Looking for a sport or hobby that positively impacts your mental health? Well, golf might be one of the best options for you.Survey by Golf Travel Center did research 98% of participants said golf helped them reduce stress and improve their mental health.
Sports are low-impact, social, and can also boost confidence and self-esteem. 2009 Swedish Studies A study found that playing golf could add five years to life expectancy.
24.8 million in total in 2020, according to data compiled by the National Golf Foundation. golfer In the United States, 500,000 people increased from 2019, recording the largest net increase in 17 years, golf digest Reported in April 2021.
With the 2022 PGA Tour kicking off this weekend (September 15-18), it’s no surprise that more people are interested in golf.
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Ann April 2021 study published in a peer-reviewed journal BMJ Open Sports & Exercise Medicine “Golf can provide health-enhancing physical activity. Regular physical activity is associated with benefits for physical/mental health, immune system, and longevity.”
said Haydan Smith, Director of International Trade at . Surprise shopA highly respected retailer of women’s golf accessories and apparel, has compiled a list of some reasons why readers should hit the green.
1. Social nature
of the aforementioned research “We found that when golf restrictions were relaxed after the first, there was a significant improvement in feelings of belonging and life satisfaction. [COVID-19] UK lockdown. “
Smith said golf is a great way to meet new people, adding: Whether you need the latest PGA event with someone at the bar or a club to set up a new team this place can offer it all. Want to get to know your colleagues better? Whether they like the game , or ask them if they like it? Would you like to try a new course in the future?
“It can also promote healthy competition and set challenges for both yourself and your friends. You may find that it is a great way to stay in. This is a difficult task to accomplish!”
2. Stress relief
Golf is a great stress reliever. Spend time outside, listening to birds, spending time with friends, and focusing on games instead of everyday worries.
Mr Smith said: The endorphins released by low-impact exercise not only reduce pain, but also reduce emotional stress.
Plus, if you’re frustrated and want to vent your aggression, picking up a golf club and hitting the ball as far as you can is one of the best ways to relax. “
Sean Gay, founder of the Sober Golfers Society, said: “Golf is the most powerful therapy for men and women to talk about their problems in an open and friendly environment. Nothing from an exhausting week at work.
3. Better sleep
Exercise plays an important role in improving sleep.Doctor Charlene GamaldoBased on available research, the medical director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep at Howard County General Hospital said, “There is indeed strong evidence that exercise helps you fall asleep faster and improves sleep quality. I have a Johns Hopkins Medical website.
The combination of fresh air and exercise that golf provides helps you sleep better at night, and “if you sleep better, you golf better,” says SurpizeShop’s Smith.Research Shows A poor night’s rest can actually increase your handicap. “
There are also hotels dedicated to the ‘Golf, Sleep, Dine’ concept, the ultimate trio for the perfect relaxing weekend away.
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4. Vitamin D Dosage
An estimated 1 billion people worldwide are reported to be deficient in vitamin D, across all ethnicities and age groups. April 2012 study, peer-reviewed Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics.
This shortage was especially pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people left their homes less than before to minimize the risk of illness and infection. Playing golf outdoors is a natural way to replenish your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is especially important for the absorption of calcium, one of the key building blocks of strong bones.
The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements explains: “Together with calcium, vitamin D protects you from developing osteoporosis, a disease that makes your bones thin, weak, and prone to fractures.
Our immune system also needs vitamin D to fight off “invading bacteria and viruses.”
Low vitamin D levels are associated with several mental health effects, including depression, seasonal affective disorder, and schizophrenia, so be sure to plan long games on sunny days. !”
5. Increase self-esteem
Playing golf regularly combined with a proper diet can result in weight loss and more confidence. – just make sure you don’t celebrate too hard with a calorie-packed pint!
Korean studies Published in a peer-reviewed journal in March 2021 Research and study of physical education and sportsfound that even screen golf (playing golf on a simulated digital golf course screen) can “provide opportunities for positive life experiences for people with disabilities through participation in sport.” .
of A study examining the effects of participating in screen golf on various psychosocial factors (including self-esteem) in people with and without disabilitiesfound that “Self-esteem and life satisfaction were more positive in people without disabilities who had screen golf experience than in those who had never played screen golf.”
Mr Smith said: Focus on how you get your next hole-in-one. “
