If you have been feeling blue the last couple of weeks you may have what is called Seasonal affective disorder (SAD),  also known as the “winter blues”. SAD is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health experience depressive symptoms in the winter or during certain times of year.

Do you have the winter golf blues?

For golfers, the winter blues can be caused from not being able to play or practice golf. Golfers, especially those who live in the Northern parts of the world, can’t play or practice as often. Many times golf courses are closed due to cold or severe weather or play is limited.  When you are deprived of doing something that you love, depression symptoms including difficulty waking up in the morning, the tendency to oversleep and over eat, a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities can occur.  Most of the time, these symptoms are temporary and can be minimized, but if they continue to occur, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.

One way to limit the winter blues is to exercise. As you exercise, your body produces chemicals called endorphins that help to improve your mood. Doing exercise during the winter months can also help to maintain a regular appetite and sleep schedule – both important to your mental state.

The winter is a perfect time to begin a golf fitness regime.  You have time to work on improving your flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and swing mechanics.

Try a live online golf fitness class with Karen

Cardiogolf is a golf-specific workout designed by LPGA Teaching Professional Karen Palacios-Jansen. Using a golf club and other equipment, participants learn exercises to promote better swing mechanics, flexibility, strength and balance throughout the golf swing. It accommodates every golfer regardless of gender, age and skill level or fitness level. To sign up for a live online class click here-http://www.powhow.com/classes/kpj-golf-instruction.

Get Cardiogolf on your phone. The Cardiogolf app includes links to over 50 golf-specific fitness and instructional videos, printouts of golf-specific workouts, links to Karen’s golf tips and advice and a 30-day golf-fitness program. Cardiogolf is a unique approach to improving your golf game by combining golf-specific exercises and swing drills. You are able to kill two birds with one stone, by exercising while you improve your swing. You know you need to exercise for better health, so why not work at your golf game at the same time. Shape Up Your Swing, Trim Your Score with Karenʼs Cardiogolf program. Visit the iTunes store or Google Play.