Anyone who has read my blog or Facebook posts over the years knows that I have a passion for the outdoors. It is a critical part of my life and my personal well-being. Sitting on a rock and watching a river run, usually with a fly rod next to me is therapy. So is rowing a boat, trolling for trout on a lake or sitting in the back of a small boat looking for dorado and sailfish in Mexico.
Imagine my joy to find that a recent study done by Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, Ulster University and Queens University in Belfast quantified the value of hours of fishing. Those who took part in angling more regularly were almost 17% less likely to report being diagnosed with mental health conditions. Those who fished more frequently saw an even greater impact.
Fishing people shed stress just by being there, they come home more relaxed and the focus on fishing allows them to ‘blank out’ other concerns on their mind. They have better mental health and fishing also encourages more physical activity. Both mental health and physical health improve, even for those with health issues.
One British fisherman added, “Being in the great outdoors is good for the soul.”
With traces of snow in my yard this October morning, and a love of fishing in Alaska, you probably will not be able to reach me for a couple of days in the next week as I cram in a little more mental health fishing before the waters turn to ice.
Wherever you are, I encourage you to join me. Fall fishing with the turning colors and crisp air is really special.