3 minute read
Reel Benefits: Fishing For Mental Health
WATER + FAMILY FUN | the Reel Story Fishing for Mental Health by John C. Gill
Shadowed in the muted light of daybreak, the lake reposes beneath a sheet of fog.
Dewy trees and grasses border the shore where, amid the morning’s solitude, anglers outfitted with gear withdraw to docks and watercraft.
Immersed in a tranquil setting, and attuned to the tug of the line, they ease into the motions of their sport. But anglers may reap more than a basket of bass or a tangle of weeds. Fishing delivers a host of mental health benefits. When greeted by the ripple of a shimmering lake and a skein of geese fluttering above the water, the anglers experience a sense of joy and belonging. They feel invigorated by the fresh air and motivated by their love of the outdoors.
This connection to nature initiates a surge in emotional well-being, according to Siquilla Liebetrau, Psy.D., HSPP, Clinical Director of the Bowen Center. “It can reduce anxiety, anger, fear, and stress, while also increasing pleasant feelings.” But the therapeutic rewards of a relationship with nature are not restricted to emotions. Enjoying time outdoors also reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension, and slows the production of stress hormones. The evidence suggests that fishing and stress relief fit together like a rod and reel.
Energized by their surroundings, and engaged in the rhythmic art of casting, anglers experience an increase in the production of “feel-good hormones.” This physiological cocktail of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin triggers happiness, and even euphoria— a not surprising perk of visiting Kosciusko County lakes. While at play in such a blissful environment, anglers also strengthen their resilience, or the ability to recover from the challenges of daily life.
When those challenges involve hooking a fish, patience often mingles with the physical actions connected to the sport. Muskie hunters, for example, routinely spend hours prowling for their elusive prey. Other anglers simply cast a line off the rowboat or the dock and wait for a bite. Though idling on or near the water might seem inefficient or boring to some, this “down” time can prove valuable to mental health, as it allows for reflection. “Fishing can pack a double punch by providing exercise and a meditative component as you relax in the calm, quiet, and beauty of nature,” Dr. Liebetrau said.
Between the clicks of their reels, the anglers discern an airborne heron and a soft lake breeze. Lulled by placid waves and the swaying boat, they surrender to the sensations and enter a contemplative state. This communion with nature qualifies as a therapeutic activity, which can serve as the foundation for practicing mindfulness, breathing awareness, and gratitude.
Filled with positive emotions and gazing over the open waters, the anglers may ponder their health, their personal relationships, or their life experiences. At times, that reflection transitions to the spiritual realm. And indeed, the calming lake setting becomes a divine backdrop for anglers to give thanks or to hum a tune of praise.
Some who worship fishing profess a love for the peacefulness granted by a solo excursion. Others remain faithful to the group outing, a gathering of family or friends that reinforces camaraderie.
But anglers of every inclination enjoy the mental health benefits derived from their outdoor activity. Under nature’s care, their tensions subside. No appointment necessary.
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