Fishing

Therapeutic experts claim that, because fishing requires focus, it helps take a person’s mind off internal conflict. Locating fish, developing a strategy, choosing the correct fly or lure, and properly presenting that lure to the fish all require critical thinking and creativity, which allow a healthy escape from stress, depression, and anxiety.

This has been proven in clinical studies in which cortisol (a hormone linked to stress) levels were measured in a group of war veterans before and after a weekend of fishing. Those who had been on the fishing trip experienced lower levels of cortisol for as many as three weeks afterward. Researchers noted that their patients slept better, expressed lower levels of depression and anxiety, experienced fewer symptoms of somatic stress, and were far less likely to experience the feelings of guilt, hostility, fear, or sadness normally associated with PTSD and traumatic experiences. Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Exposure to the natural environment is increasingly considered to benefit psychological health. Recent reports in the literature also suggest that outdoor exposure that includes recreational pursuits such as fishing coupled with opportunities for social interaction with peers may be beneficial to Armed Forces Veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Outdoor recreational activity decreases participants’ symptoms as assessed by established measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, and increase participants’ sense of general social functioning and psychological growth.  Source: US National Library of Medicine/National Institute of Health/National Center for Biotechnology Information, Published: November 25, 2020, Mark Wheeler, Nicholas R. Cooper, Leanne Andrews, Jamie Hacker Hughes, Marie Juanchich, Tim Rakow, Sheina Orbell.  

One of the greatest things about fishing is that anyone can participate. There are no restrictions or limitations. It is one of the world’s most popular recreational activities for good reason. It has helped countless people with chronic illness, post-traumatic stress, and debilitating injuries to recover and live full, healthy lives. It allows us to explore our natural world and stay active well into old age. Fishing is a calming, enjoyable activity that has the power to transform your outlook on life.