Fishing may seem like just a hobby to most, but fishing has many physical, social, and mental health benefits as well. Nature has unique restorative properties and a therapeutic effect. Fishing forces you to slow down from a fast-paced lifestyle and spending a few hours on the water is an opportunity to disconnect and unwind in nature.
Physical Benefits
Although fishing is a low-impact exercise, there are many physical benefits to fishing.
Boosts immune system- Fishing helps boost your immune system by breathing in clean air and getting Vitamin D through sunlight.
Gets your body moving- Exercising regularly improves your overall health and well-being. Fishing can help improve cardiovascular and lung health.
Builds and refines both gross and fine motor skills– Gross motor skills include standing, walking, running, swimming, and other activities that use the large muscles of the arms, legs, and torso. Fine motor skills involve the muscles of the fingers, hands, and wrists, as well as toes, feet, and ankles. Fishing helps with building and refining these motor skills. This can be beneficial to someone of any age, but especially children or elderly.
Healthy meals- Catching and cooking fresh fish to eat is beneficial to your health. Fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients to your body.
Social Benefits
Fishing can be a social hobby or activity. Fishing can be done with friends, family, or anyone. Even if you fish alone, fishing can be a talking point or hobby to discuss with others. According to a study, in 2020 over 55 million people went fishing in the United States alone.
Builds strong bonds and friendships- Fishing can be used as a bonding experience with friends, family, or even coworkers!
Social hobby or activity- Fishing is an activity that all levels of anglers or non-anglers can participate in. There are often fishing events or tournaments that like-minded fishermen can participate in together.
Mental Benefits
Fishing is supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating. Fishing can impact your mental health in positive ways.
Stress and anxiety reliever- Stress and anxiety are often hard to overcome, but fishing can help alleviate it! Fishing can be as calming as you want to make it. Focusing on your fishing goals of the day will help ease your mind.
Improves concentration and patience- Catching a fish takes patience… A lot of patience. Going fishing will improve both your concentration and patience.
Grounds you with nature- Doing an activity, relaxing, or even meditating in a natural environment can help ground and connect you with nature.
Go fishing and feel the benefits!