Go To Your Happy Place
by Connor Givens, MS, ATC
In today’s world, we spend a lot of time thinking about work, responsibilities, and countless other factors in life that can lead to stress. While meeting those obligations matters, it’s also important to make time for things we enjoy doing.
Hobbies can play an essential role in improving our mental health and well-being, offering an escape from stressful situations and a chance to recharge.
Teeing Off on Stress
Perhaps the biggest mental health benefit of hobbies is stress reduction. Engaging in an activity that brings you happiness allows your brain to shift focus away from everyday stressors. Golf is a very popular hobby among adults, and once we’re out on the course it can feel like a whole different world. Surrounded by nature, thoughts from the “real world” seem to disappear and in turn reduces stress and anxiety, easing the mind.
Keeping Your Eye on the Ball
Hobbies also promote concentration. Golf is a great example because it requires patience, focus, and precision. Players must think of a variety of different factors such as; club selection, shot shape, direction, wind direction and strength, slope, and distance. This type of concentration helps us stay present in the moment rather than thinking about situations at work or home that may cause stress.
Walking the Course
Physical activity is another benefit. While physical activity improves your physical health, it is also beneficial for mental well-being. Regular activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. One study concluded that physical inactivity and poor mental health increases the risk of mortality. Golf, as a low-impact activity, provides an accessible way to stay active and keep the body moving.
Friends on the Fairway
Hobbies also strengthen social connections. Golf, like many recreational activities, is often played with friends, coworkers, or family members. These interactions help build relationships and foster a sense of belonging. Research has shown that golfers showed improvements in confidence, emotional control, and interpersonal skills, all of which contribute to overall better mental health.
Par-Sonal Progress
Participating in hobbies also provides a sense of satisfaction, achievement, and personal growth. The progress a golfer sees – such as lowering their score, hitting better shots, or fine tuning their short game – directly translates into a strong sense of accomplishment and increased confidence.
Stepping Away for Tee Time
It can be easy to feel burnt out from work, so setting aside time for activities that provide enjoyment is important. Hobbies can also help bring a fresh mind and renewed focus and energy when returning to work.
Take time to prioritize your mental health through hobbies you enjoy. Whether it’s golf, working on a project, getting outdoors, or learning something new, the activity matters less than the opportunity to recharge and connect with something you enjoy.
Connor Givens, MS, ATC || Connor was born in New Jersey and grew up in Pennsylvania. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from The University of Tampa and then went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina with a Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and spending time with friends and family.
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