As any leader will know, stress is part and parcel of the job. Long hours, tough decisions, and the constant demand for results can take their toll. But I’ve found a remedy that works wonders for managing stress: a round of golf.
There’s something about being outdoors, in the midst of nature, that calms the mind. And this isn’t just anecdotal. Studies supporting the Attention Restoration Theory suggest that being in nature can lower stress levels and improve cognitive performance. I’ve experienced this firsthand. The act of walking between holes, away from emails and meetings, does more than provide physical exercise—it offers a mental break. The soft fascination of natural scenery helps me unwind, and by the time I’ve finished my round, I feel lighter and more at ease.
It’s in those quiet moments on the course—often alone with my thoughts or chatting with a playing partner—that I’ve found solutions to the very problems that were stressing me out in the first place. That’s why I often recommend golf as part of leadership development. It’s not just a physical sport; it’s a way to rejuvenate the mind.
