From physical health to mental health, golf can provide several benefits for fans of the game. According to Golf Digest, in light of the recent pandemic, research shows golf can improve mental health for players. If you want to learn to play golf or you’ve been involved in golf for years, here’s how golf impacts your mental health.
Helps You Stay Active
Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, especially as you get older and your favorite activities become more difficult. While many people learn to play golf at older ages and continue playing into their 60s and 70s, you can learn to play golf at any age. Exercise helps to reduce stress by boosting endorphins and regulating your hormones, which can keep your body’s cortisol levels under control and help you feel better both physically and emotionally. Low-impact workouts, like playing golf, are a great way for you to get the benefits of exercise without overdoing it.
Builds Your Confidence
Another huge benefit of golf is that it allows you to build your confidence. Many hobbies lack the competitiveness golf offers, especially when golf is so focused on the individuals playing. If you golf with a few buddies, you can keep track of your scores and compete on individual holes to see who’s improving and who’s best at each aspect of the game. The competitiveness of golf can make it a great confidence booster.
Provides Socialization
Spending time with other people is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, and that’s one of the biggest parts of playing golf. When you golf, you can get together with friends and enjoy a day together. According to Mayo Clinic, socializing with friends or other golf players can help boost your cognitive functioning and your immune system. It also promotes a feeling of belonging that can improve your happiness.
Helps You Get Sunshine
Speaking of happiness, vitamin D is essential for your mental and physical health, and golf is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the sun. Under the sunshine while playing golf, you can reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of infections, and help your body retain calcium and phosphorous. Vitamin D also helps boost serotonin, which is key for stabilizing your mood and helping you feel happy.
There are so many ways to enjoy sunny days with friends, but it’s hard to beat a good game of golf when it comes to your mental health. Golf can benefit your mental health in several ways. If you want to learn to play golf so you can start playing with your friends, give Deerfield a call today.