For the 48 percent of Americans who lie awake at night restless from the stress of their day, relief may be closer than they think.
A new study released by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s Take Me Fishing campaign shows that only 37.5 percent of people are using the outdoors to help themselves unwind.
With proof that being near water can naturally help lower anxiety, leading to a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle, Take Me Fishing is urging people to take advantage of local outdoor spaces and bodies of water by engaging in activities like boating, fishing, biking and hiking.
Getting outdoors is healthy for people of all ages. The foundation notes that 90 percent of children who spend time outside say that being in nature helps relieve stress.
And while 75 percent of teachers feel that students who regularly spend time outdoors are more creative and better problem solvers, only one-third of high school students get their recommended levels of physical activity.
Boating and fishing are fun, easy and affordable ways to release stress.
With 3.5 million miles of rivers in the United States, 90 percent of Americans live within an hour of navigable water. And a family of four can get a fishing license for approximately $115 annually, less than half the cost for a family season pass to the average commercial water park.
“Boating and fishing are not only easy ways to naturally relieve the stress of daily life,” said foundation president and CEO Frank Peterson. “They are enjoyable activities that allow you to spend time with your family while on a budget.”
More Americans are jumping in and taking advantage of these fun stress-busting activities, he said. Boating is ranked as one of the top three of all stress-relieving activities. The foundation notes that more Americans partake in fishing than play basketball and football combined.
And those who enjoy these outdoor pursuits can help the environment while they relax. Funds from fishing license sales and boat registrations go to the conservation of natural aquatic areas.
“RBFF is committed to conserving our natural resources so that future generations can enjoy fishing and boating in our nation’s rivers for years to come. So, when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, grab your life jacket or your fishing rod, keep calm and enjoy the water,” said Peterson.
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