Golf and Relaxation

In a fast-paced society like Singapore, we find ourselves in constant pursuit of productivity. This trend combined with daily life stressors, takes a toll on our well-being in the long run.

Try as we might, we are unable to avoid all sources of stress in our daily life. But looking on the bright side, we could learn to invoke the “relaxation response” to our stressors. With regular practice, we would be able to master the art of relaxation to support our mental and physical well-being.

Ways of Relaxation

• Physical Exercise

Physical exercise helps improve blood flow to your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Your cardiovascular muscles get stronger with regular aerobic exercise (e.g., swimming, cycling, jogging, brisk walking, etc.), allowing you to have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

Physical exercise also enhances your emotional well-being by lifting your self-esteem. Endorphins are “feel-good chemicals” released by the body when you exercise, and thereby boost your mood, and even reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

• Creative Activities

Sometimes, we should turn to our creativity to get us through challenging times.

Learning to “make room” for art and music could have a positive impact on our overall health and well-being. Engaging in creative activities such as painting, pottery, knitting and photography could help provide peaceful distractions from our daily stressors. Even listening to songs by our favourite artists provides us with deep enduring satisfaction.

When we start to be creative in our life, we learn to focus, to remain calm, and to better observe the world in which we live.

• Mindfulness Meditation

The practice of “mindfulness mediation” involves sitting in a comfortable position, and focusing on your breathing. This draws your mind’s attention to the present, without you worrying about the past or the future.

Research also suggests that mindfulness may be helpful for people with anxiety, depression, and pain.

• Guided Imagery

Imagination plays a vital role for the effective use of guided imagery. Conjuring up soothing scenes, places, or experiences in your mind could help you relax and focus.

There are many resources such as online applications and recordings of calming scenes. You may find it particularly helpful to choose fragments of sentimental imagery that soothes and reinforces a positive vision of yourself.

Golf as a Way of Relaxation and its Benefits

• Walking on the Golf Course

Did you know that talking the recommended 7,500 to 10,000 steps daily could help lower blood pressure for usually sedentary adults?By walking from hole to hole on an 18-hole golf course instead of driving around in a golf buggy, golfers cover at least eight kilometres on foot. In sync with the breathtaking scenery, the undulating terrain of the golf course provides a gentle form of hill training for both beginner and seasoned golfers alike.

Naturally, you could also “step up” your walking game to its aerobic stage by brisk walking, which brings on the healthy release of endorphins.

• Relieving Stress During the Golf Game

When you play a game of golf, the chances are that you are playing with fellow golfers whom you trust and feel comfortable with. You naturally form connections and foster relationships with like-minded players; and this could help you raise your level of self-esteem and happiness.

Taking in the fresh air and natural green of the golf course also helps in reducing stress levels.

• Getting Healthy Doses of Vitamin D

A healthy dose of Vitamin D not only aids in building strong bones, it also helps us to maintain a healthy immune system. Maintaining a healthy immune system is vital to achieving our good health, which allows you to carry out the activities we enjoy.

Various studies have shown that deficiencies in Vitamin D could lead to sleep disorders, particularly daytime sleepiness. When sleepiness interferes with your daily routines, or hinders your ability to function, it escalates to excessive daytime sleepiness.

Playing a game of golf outdoors exposes the players to natural doses of Vitamin D, and all this under relaxing conditions.