Do you consider golf to be self-care? We do!

Taking the time to be in nature, physically exerting yourself, and spending time with friends is a great way to take care of your body and mind. However, don’t forget there are opportunities to practice self-care after golf is done for the day. When you finish your lesson or round and move quickly onto the next thing, you’ve already missed so many chances to further benefit from the game of golf.

Before we cover all the ways you can practice self-care after a round, did you know there are six general types of self-care? These categories are: emotional, mental, physical, practical, social, and spiritual, which means there are many ways to practice self-care and meet your own unique needs. Try some—or all—of these ideas to figure out what helps you function best on and off the course.

Mental and Emotional self-care

Taking care of your mental and emotional state by creating positive thoughts and feelings.

Reflect on What Went Well

Take the time to think about what you’ve learned, how you’ve progressed, and any positives you’ve experienced. Create a positive mindset and mood through your reflection.

Deal with Negative Thoughts and Emotions

Dealing with golf’s challenges should be part of your self-care. Whether you journal, chat with a friend, or work with a coach to address the challenge, dealing with the negatives is an important part of self-care.

Physical self-care

Taking care of yourself physically through activity as well as taking care of your body

Stretch or Massage

Golf can take a toll on your body, so use some time right after your round to gently stretch your muscles. If you can, add in monthly or quarterly massages to your routine.

Refuel and Rehydrate

You might eat to fuel you for your round or practice but don’t forget to refuel and rehydrate after! After a long time on the course, you want to take care of your body so that you continue your day physically feeling your best.

Practical self-care

Performing practical activities that help you function. Yes, your to-do list is part of your self-care!

Practical self-care

Since golf is a sport that requires time, you often need to plan well in advanced for when it will happen. Even if you have a very flexible schedule, consider planning your next outing right after your last round is finished so that golf remains consistent on your calendar and in your life.

Review your goals

Even if you’re a hobby golfer, goals give you direction and helps you stay motivated. Revisiting and reviewing goals are often missed parts of the goal setting process, so take some time post-round to check in on your goals and progress.

Social self-care

Your social needs can’t be overlooked, even if you consider yourself to be an introvert. Golf is often a social activity but look for more opportunities to connect with others.

Grab a coffee after the round

Keep the fun going after a round by grabbing a drink or food- you don’t need to talk about golf, just enjoy your time with others even if you don’t know them well yet.

Connect with your golfing friends off the course

Further develop your golfing relationships and meet your social self-care needs by adding in social time off the course: a walk, meal, or any other outing with your golf friends.

Spiritual self-care

Everyone has spiritual needs which may connect to religion or not. Taking moments to connect with yourself, your spirituality, and the larger world are important parts of a self-care routine.

Sit on the course and breathe

Those early morning rounds especially can be the perfect time to simply sit and breathe. Connect with your breath and your body and just notice no matter what time of day your round ends.

Stay present

It’s so easy once the round is done to just be done. Instead, while you’re walking back after the last hole and connect with yourself and nature, take a few moments to tune into your body and your senses, noticing your body and your surroundings. If you need to, get in the habit of walking alone after the last hole.

There is no right or wrong way to practice self-care, except to not do it! Even though you’re taking time for yourself when you play, take advantage of these golf-related ideas self-care when your round is done. Over time, you’ll figure out what works best for you and self-care will become an even stronger part of your post-golf routine.

What are your golf self-care rituals? Let us know in the comments below.