If you’re a person who is having a hard time sitting still, it may be puzzling to you why fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities around. The prospect of sitting for long minutes or even hours just waiting for a fish to bite the bait seems boring. But there’s something about fishing that makes it a truly enjoyable pastime. It also gives a slew of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. In fact, fishing has become even more popular during the pandemic.
Whether you are just plain curious or looking for a great hobby that can change your life, here are more reasons fishing can make you a happier person.
- Being in Nature Heals the Body and Mind
Science has proven that constant exposure to nature brings lots of physical and emotional benefits. Researcher Robert Ulrich made a study during the early 1980s showing that post-operative patients confined in the hospital recovered quickly when they had a good view of a natural area outside. These patients healed quicker than patients who could only see buildings in their room windows.
So imagine the potential healing power of being out there in the water while waiting to reel in your catch.
- It Keeps You in Good Physical Shape
You may think otherwise because all you see is fishers sitting on their butts for long periods waiting for a catch. But this is not the case. First, some people fish standing up. Fishing also involves wading through waist-deep waters, launching the boats, paddleboarding, kayaking, and throwing a cast net.
Sometimes, it involves reeling in a heavy, enormous catch that tests one’s real strength. Imagine yourself trying to stay on your feet as you reel in a catch while on a halibut fishing trip. This is why fishing is actually a physical activity that increases muscle strength and improves cardiovascular fitness.
- All That Sunshine is a Natural Mood-Booster
Amid a pandemic, most people spend their time indoors and miss out on the benefits of getting lots of sunshine. Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, which is instrumental in strengthening our immune system and bone and preventing diabetes. It even helps ward off multiple sclerosis, hypertension, and glucose intolerance.
Sunlight also triggers the release of serotonin in the body. It’s a hormone that helps you get into a good mood. Ever notice that people with long, harsh winters tend to become more depressed?
- You Get a Truly Healthy Source of Protein
Lots of anglers do release their catch back into the water, but they do bring home a fair lot of their catches to be cooked and enjoyed for healthy meals. As you know, fish is full of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Best of all, fish is super low in fat, making it safe for practically everyone to eat (unless you have seafood allergies).
- It’s a Great Way to Bond with Friends and Family
Fishing alone is a great way to get some much-needed quiet time, but when you fish with family and friends, expect nothing but a great bonding time. If you’re fishing with fellow anglers, you will have a marvelous time catching up on each other’s fishing milestones and trading tips on getting a catch. If you’re fishing with family, you can bond with them by teaching them how to do it. This is also a chance to initiate the kids to the wonders of angling.
- It Gets You Off Your Phone
By now, you are probably too aware of the hazards of spending too much time on your phone or any other screen. Nothing takes you away from your phone more effectively than outdoor activities. Fishing forces you to focus and wait for something to take your bait. You can’t fiddle with your phone while you are holding your reel and you have a line in the water.
- It’s Great for Your Lungs
Loads of fresh air is what you get while you’re out in the sea, pond, or river during a fishing trip. Spending hours or days surrounded by water and trees will truly give your lungs a much-needed break from the polluted confines of the city. Clean air plus awesome sunshine on your skin—it’s an unbeatable combination for natural healing.
If you’re tired of spending days at home, get off your butts, shop around for angling gear, and try fishing. Go at it on your own or take your family and friends with you. Your mind, body, and heart will thank you for it.
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