Fishing is a classic hobby that is enjoyed by a lot of people. In fact, fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities around the world, and new anglers join in on the sport every year adding to it's popularity. Fishing is not only a way to catch your own food, but can keep your whole body and mind in great physical shape. Here are some of the many health advantages of fishing that many us may not really think about when we're casting our rods.
Physical Fitness
When a fish takes the bait and latches itself on the hook it must be reeled in. Reeling in a fish, even the small ones, uses the shoulders, arms, back, core, and legs. Battling a fish makes for a great all body workout. The workout doesn't always end on the water though. Being strong enough to reel in a big fish encourages a lot of anglers to work on their body strength with exercises they conduct regularly at home or at a gym. Fishing from boats will improve balance and core strength and improve flexibility in the back which can offset back pain.
Cardiovascular Health
Going fishing gets you outside and moving. You walk around finding good fishing spots with fish finder and depth sounder accessories , you move when casting out lines, and you get your heart pumping when battling a fish. If you use a kayak or other type of vessel in which you paddle, then you are getting even more of a greater cardio workout by paddling all over the water to different fishing spots. It is also estimated that an angler will burn an average of 200 calories in one hour of fishing.
Blood Pressure Health
Studies have shown that time spent outside enjoying nature can lower blood pressure. Research also shows that the benefits of time spent outdoors lasts a while after you return home to civilization. While the more time you spend outdoors is better, it is estimated that you only need just 30 minutes a week out in nature to help improve blood pressure.
Fishing Can Improve Your Mood
Fishing is generally a quiet sport which makes it a great escape from the average urban rat race most of us live in. A quiet fishing trip is a great way to just unplug from all the noise and relax. Fishing can reduce stress which will make the whole body healthier. Sunshine is a natural mood booster. Sunshine triggers the brain to release serotonin. Serotonin is the hormone that makes us feel happy and joyful, and if you do not get enough of it you can become depressed. It is also good to point out to wear sunscreen though when spending quality time in the sunshine. Sunshine also boosts the immune system by supplying us with Vitamin D. A boosted immune means not getting sick often which helps keep the mood good and happy.
Keeps Your Brain Active And Sharp
Fishing is not only a physical activity, but can be mentally stimulating as well. Catching fish makes us have to think on many levels. First you think about where the best part of the lake they will be biting. Once that is figured out you will then have to think about the best technique and solution to get them to take the bait like you can use best portable depth finder and handheld depth finder. Harvard Health has ranked fishing as one of the number one activities to help combat cognitive decline.
Time With Loved Ones
Fishing is an activity that the whole family can enjoy and you can use Hawkeye Boat Mounts the best selling depth finders. Kids love the excitement of seeing a fish on their little poles. Studies have longed showed that families that spend a lot of time together are happier and don't have a lot of the problems that families who are not close with one another have. Fishing is great way to get your kids to open up and talk so you know what is going on within their lives.
Fishing Teaches Patience And Determination
Being impatient can cause more stress which in return can cause high blood pressure. Stress also weakens the immune system and effects the mood negatively. Fishing promotes patience because you generally are not going to just drop a line and catch a fish instantly. Some days you may not catch any all, but you will leave with the determination to come back and try again. This persistence creates patience within, and the willingness to not be defeated. These are good traits to have and carry over in day to day life.
Promotes Self Reliance
In today's world, we generally rely on grocery stores or restaurants to provide our food, but if something happened to where those places did not exists you would have the skill of fishing to put some type of food on your plate. Of course the likelihood of grocery stores or eateries becoming non-existent is rare, it is still a good feeling knowing you possess a skill that won't let you starve to death in a apocalyptic event.
Constant Access To A Healthy Protein Source
Fish is one of the most healthiest proteins we can eat. For starters, fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are great for maintaining good blood pressure levels and cardiovascular health as a whole. Research has long shown that a diet rich in omega-3 helps prevent heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also promote healthy skin, nails, and hair. Fish can be expensive though when buying it in a store; so being able to catch some on your own will help save you tons of money on your grocery bill.
A lot of people have the average angler pictured as a beer bellied man too drunk to catch anything wobbling around in a jon boat, but in reality people who fish regularly are often happier and healthier than those who have never casted a fishing rod. The health benefits of fishing is a great reason to start or continue doing the fun hobby that people have been enjoying for centuries.