Why Teachers Should Head Out to The Golfing Greens?

Golf has always been regarded as a luxurious sport but in fact, there are many ways to enjoy the sport ‘on the cheap’. Although traditionally played by the older generation it certainly is a sport worthy of consideration for teachers, owing to its calorie burning and stress-busting effects. In this post, we explore how golf can improve your wellbeing and battle many of the issues you might be facing at work.

How can golf boost teachers’ physical health in the UK?

There is a big link between stress and obesity, with a tough working life often leading teachers to consume the wrong foods and to ignore one’s exercise needs, which can have a serious effect on your weight. Recently, the OECD deemed the UK the most overweight country in Western Europe. The good news is that golf can help keep you trim by helping you burn a whopping 450kcal/hour. If you’re playing an 18-hole game, that amounts to a whopping 2,467kcal!

According to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, evidence shows that golf can contribute to reduced mortality and increased life expectancy. There are also specific exercises aimed at honing golf skills (including circuit training, strength training, and cardio-weights combinations) that will not only improve your game but also improve your cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility.

Golf and mental health

It’s a stressful time for teachers in the UK, with research conducted by The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) indicating that over a third of school and college staff reported a rise in mental health issues among their colleagues.

Stress, which is strongly linked to anxiety and depression, can be a major obstacle for many teachers in the UK. Two studies have shown that golf can soothe the symptoms of stress and anxiety – particularly in its ability to instil “a sense of cool control” and to help players “release aggression”. The sport has also been found to improve confidence, enhance kinaesthetic pleasure (because of the sunshine and fresh air) and improve emotional control. Golf can also boost one’s mental health in a vital way: by strengthening one’s sense of connection to others. The sport has been found to facilitate opportunities for intergenerational interaction and to create opportunities to create important social bonds.

Golf can boost teachers’ health in so many ways, both physically and mentally. It is a great opportunity to get teachers out into the open air, which has been found in numerous studies to lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. It is also a fantastic way to improve one’s fitness and keep obesity-related illnesses at bay. 

If you are interested in taking up golf but worry about the cost, consider buying used clubs, learning skills online, and taking out a membership at local greens or picking greens that have a lower green fee. Finally, consider a game after class; many courses offer cheaper rates in the afternoon.

So why not get outside this summer holidays and take up golf as a new hobby and better your wellbeing this summer! Check out our recent articles including 16 surprising benefits of playing sports.