Keep Calm and Hit the Water

For the 48 percent of Americans that lie awake at night restless from the stress of their day, relief may be closer than they think. Recent studies have shown proof that simply being near water can naturally help lower anxiety.

With only 37.5 percent of people currently taking advantage of our serene natural places and using the outdoors to unwind, a day outside seems in order. So, this week, this month, this year, we urge everyone to take advantage of their local outdoor spaces and bodies of water and engage in two fun, relaxing activities: boating and fishing. And, encourage your friends, family and co-workers to do the same. Everyone can use some time to de-compress. Need help convincing? Here’s a simple look at why boating and fishing are great activities to help unwind and de-stress:

Stephanie Vatalaro

Stephanie Vatalaro is vice president of communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar campaigns where she works to recruit newcomers to recreational fishing and boating and increase awareness of aquatic conservation. Stephanie grew up in the Florida Keys as the daughter of a flats fishing guide. Outside of work, you can find her fishing and boating with her family on the Potomac River in the Northern Neck of Virginia.