In times of high stress, it’s important to find a way to de-stress, or just unwind from a hectic work week. For many, some of the conventional stress relievers such as walking, meditation, or a quiet bath might do the trick. For others who need a little bit more of a physical activity, hiking, hunting, or shooting ranges might be the first things that come to mind.
But how can shooting ranges be therapeutic? Well, there are actually a number of reasons shooting range therapy might be exactly what you need to relieve your stress. Shooting range therapy is also a great way to practice your relaxation techniques. And if you haven’t discovered it as an option yet, now is the best time.
How Can Shooting Firearms Relieve Stress?
Whether you want to improve your skills for hunting, use it for competitions, or just want to feel safer with another line of defense, shooting ranges offer many benefits that are often overlooked. It turns out that shooting a firearm can improve your mental discipline and physical health.
If you practice enough, you won’t even think twice about the benefits it provides.
Health Benefits of Shooting Range Therapy
Mental Health
Shooting may require you to perfect your stance and pay close attention to how you handle a firearm, but it also requires you to be in the right headspace to truly hone your skills. According to Shooting Range Industries, shooting is 90% mental, and most experienced firearm shooters will agree. It requires creative thinking, logic, problem solving, and deep concentration.
Advanced Personal Discipline
Shooting a firearm - especially at a range, requires you to be aware of your surroundings, the safety of yourself and the safety of others. Whether you’re new to the range or a seasoned shooter, before you are ever able to use a lane, you must be briefed on the standard operating procedures and understand the rules that are in place at a shooting range.
Higher Focus and Eyesight Health
In a world connected to screens, practicing your shooting helps you exercise your long-distance sight and exercise its capabilities. Though shooting can’t fix eye deficiencies, it will help you center yourself and focus on the present moment. You will also find out which of your eyes is the dominant one.
Increased Confidence
Many people hesitate to carry daily, even though it is advisable to always be prepared to face any threat that may present itself. Hesitation is best conquered through confidence in one's ability and skills. Practicing often with your carry gun will help you build the confidence to use it properly.
Shooting Range Therapy is an Adrenaline Booster
Holding and firing a weapon can be an exhilarating thing to do, so your adrenaline will spike and create a surge of energy in you. This adrenaline will break down glycogen (the substance that provides your muscles with glucose) and feed your muscles, relieving your stress.
Physical Health
If you have weak abdominal muscles, the lower back holds additional pressure and weight from daily tasks like walking.
To shoot accurately and precisely at your target, you’ll have to remain perfectly still in your stance while aiming your gun. Repeating this more often will exercise your core muscles and support proper posture.
In improving your shooting stance, you will have improved abdominal muscles and practiced posture, helping you gain better balance because the weight of your upper body will be evenly distributed over the front and back.
Arm Strength
Because some firearms do have a recoil, shooting a gun requires sturdy arms and hands in order to aim and shoot precisely. Of course, you don’t have to be Superman or Wonder Woman to start shooting a gun, but the more you practice the stronger you will become. If your preference or requirements for shooting lean towards ease of use with little to no recoil, our associates at Hot Brass can guide you in finding the perfect fit. You might even like to try our 'Ten for 10' to check out the different available options.
Relieve Stress at the Longest Firearms Range in Massachusetts
Stop by our range in West Springfield, Massachusetts for lane and firearm rentals. Compared to the average 50 to 70-foot lanes, we offer ten, 90-foot firearm lanes, as well as a 50-foot five lane pistol range that you can enjoy. Whether you’re a pro or new to the sport, we have the facilities, staff, and equipment you need to strengthen your mental discipline and improve your physical health.
If you find yourself enjoying the benefits of shooting range therapy, we have new membership pricing and different levels of membership including Limited and Unlimited Brass Memberships, Law Enforcement, High Brass Membership, and Senior Citizen Memberships.