The game of golf improves people’s lives in a variety of ways, including the joy and satisfaction that follow a successful play.
But it can also take place in much more complex ways. In light of the current instability and tension in the world. We are more grateful than we normally would be for moments of mental clarity and peace. In order to support what we already know as golfers: that golf is good for your mental health, we examined some of the scientific evidence.
1. Reduces anxiety
In the study, one of the authors, Roger Hawkes, a former chief medical officer for the European Tour, told CNN that “social interaction has been undervalued.” Hawkes was among the researchers who conducted the study. As mental health has become more important in today’s society, research has shown that moderate physical activity reduces anxiety and depression at the same time.
According to this report, golfers have a five-year increase in life expectancy. Similar to a study conducted in Sweden in 2009.
2. Engages peers positively
According to a study cited in Medical News Today, meaningful relationships are beneficial to health. According to Susan Pinker, a psychologist, interacting with others in a golfing setting has a physical benefit: “dopamine is also produced. Which gives us a little high and kills pain, much like morphine naturally produced,” she said. Generated is a naturally produced analgesia.”
We will not be discussing the part of the study. That examines the significance of shaking hands and other forms of physical contact. You can think about how cool it is to believe that each social interaction you have on the golf course can contribute to your mental health, but it’s even cooler to think about it.
3. Depression-alleviating
Have you ever experienced the runner’s high? You’ve probably read about how exercise boosts endorphin levels and makes people happier. Even exercises that aren’t particularly strenuous, such as golf, can improve your mental state, according to studies.
The word ‘golf’ is not an acronym for anything. Rather, it derives linguistically from the Dutch word ‘kolf’ or ‘kolve,’ meaning quite simply ‘club.
Research published in Scientific American by Kristiann Heesch reveals that women with depression who exercised moderately for at least two and a half hours (including golf) on a daily basis were less likely to suffer from depression than when the study began three years ago.
4. Boosts mood by reducing stress
Getting exercise is beneficial, according to a study conducted in 2015, but doing so in nature, also known as “green exercise,” is more valuable.
Research conducted on reducing workplace stress found. That “a green exercise is a useful tool for managing stress and promoting employee recovery.”
You now have a scientific explanation for why golf can be used as a method to relax after a hard day at work since it satisfies both the requirements for physical activity and activity which takes place outside.
5. Useful as a treatment
A 12-person study used golf as a form of therapy for people with mental health issues or substance abuse because of golf’s powerful ability to improve mental health.
