Does Golf Help With Anxiety?
Does Golf Help With Anxiety? Exploring the potential connection between golf and anxiety relief is pretty fascinating. As more research emerges, it becomes evident that the tranquil sport of golf can alleviate anxiety symptoms in individuals. Immersing oneself in the vast greens and engaging in the focused gameplay has shown promising results in helping many golfers significantly reduce their anxiety levels.
Table of Contents
What is Anxiety?
The Benefits Of Golf For People With Anxiety Disorders.
Playing Golf In A Group:
Golfing In A Group Can Release Anxiety And Build Relationships.
Surprising Facts About Golf and Anxiety.
How to Reduce Anxiety While Playing Golf.
Sources
One recent study delved into this subject and revealed an exciting finding - golfers who showcased lower anxiety levels tended to excel in maintaining focus and composure, even when faced with immense pressure on the course. This suggests that there might be a strong correlation between reduced anxiety and enhanced mental performance in the game.
Physical activity, such as walking the course and swinging the clubs, has long been associated with releasing stress hormones. These hormones, in turn, are believed to play a role in catalyzing the reduction of anxiety levels. So, golf provides a serene and scenic environment to escape the pressures of everyday life and offers a physical outlet for releasing pent-up stress and tension.
While more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the anxiety-alleviating benefits of golf fully, the existing evidence is certainly encouraging. So, for those seeking a relaxing yet stimulating outdoor activity that can potentially help with anxiety, grabbing a set of clubs and heading to the golf course might be the perfect solution.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by excessive worry and tension. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect around 18% of adults in the United States. One of the main symptoms of anxiety is an intense focus on isolated events or situations. This can increase anxiety and decrease performance in activities requiring focus, such as golf.
Anxiety, characterized by fear, concern, or unease, is a highly prevalent emotional state that can vary in intensity and duration. It is common for individuals to experience anxious thoughts and sensations in response to specific events or situations, such as the anticipation of an important test or a nerve-wracking presentation. These worrisome feelings often stem from a belief that something terrible might occur. While the triggers for anxiety can be diverse, ranging from a traumatic event to an ongoing health issue or even underlying physical or emotional challenges, it is important to recognize that anxiety is a normal human response that can be managed and alleviated with proper support and coping strategies.
The Benefits Of Golf For People With Anxiety Disorders.
Golf is more than just a recreational activity. It provides therapy for anxiety, offering solace in serene landscapes. Stepping onto the greens slows heart rates, creating tranquility. The game's rhythm and strategy redirect focus, fostering composure. Physical exertion and mental fortitude release tension, promoting calmness. Golfers find an oasis of peace where anxiety fades, restoring control and tranquility. Whether teeing off at dawn or playing with peers, golf offers respite from anxiety.
The Following Are Some Benefits Of Playing Golf:
Golf can help improve your hand-eye coordination and balance.
Golf can help improve your mental focus and concentration.
Golf can help you relax and de-stress.
Golf is a great way to spend time with friends or family.
“Golf can provide health-enhancing physical activity. Regular physical activity is associated with physical/mental health, immune system, and longevity benefits” - Robinson et al., (2021).
“Golf can provide moderate-intensity physical activity and is associated with physical health benefits that include improved cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic profiles, and improved wellness” - (Murray et al., 2017).
Playing Golf In A Group:
With its serene greens and tranquil atmosphere, golf presents an ideal setting for individuals battling anxiety to engage in physical activity and foster connections with like-minded individuals. As a low-impact sport, it offers a gentle yet effective exercise, catering to the needs of those with anxiety disorders without overwhelming them. Moreover, golf's simplicity ensures that anyone can readily grasp its basic rules, further easing the minds of anxious individuals. By partaking in this soothing sport, they can experience mental solace and the physical relief accompanying a day spent on the green (Brad et al., 2016).
Golfing In A Group Can Release Anxiety And Build Relationships.
Playing golf in a group is known to release anxiety for some people. Players can socialize and converse with one another when playing in a group, which can help ease any anxious feelings.
The game's competitive nature can distract from any anxious thoughts. When playing in a group, players constantly monitor each other's play and can provide valuable feedback.
Additionally, being around other people also reduces the amount of time spent alone, which can be associated with anxiety.
Golfers often form close bonds, which benefit mental and physical health. Playing golf in a group can also help reduce stress levels, improve communication skills, and promote socialization.
Surprising Facts About Golf and Anxiety.
Golf can also be anxiety-provoking. Playing golf in a group can be especially difficult for those who suffer from anxiety because they constantly worry about what others think and how they perform.
Golf can be very stressful for people with anxiety. The pressure to perform well, the fear of making mistakes, and the game's social nature can increase anxiety.
Many people with anxiety find that playing golf in a group is more stressful than playing alone or another because they feel pressure to perform well in front of others.
Golfers who suffer from anxiety often have difficulty controlling their thoughts and emotions on the course because they struggle to cope with the demands of the game.
How to Reduce Anxiety While Playing Golf
If you're looking to play golf without letting your anxiety get in the way, follow these tips:
Start by choosing a course that is appropriate for your skill level. Selecting a challenging course when you're just starting can lead to frustration and increased anxiety.
Practice at home before hitting the course. It will help you feel more comfortable with your swing and improve your confidence on the green.
Play with someone who is patient and supportive. Having someone by your side who understands what you're going through can help ease any nerves.
Don't be afraid to try new clubs or swing mechanics. I've had the same driver for over a decade, and I'm still learning. I've hit worse balls with better clubs. Don't be afraid to try. Get out there and have some fun!
Take it slow and easy at first. If you're trying to improve your game, don't rush it! You don't want to make foul shots that could stall your progress.
Take deep breaths and relax your body throughout the round. It is a hard-hitting feeling, and it can be tough to keep your cool. You may want to remind yourself that it's not a competition, but taking deep breaths and relaxing your body will help you focus better.
Sources
ADAA.Org (2022)
Brad J. Stenner, Amber D. Mosewich & Jonathan D. Buckley (2016) An exploratory investigation into the reasons why older people play golf, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise, and Health, 8:3, 257-272, DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2016.1148773 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/citedby/10.1080/2159676X.2016.1148773?scroll=top&needAccess=true
Murray AD, Daines L, Archibald D, et al. (2017). The relationships between golf and health: a scoping review. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2017;51:12-19. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/1/12
Robinson, P. G., Foster, C., & Murray, A. (2021). Public health considerations regarding golf during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 7(1), e001089. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001089