Reduce Holiday Stress with a Game of Golf

The holidays are a busy, but also exciting time of the year. In the midst of the holiday madness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and get stressed out. While there a variety of ways that some people choose to alleviate stress–from going for a run, to taking a hot bath, to shopping, and maybe even to having a drink–we’ve got a suggested coping mechanism for stress that is a healthy and relaxing alternative. Hit the golf course! While golfing can be a stressful experience at times, it’s also a very relaxing and mentally stimulating experience that has a variety of overall health benefits. 

Doctors also have expressed the belief in golf as a form of stress relief. Spending a few hours on the course each week helps you hone your focus, concentration, patience, and mental clarity. Aside from helping you deal with stressful situations when they arise, it can also help you prevent being stressed out in general. Golf teaches you to compartmentalize, which is a key part of remaining calm under pressure.

To aid in the anti-stress benefits of golfing, we have a few recommendations:

Put together a playlist of soothing tunes to listen to while you play, if you are playing solo.

Remember to relax. Even if you are trying to beat your personal best, remember that it is still a game and you should focus on challenging yourself, not getting upset.

If you play with partners, play with people who put you in a good state of mind.

Dress comfortably, and try to exist only in the moment.

Keep your cell phone turned off, or if you can, in the locker room while you are out on the greens.