Fishing For Our Health

The value of nature has never been more apparent. As we continue living life in a coronavirus Britain, we have all grown to appreciate the offerings of the outside world more. Coming out of this crisis, it is important that the value of angling, with its connections to spending time in the outdoors, is capitalised on with respect to the covid-19 exit strategy. Being a naturally self-isolating sport angling provides the ideal circumstances to deliver a variety of wellbeing benefits in these uncertain times.

Now that we can fish again it is becoming ever clearer just how significant angling is to the mental and physical health of so many members of the public. There is a large amount of evidence to support the important benefits angling has on both physical and mental health, with it being prescribed by a number of NHS trusts as a proven therapy for mental wellbeing as well as numerous military charities and organisations to combat PTSD.

Fishing is a highly accessible outdoor sport. It is open to anyone and everyone, no matter their age, income level or fitness ability. As the ability to head to both the bank and the seaside has become available, there are more people participating in the sport across all age ranges – and with good reason.

Here are just some of the ways participating in fishing in good for your health:

• Fishing typically takes place in the great outdoors which has been linked with an improved mood and reduced feelings of stress or anger, particularly as it increases your patient levels.

• Fishing is a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vitamin D which is important for boosting your immune system, keeping your bones and teeth healthy and has been linked to fighting depression.

• Fishing works out your main muscle groups and is also good for your heart and lungs. Research has suggested that you can burn 200 calories during an hour’s fishing on average. It is also a great way of improving your balance – especially when reeling in your catch!

• Fishing requires a lot of focus and awareness, having similarities with meditation. Studies have shown that fishing lowers your cortisol levels (the stress hormone) thanks to its involvement with water – an element often associated with lowering stress levels.

• Fishing helps you to focus on your personal goals and can help with boosting self-esteem. It is a skill you can build upon for life and one that can be enjoyed at any age. It also enables you to build relationships and strengthen bonds within your family across generations.

• Fishing also helps you to unplug from screens. Excessive screen time is associated with eye strain, headaches, poor quality of sleep and a lack of focus. Many of the mental health benefits associated with fishing are thanks to its ability to help us unplug from our digital lives.

Participating in angling is a great way to improve your health and reconnect with our natural world. It offers something for everybody and there is no time like the present to get involved with the sport.

For more information and to join the Angling Trust visit https://joinanglingtrust.net/