Spending a day in the outdoors is a great way to create memories with friends and family, but fishing and paddling also provide excellent health benefits. Whether you’re casting a line into a honey hole or paddling along a scenic trail, water adventures improve physical, mental and emotional health.
Lower your blood pressure and reduce stress
Spending time in the outdoors lowers blood pressures and reduces stress-related hormones including cortisol and adrenaline. Fishing and paddling are among the best ways to reduce stress, and those mental health benefits last for weeks after your trip.
Improve mood
Put simply: Nature makes us happy. Exploring the outdoors promotes mental health by helping the brain to relax. Fishing and paddling can elevate your mood and outlook while decreasing anxiety, depression and anger.
Improve cardiovascular health
Spending time in nature can help control your heart rate and strengthen your respiratory system. Overall, outdoor activities can improve your strength and mobility and help you lose weight, heal quicker and sleep better.
Boost Vitamin D
Natural sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D, which helps your immune system function and fight against disease. Soaking up Vitamin D from the sunlight is a beneficial byproduct of fishing and paddling, but don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Improve confidence
Learning new tasks helps us gain confidence. People who fish and paddle report increased confidence and the belief they can accomplish other tasks. They’re also more likely to push through setbacks.
Adapted from the May/June 2023 issue of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater.
