Fishing: That Healthy Activity You Are Looking For
By Tom Herrin
We are so busy these days that we have to look for something to do that can enhance our health. It wasn’t that many years ago that most people were engaged in things that required physical effort and presented outlets for pent-up energy. Times have changed, and we now spend countless hours sitting relatively still, whether it is work, school, or leisure activities. You may have thought of fishing as something people did to relax, unwind, and sort of do nothing. There is good news for all the Tom Sawyers in the world. Fishing is actually an activity that has health benefits.
Getting There Is Part of It
In our mind’s eye, kids walk barefoot to their favorite fishing place with a cane pole over their shoulders. It isn’t quite like that today, but we do have to get to wherever it is we are going to fish. A lot of the time it requires some walking. That is not all bad. Even operating a reel requires some work and endurance. If you are in a boat, there is some physical stress here. If you are not in some shape, you will be worn out quickly. In order to fish, you will have to build some conditioning.
It Can Relieve Stress
Fishing is probably best known for its ability to help us slow down. Relieving stress is almost synonymous with fishing, or so it seems. The truth is it really does help. Anytime we focus on something other than our usual grind, we may be able to find some relief. If nothing else, it can be a relief to put our minds on something different. It is refreshing. The usual good things happen when we do this. Our blood pressure is lowered and our immune system seems to work more efficiently.
Coordination, Motor Skills, And A Mixed Bag
Fishing covers a lot of different things. If you are baiting a hook, it can be like threading a needle. It takes some hand-eye coordination. Whether you are tying flies, attaching hooks, or maintaining equipment, it will take some dexterity. Your fingers will have to work. Fresh air is something many people truly don’t get enough of. Many of the vitamins we need are absorbed from sunlight. Since you have so much of this available to you on the Texas coast, take advantage of it. Whether deep sea or freshwater, fishing can actually help improve your health.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.