4 Mental Health Benefits of Playing Golf

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This past year has been tough on everyone, not just physically but mentally. The pandemic has put into focus the true importance of mental health and just how much of a priority people need to make it in their own lives. Doing things to benefit your own mental health has never been more important, and even after the pandemic is under control, it is a lesson people are encouraged to hang on to.

If you’re looking for an activity to engage in that will benefit your mental health, you may want to consider taking up golf. Even if you’ve never picked up a club before in your life, golf is a sport that is welcoming to all ages and fitness levels. And where it was traditionally seen as a real “boys club”, today, women are very much involved in the sport, embracing all it has to offer, and giving the men some competition. So, let’s take a look at some of the mental health benefits this sport can offer.

Golf Is a Social Activity

Humans are social creatures and what that means is that they need to be able to socialize and communicate with others. Any opportunity that encourages socialization is bound to help a person’s mental health. Golfing provides people with a great way to socialize, chat, and bond. Because it is a multi-generational activity, it can even involve grandkids, parents, and grandparents out on the course together, bonding and having a great time.

For those who don’t schedule a lot of “friend” time in their schedule, setting up a weekly or monthly golf outing with a few buddies can really help to ensure you get that socialization time in. 

Fresh Air Is Excellent for Your Mental Health

Then there is the fact that golf takes place outdoors, and fresh air is excellent for your mental health. Even though most people are aware of the benefits of getting outdoors, sometimes you need that excuse to be out there. Sitting in your own backyard by yourself isn’t exactly exciting, but getting together with friends or family for a round of golf get definitely prompts you to get outside.

Exercise Helps to Reduce Stress and Depression

Even though it may not seem like a workout at the time, playing a round of golf is just that – it’s exercise. Exercise has been proven time and time again to have a positive effect where stress and depression are concerned. It can help to reduce the amount of stress you feel and even lessen some of the symptoms of depression.

If you’ve been hesitating about playing golf out of fear you wouldn’t be able to walk the whole course, you can simply rent a golf cart to use. If you plan on spending a lot of time golfing, then it can also be wise to invest in a golf cart. Used ones can be more cost-effective and you can deal with any sort of repair or even upgrade down the road when you are sure you love the sport.

Train Your Mind to Better Focus

Finally, there is the fact that golf is just as much a mental game as it is a physical game. You really need to focus on your swing, which forces you to close your mind off to everything else, be in the moment, and concentrate on the task at hand. Learning how to better focus is something that you can benefit from in other aspects of your life too.

Plenty of Benefits to Take Advantage Of

Golf is truly one of those well-rounded sports that benefits not just your body but also your mind, and can be great for beginners and experts alike.