After 15 months of lockdowns of varying intensity COVID is now mostly behind us, just like winter, and it’s time for us to enjoy one of the best Canadian outdoor experiences – a day at the shooting range.
In Ontario[i], while there may still be a few limitations, most outdoor shooting ranges are open to their members.
The same is true in British Columbia where the government has lifted many of the restrictions on outdoor activities.[ii]
Even Alberta, which has suffered some of the most egregious lockdown measures, is ready to ease those restrictions and allow citizens to return to some measure of normalcy.[iii]
Today is the day to enjoy this new ray of sunshine and hope to its fullest. There is no better time that right now to send some lead downrange!
Just in case you need a refresher on why going to the shooting range is good for your health, both mental and physical, here are a few reasons why you absolutely should go shooting.
- Stress Relief
There is nothing quite like placing your sights on your target and squeezing off a round. Then another, and another one after that. With each shot fired downrange you can literally feel the stress melt away from your body and mind. - Increases Mental Focus
When you’re ‘in the zone’ nothing exists but you, your firearm and your target. It’s a meditation with a closed-loop feedback circuit where your only purpose in life is to bang the gong. - Enhances Self-Confidence
After more than a year of COVID lockdowns, we can all use a boost to our self-confidence. What better way to bring back that old charm than by sending lead downrange? - Promotes Personal Responsibility
Those of us who love the shooting sports know the value of personal responsibility. This is a deeply Canadian value that we must continue to pass on to our children, grandchildren and our friends and neighbours. - Dopamine and Serotonin are your Friends
The act of shooting a firearm releases dopamine and serotonin into your blood stream. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that gives us pleasure and helps us think and plan effectively. If you’re struggling with a problem, a day at the range may just be the answer to your problems. Serotonin helps regulate mood and memory, so if you find your emotions are a little out of adjustment, a day at the range may help get you back on track.
These are just some of the great reasons why, now that summer is almost upon us, heading out to the range is the perfect activity.
We spend so much time fighting our government to keep our firearms, today is a great day to head out to your local range and remind yourself why these pieces of metal and wood are so precious to us.
Sources:
[i] https://globalnews.ca/news/7880448/covid-ontario-reopening-plan-restrictions/
[ii] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-covid-restrictions-update-may-25-1.6039243
[iii] https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/premier-jason-kenney-set-to-announce-plan-for-easing-covid-19-restrictions-in-alberta/ar-AAKnFjF
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