A healthier you (Editorial)

You can’t turn on the tube, surf the Web or open a newspaper without reading or watching news about Americans trying to improve their health. Whether it’s eating right or exercising more, fitness gurus and journalists are talking constantly about people’s health – both mental and physical. Much like being “green,” a healthy lifestyle is trendy. Fattening foods are out, and organics are in. Also, many people talk a lot about wanting a better life/work balance. Golf course superintendents are no exception.

Reportedly, there are 13.4 million lost work days annually caused from stress, anxiety and depression in the United States. Common causes of stress include: employees, worry/anxiety, customer complaints, guilt, overwork, sleep depravation, trauma/injury, physical and mental strain, bad diet, toxic exposure and overstimulation. Related to all of those, but more specific to the golf course management industry, are increased golfer/owner expectations, the economy, achieving more with fewer resources and growing shorter grass. Mix these factors with working long hours, spending a less-than-desired amount of time with family and dealing with irksome club members, and you have one strong concoction that pushes some superintendents to the brink of losing it.

Physiologically, in stressful situations, nonessential bodily functions shut down. Reactions can include: adrenaline increases, weight loss or gain, hunger, gastrointestinal issues, blood pressure increases, headaches, immune system deficiencies, decreased energy and libido levels, and diarrhea or constipation. Emotionally, stressed-out people can experience apathy, depression, irritability, anger, forgetfulness and detachment. Not pleasant.

So, how do you prevent from feeling that way? For some, it’s the old standbys – booze, tobacco and pills – which can calm nerves and help suppress the stresses of the day. However, even though these methods work in the short term, they’re not so good for the body long term, aren’t healthy and are becoming more taboo in society.

But there are better ways – although not as “fun” at times – to address stress and its symptoms. One way is to replenish nutrient deficiencies in the body by ingesting B-complex with vitamin C, antioxidants, zinc, magnesium, enzymes and electrolytes. Also, you can manage stress healthily by exercising, executing and organizing your priorities, napping, spending time with family, venting, getting a massage, and through hobbies such as reading, listening to music, etc.

One area of improving your health and dealing with stress that might be easiest for you is changing your eating habits. Healthy nutritional techniques include: decreasing the amount of caffeine and alcohol you ingest, controlling your blood sugar level, eating regularly, limiting fried foods, drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and taking magnesium, B-complex and a multivitamin.

Aside from nutritional health, try to reduce the number of hours you work per week  – and I know you think it’s impossible. Delegate jobs to different members of your staff. One veteran superintendent once told me members don’t know if you work 70 hours a week or 60 hours. So it makes sense to focus on the aspects of the operation members notice most. The fewer hours you work on the course, the more you can spend with your family and improve that life/work balance we hear so much about.

Finally, for a good laugh, watch the movie “Office Space” and learn from character Peter Gibbons about how to relax and live a more carefree lifestyle. While the work environment in the movie is different than yours, it still correlates.

Now that I’ve suggested ways to improve your well-being, step outside, crack a beer, light a smoke and talk to the dog about how you’re going to start living a more healthy, stress-free life – without sending in your resignation. GCI