How Golfing Improves Your Mental Wellness

It’s that feeling you get when you feel the crisp morning air hit your lungs, and you pull out your golf bag to head towards the greens.  With sunlight breaking through the clouds, you take in the view of mountain peaks while listening to birds calling out to each other.  At that moment, there is nothing else–no endless stream of emails, no pile of paperwork, no barrage of questions from your teammates–just you, the greens, and a game of golf.

If that doesn’t get your attention, this should.  Dr. Andrew Murray, the Lead Scientist at the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, said this:  “Evidence suggests golfers live longer than non-golfers, enjoying improvements in cholesterol levels, body composition, wellness, self-esteem, and self-worth.”

This may be why so many people are hooked on golfing routinely.  Just take a look at some of the most common benefits golfing has on your mind and spirit.

Mental Wellness Benefits of Golfing

1. Break the habit of leading a sedentary lifestyle.  Many people spend far too much time sitting down in front of a screen.  Sometimes that may be a computer monitor at work, while other times, it may be a television screen or smartphone device with social media.  A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to depression and loss of cognitive function.
2. Enjoy the walk!  Did you know that the average walking route for an 18-hole golf course is four miles?  According to WebMD, walking has many mental benefits, including improved sleep, better endurance, stress relief, mood improvement, and increased energy.
3. Make new friends.  Golfing is a very social game, and it’s natural to expand your circle of friends by meeting people at the club who share the same interests as you.  Connecting with people and participating in social activities leads to a sense of community, purpose, and fulfillment. The World Health Organization reports that positive interpersonal interactions and social participation–two common golfing elements–are essential factors in reducing the risk of mental health-related disorders.
4. Get motivated with goals.  Unless you’re a seasoned professional, you should be focused only on achieving your personal best each time you play.  Setting goals and working to improve your game each time gives your mind something to focus on unrelated to the stress and strain of everyday life.  Plus, you’ll have something to look forward to on your day off.
5. Feel the stress melt away.  More than 70% of people suffer from stress disorders.  Physicians agree that one of the best ways to manage stress is by getting physical exercise.  All the components of golf, from walking to stretching, will give you the exertion your body needs to keep stress at a manageable level.

If you want to lower your stress and improve your health, try one of our Stay-N-Play packages.

In collaboration with the Resort at Eagle Point, the Eagle Point Golf Club has a variety of Stay-N-Play packages available to help our guests enjoy the perfect golfing vacation.  Let our staff enhance your stay with reservations and travel to some of your favorite Southern Oregon attractions–from visits to local wineries to an afternoon in the snow of Mt. Ashland.  Relax your mind and body with a good night’s rest in The Chalets, and allow our world-class chefs to prepare delicious meals for you and your family at the Talon Grill.  Just call us at 541-879-3700 to learn more and book your stay with us.