There’s a lot more to fishing than meets the eye. And that’s a reason why you probably weren’t aware that there are a lot of ways that fishing can positively impact your life.
If you can't fathom how then let me tell you several ways that fishing can be beneficial to your life.
Fishing and Physical Well-Being
Source: www.ontarioparks.com
Full-Body Workout
The main character in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea fights against a massive marlin for three days. And while this is fiction, it doesn’t mean catching a fish –no matter how small- doesn’t require engaging a lot of muscles including back, arms, core, shoulders, and legs.
Excellent Low-Impact Activity
While running is a great way to keep your blood pumping, it does inflict some damage on your knees in the long run.
The same is true for many power exercises.
And that’s another reason why fishing is a great way to get your body active –it doesn’t include any wear or tear due to impact.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Depending on the kind of fishing you like to do, you can burn anywhere up to 200 calories per hour.
That is unless you’re just sitting around with your beer waiting for a fish to start tugging.
You’ll definitely get your lungs and heart working if you move around to test different spots, casting, and reeling your line.
Improves Balance and Coordination
Anyone that's reeled in a bigger fish knows that the process requires a lot of maneuvering. And to keep your balance, you need flexibility and core strength, both of which you can acquire through fishing.
Moreover, fishing helps you keep all your limbs moving in coordination to be able to keep your balance and catch the fish.
Fishing for Food
Fish are low in cholesterol and fat while high in protein. That’s why many nutritionists and dietary experts would recommend a regular diet of fish.
And if the fish you cook is the same as the fresh one you just caught on a fishing trip, it makes the benefits all the more effective and rewarding in every sense.
Fishing and Mental Well-being
Family Bonding
I don't think there's any of us who don't remember a fishing trip with their grandpa, father, uncle, or big brother. And if for any reason you don't, you can always go with your kids and teach them how everything is done.
It’ll Bring You Closer to Nature
Fishing is a great way to be at one with nature as you’ll be doing it around water surfaces surrounded by trees or at a beach. The fresh air with the breeze from the water will definitely help you become more grounded and recharge your battery.
Teaches Patience
Like actual muscles, patience needs to be trained and put into action. Catching fish requires a good amount of waiting, which teaches you the virtue of patience and encourages you to be persistent.
Although you may be defeated sometimes, such as when you have to change spots, you’ll learn not to give up and pursue your goal.
Gives Your Immune System a Boost
Even if you haven’t caught any fish, you can still celebrate the victory of getting your dose of vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps your body manage the absorption of phosphorus and calcium –two minerals that boost the immune system and helps it fight against diseases.
Encourages You to Kick Back
You can also celebrate the mere idea of getting some relaxation. You’d have spent long hours surrounded by nature while you focus on a task that matches meditation. This lowers blood pressure and consequently reduces anxiety.
Encourages Travel and Exploration
Like any activity, sometimes you'll get bored of fishing in your usual area and would want to go to a nearby lake. Maybe in a neighboring town.
Sometimes, people travel across the world to fish in the most rewarding and enjoyable fishing spots.
And through traveling and meeting fellow anglers, you can learn to be more open to experiences and to different people and cultures.
Final Thoughts
When all is said and done, fishing can be an enjoyable experience overall. It is one of the most popular hobbies and activities all over the world, and for a good reason.
Apart from the stress-relief, general body, and brain workout, you also get a catch for dinner that can encourage you to follow healthier eating habits.