Gaming is an enjoyable way to reduce stress. Sometimes it can distract people from the stresses of life and can help them cope with their anxiety.
The article states that playing video games is a healthy and helpful way to deal with stress. It points out that people who play video games are more likely to have higher self-esteem and confidence levels than those who don’t play them at all.
In recent years, many researchers studied the effects of gaming on our mental health. The studies suggest that while playing video games can make people less aware of their surroundings, this type of amusement also has many benefits.
1. Gaming is escapism
One purpose of playing games is to escape from the problems and frustrations we experience in everyday life. Games are an escape for people who do not want to face reality but live in a different world. Sometimes, we see people develop a drinking habit, which is harmful. Instead, gaming is a better alternative to step into a different world.
The escapism aspect of video games can be self-destructive because it takes up too much time and energy. It becomes a problem when people neglect essential parts of their lives, such as work, relationships, or physical health, because of gaming.
Regardless, if gaming helps a person be more comfortable coping with their lives, perhaps one should do it.
2. Playing games can help you forget about the bad day you had
Games have been around for as long as humans have. The first games that the Homosapien played were probably for survival, like hunting or gathering. Our ancestors distracted themselves from their work-filled days and play. We still do this today.
Games are not just for children anymore! About 51% of people in the U.S. play video games regularly, according to eMarketer. And Statista records almost 80% are adults, aging 18 and older. That’s many people playing video games! And other studies have found that people who play video games have better problem-solving skills and improved hand-eye coordination.
3. Gaming Improves focus and concentration
Playing video games helps improve focus and concentration and is one of the most popular ways to spend their spare time. With so many people dedicating a lot of time to playing these games, there is no shortage of research about their effects on their mental health. One interesting study looked at how playing video games improved focus and concentration in people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.) When children with ADHD played their specified game for three months, their mental health improved—frenzy, impulsiveness, and inattention decreased.
The article says that this trend increases as more people improve their cognitive function throughout the day or need help with something more specific, like enhancing their creativity, focus, or memory.
4. Games can help improve your memory and cognition
Chess has been one of the oldest board games since the 6th century, and people still love to play it. It helps develop memory and cognition, but what are the benefits of playing chess?
Playing chess also brings benefits to your mind. Research has shown that it can improve your memory and cognition while also reducing stress levels. But don’t take just my word for it—here are some studies that support these claims:
A study in 2003 found that playing chess helped improve short-term memory. The study showed that participants who played chess had faster reaction times on tests of short-term memory than those who didn’t play at all.
Another study from 2005 showed that chess participants improved their cognitive abilities more than those who were not.
5. Games can help reduce stress levels by keeping your attention focused for a more extended period
Playing any game can be a stress reliever. One way that games help reduce stress is by keeping your attention focused for an extended period. A study found that playing Tetris for three minutes at a stretch reduced the participants’ anxiety levels by more than half. Another survey on Tetris found that after playing for 10 hours over two weeks, people’s systolic blood pressure dropped, and they felt less tense during stressful periods in their lives.
Games are also great because they are entertaining and engaging, which eliminates boredom and reduces stress levels.
6. Increase your creativity by playing games that require thinking outside the box
Video games improve different aspects of intelligence, and research shows that playing them encourages creativity.
Play a game to increase your creativity by challenging your brain to think outside the box.
7. Gaming can increase your problem-solving skills
Games are just a waste of time, but it turns out that they might be more beneficial than we think. Studies show that playing video games can make you smarter and have better problem-solving skills.
There are many benefits of gaming. For example, it can increase cognitive skills by introducing players to new challenges and puzzles that they can figure out independently.
In addition, research has shown that video games help develop creativity because players have to come up with solutions for obstacles they face in the game. Video games also help with visual and spatial attention, improving your ability in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Lastly, some studies have shown that playing video games can increase your brain power and reasoning skills.
8. Improve your social skills through gaming
Some games have designed social dynamics. These games help players with their social skills by practicing and learning how to react in various situations. For example, a game like Watch Dogs 2 or The Witcher 3 offers players multiple missions, including interacting with other characters and choosing an appropriate response.
Games can be a way to improve social skills through practice. There is no set time frame or the correct answer for the player, just opportunities for learning how to interact socially through play.
9. Games can be an excellent tool for learning new things
Games are not just for fun and entertainment. We can also learn new skills. Game-based learning, a system that uses games as part of the instructional process, is an effective instructional style implemented in recent years in many schools worldwide and is helpful for students with different proficiency levels.
One of the best teaching methods lies in gaming because they work on all three of the learner’s learning styles. They are visual learners (people who learn best through images), auditory learners (people who understand best through sound), and kinesthetic learners (people who comprehend best by doing.)
10. Stress relief through gaming humor
It turns out that humor and stress relief go hand in hand. Humor is almost always a relief to stress and strain. It lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol levels, and calms the nerves.
As games move away from being just for kids, they are also more mentally challenging. Many modern games have a sense of humor, and it has proven to help the player de-stress and avoid long-term stress.
Many players who play these games will report feeling happier after playing them, which is invaluable when escaping their everyday stresses or anxieties. They can also help players feel more relaxed before bedtime if they’re going to get into bed feeling happy and content.
We find most humor as jokes or comedy routines. There are also many comedy movies and TV shows that can combat stress. We often see the best type of humor for relieving stress as slapstick or physical comedy. Anything that makes you laugh without thought is perfect for releasing some of that pent-up tension.
Laughter will undoubtedly help decrease their physical effect on the body, but it will also increase their sense of well-being and inner peace. That’s why choosing a game or movie with a beautiful sense of humor is always helpful.
Conclusion
People always look for ways to reduce stress and gain relaxation. One popular method is gaming.
Games provide an escape from reality while also providing a sense of accomplishment. It can distract us from our worries and problems while also reminding us that there is more to life than just the problems that we have every day.
Games are also beneficial because they allow players to practice their cognitive skills while having fun at the same time. Many games out there require critical thinking and strategic planning, which will enable players to exercise their brains in a fun way.
Don’t stress. Game instead.
