Mental Health Tip – Grab a Pole and Hit the River!

I love the focus on Mental Health today, thanks to #BellLetsTalk (We are not a Bell owned radio station, for the record. But I support what they do!)

I struggle with the darkness sometimes. I have a great support system for when I need it. I hope you do too. (There are people who want to talk to you and care about you, too!!)

One of the best things I have ever done for my own mental sanity? Buying a fishing rod.

Now it has nothing to do with catching a fish….Trust me! Fishing is my excuse to get my butt off the couch and into the woods. And science has shown just BEING in nature is super healthy for your brain and all those things rattling around inside.

Niels Eék, a psychologist and co-founder of mental well-being and self-development platform Remente, said the following:

“Several researchers have looked into the health benefits connected to spending time out in nature. One study specifically, which was recently published in BioScience Journal, found that daily exposure to nature can, among other things, help reduce feelings of stress and even improve your self-esteem, for up to seven hours. Reconnecting with nature can also help you become more mindful and present in the moment.” 

It gets even better. A study from the University of Michigan found positive long-term effects when it comes to depression and memory, as well as decreasing the risk of certain cancers and high blood pressure.

So find a chunk of water and fish it.

Don’t want to fish? Grab a tank of gas and just drive up a trail, who knows what you will see.

(I pooped in there…)

Now is also a great time to call up and old bud and see if they want to get some nature going. You have no idea how important that call can be.

+DA