Good news. The reports are in, and your brain loves fishing! Whether you’re looking for
an excuse to get out more or a reason to adventure out for the first time, you’ve got
science on your side. At Evolution Charter Fishing, we consider ourselves sportsmen
and tour guides. The truth is, our sport isn’t strictly entertainment. It’s also good for
your mental health!
One measure of mental health is our capacity to deal with adversity. You’ve heard the
cliche before: when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. It’s called resilience. That
is—the ability to withstand and recover quickly from challenging situations. How do we
get up when knocked down? How do we bounce back?
Let’s look at three ways to build resilience and strengthen your mental health…and
what the heck fishing has to do with any of this!
1. Practicing Mindfulness
Resist the urge to dismiss mindfulness as new age mumbo-jumbo. Instead, realize the
concept for what it is: simply being in the NOW. Mindfulness is recognizing your
thoughts, emotions, and sense of place as it exists in the moment. It’s nothing mystic;
it’s a learned skill.
Meditation is a common practice to develop mindfulness. You might not be a mediator.
I get it! Imagine though…sitting on a pier, tackle box to your left, pole in your right
hand. On your mind, nothing but the task at hand. Naysayers of our great sport dismiss
it as boring. The truth is, when we fish, we’re building the skill of mindfulness and
resilience.
The practice of mindfulness can help reduce stress, slow aging of the brain, and
improve cognitive ability. So, next time someone suggests mediation, just tell them: “I
fish.”
2. Learn From Setbacks
Like baseball, fishing is largely a sport of failure. But, it’s not as easy as black-and white.
Variables like location, equipment, and technique are challenges, sure. More
importantly, those variables are our opportunities! Every time you reel in a fish-less line,
you’ve learned something. Cast again! The immediacy of that second chance, third
chance…twentieth chance is the perfect opportunity to build resilience and strengthen
your mental health.
3. Maintain Perspective
Water covers over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. Many scientists believe we actually
know more about outer space than the ocean’s depth. When we cast our fishing lines
beneath the surface, we’re physically (and mentally) connecting to something bigger
than ourselves. Focusing on the vastness of this world and even this universe, makes
the everyday a little less scary.
And one more reason that fishing is good for your mental health…EATING fish is good
for your brain!
Have you ever heard of “omega-3s”? They’re part of our body’s makeup—a fatty acid
(the good kind of fat) essential to our healthiest selves. Research into this molecular level
function began back in the 1940s. But, it wasn’t until a substantial 1999 study that
omega-3 supplements started showing up on grocery shelves and in health magazines.
And for good reason! Scientific research suggests that increased intake of omega-3s
improves symptoms of anxiety and depression; may reduce symptoms of ADHD in
children; and even helps increase cognitive development of fetuses during pregnancy.
Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids include whitefish and lake trout—available right here in
lake Michigan.
Whether you’re an avid angler or just fishing-curious, all of us at Evolution Charters are
excited to take you out on the waters of Lake Michigan, catch some fish, and…
strengthen your mental health!
Sources:
https://magazines.uthscsa.edu; https://www.uvmhealth.org; https://
www.healthline.com; https://www.uclahealth.org
Comments