Hobbies for Mental Health
In an effort to practice what I preach and prioritize self-care I'm hitting the links today! A 40-degree Tuesday Tee Time is just what the doctor ordered on an overcast winter day. As you read through this article, you'll see suggestions about different drivers that can help golfers like me work through my terrible skillset but remember that the overall theme of this blog is to encourage men to do something that helps them prioritize their mental health. If golf isn't your thing, I hope that you can think through what a parallel activity might be for you and connect with us so that I can keep putting (No pun intended) articles together that best represent the interests of our community! Now on to the golf!
Golf can be a therapeutic and enjoyable way to improve your mental health, even if you're not particularly skilled at the game. The beauty of golf is that it's a game for all abilities – it doesn't matter if you're a pro or a beginner, the mental benefits of being out on the course are the same. One of the great things about golf is that it allows you to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. It's a chance to escape the stresses of daily life and just be in the moment. I've referenced mindfulness in previous blogs and being on the course really helps me to put the distractions of life aside and fully enjoy the experience at hand. Plus, the fresh air and physical exercise can do wonders for your overall well-being.
Choose Something That's Worth the Effort
Even for those of us who really are pretty bad at the game it can be enjoyable. I can't think of a time when I went out there and hacked away at the rough that I didn't enjoy myself. Now look, I absolutely get frustrated when I just can't make solid contact but that's a natural response to being competitive which, by the way, is something that also gives men purpose, but I've never left the course and not been thankful that I invested the time. Perhaps the most impactful part of golfing for me when it comes to my personal mental health is that I play a round with people that I care about. Golfing for me is an opportunity to see a friend I haven't seen in a while, to talk about life on a quiet fairway, and to take a small break from the pressures of the world that seem to stack up daily.
As I head out to play this morning, I'd like to suggest some equipment that could help everyone level their game up. If you're like me, you need all the help you can get! The driver is one of the most important clubs in your bag and having a high-quality one can make a big difference in your shots. I tend to ruin 80% of the holes I play from the tee so taking advantage of different drivers has kept me from losing a few balls over the years.
Product Recommendations
With that in mind, here are five of the best drivers on the market:
Callaway Epic Speed Driver: This driver is designed to provide maximum ball speed and distance, thanks to its innovative A.I.-designed Flash Face technology.
TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Driver: This driver features a revolutionary asymmetrical sole design that helps to optimize launch and spin for longer, straighter shots.
Cobra Golf 2022 LTDX LS is a high-performance driver that is designed to help players hit longer, straighter shots. It features an innovative Speedback weighting system that helps to optimize launch and spin, as well as a lightweight, aerodynamic design that reduces drag and increases clubhead speed.
Titleist TSi3 Driver: The TSi3 features a lightweight, aerodynamic design that helps to reduce drag and increase clubhead speed for longer shots.
Mizuno ST190 Driver: The ST190 is designed to provide a balanced combination of distance, forgiveness, and feel, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels.
With a little practice and the right equipment, you can have a lot of fun on the course. If golf is not, and will never be your thing, that's ok. Think through some hobbies of yours and how you can best utilize them to create your own Tuesday Tee Time. At the end of the day the underlying hobby, the products, and the suggestions are all just here to push us to prioritize our mental health. Golf is unique in that you don't have to be a pro to reap the benefits – just grab your clubs and hit the course but it's not for everyone. What IS for everyone is staying positive, encouraging the people around you, and making an impact! Do something uplifting for someone today friends. Thanks for reading.
John
About the Author:
John Lockman is passionate about promoting men's mental health. Having lost a family member to suicide at an early age, he is committed to raising awareness about the disproportionate number of men affected by this devastating issue. Through his own personal experiences and his website, www.thelockmanlounge.com, John hopes to help men think differently about how to prioritize their well-being and become more comfortable acknowledging and processing their feelings in a healthy way.
In addition to his passion for mental health advocacy, John also has almost two decades of experience in the business world. Most recently, he oversaw roughly 100 million dollars of annual revenue and was responsible for managing a team of 75 employees. In this role, John had a significant impact on customer service, profitability, employee retention, and marketplace growth. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, John is a seasoned professional with valuable insights to share.
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