Cast away stress
There’s a whole calendar of nominated days throughout the year.
Shout out to everyone who took part in Bat Awareness Day on Wednesday, or folk looking forward to National Biscuit Day on the May 29 (bourbon creams or chocolate digestives are my fishing lunch biscuits of choice for that survey).
There are lots of fun ones alongside the serious topics raised. They’re not going to change the world but they’re there as a reminder.
April is Stress Awareness Month which, since 1992, has aimed to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures of stress.
Many aspects of life can cause stress, from your work to home life and everything in between,
It’s a natural part of life but when stress affects your mental health and well-being, you need to recognise the triggers and what you need to do to cope with it.
For myself and a lot of anglers it’s not just fishing, it’s therapy too.
Getting outside, away from work or the same four walls and taking the time to unwind is a massive part of the sport.
Simply spending time outdoors can calm and relax. I took my rod for a walk at the weekend, fishing a little river that has a fairly busy road running along the back of it.
Once I was in the river, hidden behind trees, there was just the sounds of the running water, birds chirping and a palpable sense of calm.
Stepping, casting, trying to land the lure just under a wee tree, always working out likely spots… there’s a thousand things to consider so no time for screens and stress.
Then the sun came out and I just sat on the bank for a bit to breathe it in.
Mindfulness and meditation are great in theory but I’m not likely going on a yoga retreat any time soon.
Fishing has always been an escape for me.
It’s good to have something to look forward to, things to plan, memories to reminisce on, trips with mates to talk nonsense in the car with, or quiet days where there’s simply nothing but you and the water.
You can leave your baggage behind when you go fishing. When you pick it back up, it feels lighter and more manageable.
Whether it’s freshly caught Fish of the Week contenders or just working on your fishing tan as the weather improves, all anglers will agree that there is nothing like spending the day by the water.
You don’t need masses of gear to do it unless you want to. There’s no real pressure on catching or not, unless you want to.
Get the essentials and it’s a pretty cheap day out that can improve the rest of your week.
If you do need some support to deal with stress, anxiety and more, check out groups like Breathing Space (0800 838587), mentalhealth-uk.org and CALM (thecalmzone.net).