Why taking up the sport and hobby of model flying is good for health and well-being.

Recent studies are increasingly highlighting that taking up a sport, hobby or undertaking volunteering activities can have significant benefits in the following ways:

•  Acting as a stress buster. Doing something non-routine is a good way to deal with the stress of work, family problems etc. Taking time out to do something you love and look forward to really boosts both physical and mental health.
• Participating in activities that bring out your creative side e.g. model making, building and designing leads to an increased sense of well-being in the long term. Studies have also shown that  people taking time out from everyday life for the development of their sport/hobby have a greater sense of positivity, are more happy, relaxed and as such are less likely to suffer from low mood and depression.
• Having a sport/hobby can also lead to improved mental health and fitness. Just being outside for 10 minutes can improve mood and focus. Model flying is the perfect vehicle for this.
• Flying model aircraft can require a significant amount of physical activity, including running, walking, and reaching. This can provide an aerobic workout, which can improve cardiovascular health and help to burn calories.
• Learning new skills challenges the brain by improving brain activity and levels of personal confidence. Sharing those skills with others also contributes to this. This is vitally important as we age as this has been proved to slow cognitive decline in older people. The BMFA welcomes volunteers and actively encourages its members to support beginners and Outreach activities in their communities.
• Model aircraft and drone flying requires precise control of the aircraft, which can help to improve hand-eye coordination. This can be beneficial for individuals of all ages, including children, older adults, and those recovering from injuries.
• Finding like-minded people who enjoy the same activities helps to enhance communication skills and to build healthy relationships with others.
• Can decrease the feeling of social isolation by becoming part of a like-minded community. Being lonely for prolonged periods of time in unhealthy and leads to poorer cognitive and mental health. Belonging to the BMFA and your local model flying Club will reduce this sense of loneliness and could reduce your chance of mortality by up to 50%.
• Sense of accomplishment: There's nothing quite like the feeling of successfully piloting a model aircraft or drone. It can be very satisfying to see your aircraft soar through the air, and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment every time you complete a successful flight.

All of the above clearly demonstrate why becoming a model flyer and joining the BMFA and its network of Areas and Clubs will be a life changing and enhancing experience. There are opportunities to compete competitively at national and international levels, to volunteer to train novice pilots, to share model building expertise with others or to become involved in other ways too numerous to mention here.

Happy Flying