Most of us anglers are eager to go fishing just for the sheer joy of it. We don’t need any other reason. But sometimes we need more ammunition for our argument. Like, we need to go to an Ontario fishing lodge to improve our mental health.
Our desire is subjective, but the science is solid. We may not be aware of it, but these mental health reasons are part of why we love to fish.
Therapists often prescribe fishing to help their patients.
Here are 12 reasons an Ontario fishing trip would be great for your mental health.
ADHD
- Fishing has been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Concentration
- A natural environment restores the capacity for concentration.
Grief
- Nature improves the ability to cope.
- Self-awareness is improved.
Happiness is promoted through hormone production.
- Fishing boosts endorphin levels.
- Fishing boosts dopamine production.
Interactions with other people
The positive effects that being in nature has on you affects other people as well.
- You show you care more.
- You are more positive.
Internal conflict effects are reduced.
- Fishing requires that you focus your thoughts.
- Fishing moves your mind off internal conflicts.
Memory
- Fishing has a positive long-term effect on memory.
Mood is improved.
- Fishing lowers anxiety.
- It has a positive long-term effect on depression.
- Fishing increases Vitamin D in the body, linked to improving depression.
Relaxation
- Fishing is therapy for veterans, the chronically ill, traumatized people, everyone else.
Psychosomatic symptoms are reduced by fishing:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Tension headaches
- Indigestion
PTSD symptoms are reduced by fishing:
- Guilt
- Hostility
- Fear
- Sadness
Sleep
- Fishing improves your quality of sleep.
- Fishing resets your circadian rhythm.
Stress Reduction
- Fishing lowered the stress hormone cortisol in war veterans.
- Fishing lowers stress for everyone.
