If you are a fan of golf, you are definitely aware of multiple ways this game can make your life better. It provides a great heart and lung workout and burns a ton of calories. In fact, if you are playing a nine-hole course, you will burn more than 700 calories by walking around and carrying your golf bag. Golf is ideal for people of all ages, since it carries a low risk of injury. Apart from physical benefits, this sport also provides mental health benefits. Here are just some of the ways this game can significantly improve your quality of life.
Golf reduces anxiety
After a long day at the office, packing up your clubs, your premium golf balls, and golf shoes and hitting the course might just be what the doctor prescribed. This game provides moderate physical activity which has been associated with a reduction in anxiety and depression. Therefore, if you had a stressful day, playing a nine-hole course can help you relax, unwind, and easily face new challenges.
It improves your social life
Golf promotes sociability since players often team up in pairs. Spending a day on the course can provide you with an opportunity to meet new people, make friends, enhance your existing relationships, and avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. According to the World Health Organization, socialization can play a significant role in preventing mental health problems. Interacting with others while spending time in the fresh air is a great way to reduce your stress levels and therefore lower the risk of a stroke and high blood pressure. Socialization also boosts feelings of well-being and decreases feelings of anxiety.
It helps you fight depression
You have probably heard about the runner’s high, right? When we run our body produces more endorphins and makes us feel happier. However, you don’t need to engage in a rigorous workout to receive these benefits. In fact, even moderate physical activity such as golf can improve your mood and help your mental state. According to an Australian study, moderate-intensity exercise can improve the quality of life for depressed middle-aged women.
Lowers stress
As a form of physical activity golf has many benefits, but the fact that it is played outdoors is what makes this game so amazing for your mental health. In most cases golf courses are situated in attractive locations with green rolling hills and lakes, and exercising in rural landscapes is far more beneficial than exercising indoors, like in a gym. Getting exercise outdoors surrounded by nature is a great way of managing your stress levels.
It is a form of therapy
Golf comes with such a wide range of mental health benefits that it has even been used as a form of therapy. In fact, in one study it has been discovered that this game has a positive impact on individuals with mental health problems or substance abuse.
It focuses the mind
We are living in a chaotic time when things are happening so fast and we are rarely able to focus on one thing at a time. Instead, our minds are constantly wondering which can actually make us feel less happy. When your mind is able to focus on one task it is less likely to drift to negative thoughts. Since golf requires an incredible amount of concentration it doesn’t leave room for wandering and therefore is a perfect way to unwind after a hard day.
With all these benefits you can get from golf it is really no wonder that this game has been popular for ages.
Nemanja is the editor in chief @ WalkJogRun.net and TheGearHunt.com. He loves marzipan and basketball. You can find him on Twitter.
