The summer golf season is almost over.
Before we get swept straight into the next challenge, I want to offer you a simple reminder: take some time to check in with your own wellbeing.
Because, quite simply, you’re no good to anyone if you’re burnt out.
There are plenty of wellbeing tutorials on SkillGate, covering a whole range of topics. So, here’s my challenge to you: take a look, choose one that resonates with you, and complete it.
They’re short and sweet, but sometimes that’s all it takes to make us stop for a moment and think about ourselves.
One that particularly connected with me was:
Walk for Your Health
You can reap the rewards of walking with just 20 minutes a day.
The tutorial covers 10 different ideas for incorporating a daily walk into your routine, as well as seven ways to stay safe while walking.
Here’s why I like it…
Well, the obvious one: our bodies and minds are connected.
We all know that walking has fantastic physical health benefits, but it can also give us a valuable mental reset.
I’m personally terrible at keeping moving during a working day. I can find myself sitting at my desk for hours on end without really moving, and, as I’m getting older, I’m definitely feeling the impact of that more than I used to!
But there’s another reason I think walking is particularly relevant to those of us working in golf and club management.
We are incredibly fortunate to work in some beautiful places.
Every day, we have access to stunning landscapes, green spaces, wildlife and habitats that many people would love to have on their doorstep.
So let’s take advantage of it.
Club management can be stressful. There are always problems to solve, people to deal with and decisions to make. But we have a natural destressor right outside the door.
Step outside. Walk. Breathe.
Maybe use that time to think creatively or work through a problem. And, if you can, try not to make it another opportunity to bump into members!
How many times have you been walking somewhere and suddenly the solution to a problem pops into your head — seemingly out of nowhere?
It might not happen every time. But giving your mind permission to empty for a while can create the space for new ideas to come in.
And why not take a team member with you?
Walking side by side can be a brilliant way to connect with someone on a different level. The informal nature of walking, without the pressure of sitting across a desk or being in a formal meeting, can create the space for more meaningful conversations.
You might learn something about them that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
And perhaps they’ll learn something about you too.
Walking not your thing?
That’s absolutely fine.
The point isn’t that everyone needs to start walking 20 minutes a day.
Find your thing.
Maybe SkillGate can give you a steer in the right direction. There are plenty of wellbeing resources available, so find one that speaks to you and give it a go.
Because the most important thing is this:
Don’t get so caught up looking after your work, your club, your team and everyone else that you forget to look after yourself.
So, consider this your official reminder to have your own personal wellbeing check-in.
How are you really doing?
And if the answer is “I’m not OK” – that’s OK too.
Talk to a friend.
Talk to a colleague.
Talk to us.
Talk to a Mental Health First Aider.
Just don’t plough on alone.
Look after yourself. You matter too.
