Four reasons why fly-fishing is good stress relief
“Be patient and calm – for no one can catch fish in anger.” – Herbert Hoover
One reason I like to fly-fish is to relieve stress. I often tell people, "If I didn’t fly-fish and guide, I’d go insane or be a dead man.”
Recently I was listening to a meditation session focusing on movement as stress relief. Naturally it got me thinking about fly-fishing and why it’s a terrific way to relieve stress.
Try as I might, I carry around more tension than is good for me.1 The exercise talked about using movement to release tension. It certainly rang true to me. Some people use trips to the gym, yoga classes or running for tension release. For me, it’s fly-fishing.
Casting
When I blow a cast or miss a fish, the tension and stress spike. More often than not, I’ll carry that tension to the next spot. Casting is certainly a repetitive movement. It’s easy to become absorbed in the casting motion; the rhythmic motion becomes meditative.
When I blow a shot, I’ll make a few casts to help calm my mind and give my body a chance to reset. It’s like taking a few breaths only better because of the action of the casting stroke. I focus on the sheer joy of the motion and the arc of the line. I’ll pay attention to the movement and enjoy the sensation of casting.
Tip: Want to make it a good day even if you get skunked? Make a few casts for the sheer joy of the motion.
Quit Overthinking
I’ve written about this before, here. When thoughts start to intrude, I’ll take a moment to acknowledge them but not dwell on them. That will only lead to more thinking. To quote the renowned philosopher Yoda, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
The mind wants to think, that’s natural. But taking a break from thinking is refreshing. It’s a chance to take a mental deep breath or two.
Enjoy the Water
Wading in moving water is an opportunity to feel the environment I’m in. I enjoy watching it move along the creek bed between the banks. I’ll sometimes stop and enjoy the soothing sensation of the water flowing over my boots and around my legs. In the summer, I’ll sit in it and enjoy a respite from the heat. I’ll snap a photo to remind me of how enjoyable it is.
Listen
While I’m fishing, it’s easy to mentally block out the noise, especially the sound of moving water. Yet, when someone tries to talk to me, the sound of the water often drowns them out. The sound is always there I’m just not hearing it.
I find stepping to the bank and just listening, separating the distinct sounds can be very relaxing. It takes some focus to distinguish the water, wind, animal noise and other sounds. That focus, oddly enough, can release some tension and give my mind a break.
Keep calm and fish on…
I recently learned I have a heart condition and stress relief has taken on an elevated level of importance.
As the Eagles put it, take it easy. there is always another day, another creek, another cast, another trout.
There were never truer words (written.) I have been known to throw hissy fits when everything seems to be conspiring against me while I fish. I sometimes, just “quit” for an hour or two and watch my wife fish. Or sit on the bank, close my eyes, and listen to the water and the wind in the trees. It all helps. Thank you for sharing these meaningful insights.