.
Angling as a Form of Stress Relief
Fishing is a great way to escape from the stresses of everyday life. It provides an opportunity for relaxation and even fun with friends or family in tow! The fisher person's concentration is focused on the task at hand without any conscious effort. In a way, it resembles what we do when our minds are tuned out and lost in thought - only more so because there's no music playing or other distractions like that!
When fishing, you can not only switch off and relax but also think. Fishing allows for both moments of seclusion and camaraderie. You fish together, but also solo. Even if anglers go to the water alone, they always have the option to meet other anglers. You exchange tips, chat about the special characteristics of a body of water or even help your neighbour land and photograph a catch. Read more in our 5 Ways that Angling Relieves Stress article.
Fishing Connects - The Social Aspect of Angling
Only the most secretive anglers will not want to share any tips with you. But an angler chat about whether hemp or maggots, sweet or savoury boilies should be used on certain waters at a certain time of the year is fun. Joy and the act of teaching are healthy! Choosing the right equipment and tying a rig – are skills you can pass on to friends, family and little, junior anglers you may come to coach!
Healthy Challenges for the Mind – Fishing with Brains
Fishing is also a challenge. It raises questions: what baits to use? Which equipment is ideal? Where should the bait be placed? These and other questions often require quick decisions. The combination of mental challenge and physical commitment should not be underestimated in order to be successful in fishing. This challenge sharpens the senses, strengthens the body and is healthy. All anglers remember unsuccessful days without bite, with too heavy string or the wrong bait.
Angling as Physical Exercise
We all know fishing is not the next high-intensity workout, but it is common for anglers to ride bikes to their fishing destinations and do something to stay in shape. Even if they travel by car to the river or lake due to the distance and weight of their equipment, anglers are still on foot to a significant extent. Others even walk for miles and circle the waters in search of the best fishing spots, to observe the movements of fish, or to layout bait for future fishing sessions. All of this movement may go noticed to the seasoned angler but it is a sport that allows leisurely exercise without putting too much stress on the body.
Salmon and trout fishing is also one of the healthiest form of fishing. Fly fishing is a physical sport and mental relaxation. On top of that, vitamin D levels are increased just by staying outdoors. Wading in fast-flowing rivers is also healthy! Most salmon are caught by fly fishermen. A short article about the benefits of this type of fishing was published by Scott Edwards in the Harvard Medical School blog series . Edwards quotes physician James Hensall, who in the nineteenth century saw fly fishing as an occupation for mental workers who needed a break from the stress and strains of their high-intensity mental work. Other medical professionals also advocated the idea that fishing breaks through stress patterns of everyday life.
When fly fishing, anglers have to get closer to the water than recreational anglers. You can see them in their waders, sometimes in breast-high models such as leeda's Breathable Chest Wader. If you're thinking of starting fly fishing, you could easily get started with a rod and reel combination such as the Shakespeare Sigma Combo, Fly Rod & Reel. We at Angling Direct have a range of products related to fly fishing - from rods, reels and waders to ready-tied flies, fly boxes, backpacks and special nets to land your catch. Anglers will tell you that of all the fishing disciplines, fly fishing is the most ideal yet challenging. You always stay active – even if you don't catch anything!
You Are What You Eat! There is a lot of good in fish
Some of the fish that anglers catch ends up in the cooking pot. Be sure that you are fishing at a catch and keep venue before you consider eating the fish from an angling session! You can also check which fish you have to return and can keep according to the species and size through the official UK Government website.
Whether its the fish you caught on a coarse or sea fishing session, fish are an excellent source of nutrition, with a high content of vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B12, D and E), minerals, calcium, iron, zinc and potassium, to name but a few. Mackerel and other oily fish are a plus on the menu, and the trout is both tasty and healthy. Fish such as salmon, also known as a "fatty" fish, contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to physical and mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to actively contribute to reducing mental disorders and depression!
Angling is a great way to get some exercise, relieve stress, and socialize. It can also be a fun challenge for the mind. What’s not to love about fishing? Have you tried angling yet? If so, what are your favourite things about it? Let us know on our socials!
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