Last month, you may recall, my article focused on friendships created by being a PGA professional. The article had a very positive effect on a lot of peers and friends. I was humbled by the number of you that reached out to me. I think some of my enthusiasm in writing the article was because I was on vacation in Maui, spending time on a beach, in the sun, and on the golf course! This month I am not so fortunate. It has been too cold to ski and, of course, there’s too much snow to play any golf in February in Western Montana. The best I can do is play a quick round in the simulator.
I decided to do a little research on the effects of winter on the psyche. I find this time of year to make me sleepy and a bit lazy. However, I have fought back and found some drive to work out and eat better. So, I wanted to know more. A quick Google search and a little help from AI, and this is what I learned.
Winter, with its short days and cold temperatures, can negatively affect the psyche due to reduced sunlight exposure, leading to lower serotonin levels, which can manifest as feelings of depression, fatigue, irritability, and a general sense of the winter blues; essentially, less daylight can contribute to a lowered mood and decreased energy levels. I can relate to that!
Key points about how winter affects the mind:
- Sunlight plays a key role in regulating serotonin production, a neurotransmitter associated with mood, so reduced daylight hours in winter can impact mood negatively.
- Light exposure heavily influences the body’s internal clock, and shorter daylight hours in winter can disrupt this rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances and mood fluctuations.
- When there is less daylight, the body produces more melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep, which can contribute to feelings of tiredness and lethargy.
- Cold weather can discourage outdoor activities and social interaction, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Reduced sunlight exposure can also contribute to Vitamin D deficiency, which has been linked to mood disorders.
All well and good, but we are up for the challenge as PGA Pros! Further research says that the best way to combat winter blues is to exercise, eat healthy, and be intentional about social activities. We should get 30 minutes of exercise daily, as much outdoors in the daylight as possible, and be intentional about our social calendar.
Hopefully, you found time to socialize around Valentine’s Day, and you can create more social time while our golf courses are slow. There are also opportunities to get out for sporting events, like Super Bowl parties. Nowadays you can even find online opportunities like our Stay Involved Webinars to spend time with people and interact, and don’t forget, there is always the phone a friend card if you are so inclined.
And if you’re looking for a way to mix golf, socializing, and making a difference, we’ve got you covered!
Mark your calendars for May 2nd and join us at Meadow Park Golf Course for the We Got Your 6 Scramble, a fantastic day of camaraderie and competition that supports a cause close to our hearts. This event isn’t just about golf—it’s about community, about giving back, and about coming together to support our Veterans through PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere). The day includes great golf, great company, and a great meal at Foley’s Restaurant after the round. It’s an opportunity to shake off the winter blues, reconnect with friends, and make a real impact in the lives of those who have served our country.
As I often do, I’m going to end with a call to action. Use the rest of the month and winter to set yourself up for a great spring and summer! Let’s increase our social activity, physical activity, and give ourselves a little attention before we get into the busy season ahead. I encourage you to spend time with family and friends, collaborate with peers, or take on that project you have been avoiding. And when spring rolls around, I hope to see you out on the course at Meadow Park, making a difference while playing the game we all love.
Let’s make the most of the downtime!
Chris M. Nowlen, PGA
GM/Director of Golf
Missoula Country Club