Fishing is a great outdoor sport. People from all walks of life go to great lakes or oceans to fish as their pastime or hobby. Some people eke out a living from fishing. In fact some literature pointed out that fishing can be a great stress reliever. Dealing with stress and anxiety is universal. Even if you are engaged with a stress-busting activity such as fishing you can’t help but to run into a rough patch now and then. This can cause a lot of stress especially when things don’t go the way you expected them to be. All is not lost. You can do something about it and never let stress bring you down. Here are some tips how to naturally cope with stress while you fish.

Stop smoking

If you smoke then you probably need to quit as soon as you can. A new study from the United Kingdom revealed that people who quit smoking actually had better chances in coping with anxiety and stress than those who smoke. It seems that it is not those external stressors that force people to smoke and get some stress relief. The lack of nicotine in the brain sends a signal similar to a stress indicator. The withdrawal from nicotine is the leading reason why people are under stress and thus turn to smoking for relief. S

Breathe deep

One of the quickest fix against stress is to have deep breaths. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can provide a quick fix especially when you are faced with a situation that is not to your liking. Science has yet to fully figure out how breathing and stress are linked. But, it cannot be denied that deep breathing can provide an immediate relief to a mind that is clouded with anxieties. A few short but deep breathes can do a world of difference. Breathing can help provide life-giving oxygen to the body and at the same time help calm the nerves. Slowly breathe in and then count to four in your mind. Then hold it and count to four. Slowly breathe out as you count to four. This will bring some balance in the body.

Set realistic goals

Much of our frustrations on things are born by having unrealistic goals. If you fish, don’t treat it as the all and be all. After all, you are there to really have some fun. If there is some competition involved treat it as an impetus and not something that you should be getting all ballistic about. It will do you no good if you keep on thinking how to outsmart the other person. Try to relax, have fun and enjoy the angling. The absence of pressure could be the one that will help you think straighter and focus better at what you are doing.

Think positive thoughts

If you are down in your luck don’t sweat it. Fishing is supposed to be a fun activity and should never be putting you down. Use the opportunity to connect better with friends and family. Show that you are interested with what is happening in their lives. The time spent fishing with them can be a great bonding moment. You can strengthen the ties and also help get some stress relief as you can use the time to release the pent up frustrations that you have in the office or at home.

Accept the things

If you end the day without a significant catch then don’t sweat it. It is not the end of the world. Accept that there are things that will not go your way even if you have prepared enough for them. Enjoy the time that you are out fishing and never mind the competition. Try to be happy at your achievement and never measure up against anybody else. Envy can be a great stressor and would only lead to anxiety problems.

People fish to escape the rigors of life. That is why there is no place for worries and negative emotions when you’re angling. As an angler it is best to savor the moment and use it as a form of release from other sources of stress that you have. You have limited time in angling and it is a waste if you spend part of the moment worrying and getting all stressed on things that are not really that urgent and important.

Submitted by Ryan Rivera