Imagine losing the ability to drive, read a book, or hold a conversation. That was my reality after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while serving as an air assault-qualified expert field medic in the U.S. Army. I felt trapped, skeptical when my VA occupational therapist suggested a free veterans’ archery program.

She claimed it could rewire my brain, improve short-term memory, and enhance focus. Thirty days later, I was back behind the wheel, chatting with friends, and devouring books.

Today, I shoot a 75 pound, Browning compound bow on my own range, finding calm on rough days and even putting meat in the freezer during hunting season — a life skill. Archery isn’t just for veterans like me. It’s a lifeline for people on the autism spectrum, those with ADD or ADHD, cognitive challenges, and individuals battling neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

Here’s why this ancient sport is a modern-day miracle, and how you can start.

Why Archery Works

Archery demands precision, patience, and presence, making it a powerful tool for brain health.

Dr. John Ratey, a Harvard psychiatrist, explains, “Exercise like archery stimulates neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells, and improves cognitive function” (Ratey & Hagerman, 2008).

For neurodiverse individuals or those with cognitive impairments, archery’s repetitive, focused movements strengthen neural pathways. Dr. Peter D’Adamo, a naturopathic physician, adds,

“Archery enhances proprioception — awareness of the position and movement of the body and motor coordination, benefiting neurological conditions by reinforcing brain-body connections” (D’Adamo, 2020).

Take Sarah, a 28-year-old on the autism spectrum, who shared her story with the National Archery Association:

“Archery helped me focus and feel less overwhelmed. I made friends at the range, real connections, not just online” (National Archery Association, 2023).

For those with neurodegenerative diseases, archery’s cognitive and physical demands can slow decline. A 2021 study found that activities requiring hand-eye coordination, like archery, improved memory and executive function in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients (Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2021).

The social benefits of archery

Beyond brain health, archery fosters face-to-face interaction, a critical need in our digital age.

Dr. Susan Pinker, a psychologist, notes, “Face-to-face contact reduces stress and boosts cognitive resilience, especially for those with neurodegenerative diseases” (Pinker, 2014).

At archery ranges, people of all abilities, even those doing adaptive archery connect, laugh, and support each other. I’ve taught archery to dozens of kids from low-income households through my nonprofit work. A 10-year-old, told me, “Shooting with other kids makes me feel good. We talk, compete, and have fun when somebody’s doing good, and forget about stuff for a while.”

These interactions rebuild confidence and community, countering the isolation often felt by neurodiverse individuals or those with cognitive challenges.

Archery, a bonus for body and mind

Archery gets you outside, soaking up sunlight and vitamin D, and fresh air. Drawing a bow, mine’s a 75 pound beast, is a full-body workout, building strength and coordination. For individuals with autism or cognitive impairments, physical activity reduces anxiety and improves mood.

A 2022 study showed that outdoor exercise enhanced attention and emotional regulation in neurodiverse populations (Frontiers in Psychology, 2022).

Plus, archery’s practical side, like hunting, adds purpose and resiliency. As I’ve learned, a well-placed shot can stock your freezer with venison.

Join the archery community

Archery is more than a hobby; it’s a path to healing, connection, and adventure.

Whether you’re on the autism spectrum, managing cognitive challenges, or fighting a neurodegenerative disease, this sport can transform your life.

I’m launching a video series to guide beginners, covering everything from choosing a bow to nailing your first bullseye. Follow me on X—formerly Twitter @NNBLBLog and the New Normal Big Life Podcast channel on YouTube, in May, to start your journey.

Get outside, shoot an arrow, and reclaim your brain, one target at a time.

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Citations

• D’Adamo, P. (2020). “Archery as a Therapeutic Tool.” Journal of Integrative Medicine. https://www.journalofintegrativemedicine.com/

• National Archery Association. (2023). “Stories from the Range: Archery for All.” https://www.usarchery.org/

• Pinker, S. (2014). The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier and Happier. Random House Canada. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/213374/the-village-effect-by-susan-pinker/9780307359544

• Ratey, J. J., & Hagerman, E. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Little, Brown Spark. https://www.littlebrownspark.com/titles/john-j-ratey-md/spark/9780316113519/

• Study on Hand-Eye Coordination and Alzheimer’s. (2021). Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. https://www.j-alz.com/

• Study on Outdoor Exercise and Neurodiverse Populations. (2022). Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology