No one would doubt the importance of play in childhood. The idea that we should never stop playing has also reemerged. However, it seems that when we say video game we are expressing a dirty word. What if we told you that video games help control stress?
While this debate is not fully resolved, there are two opposing positions. There are studies, which we will cite, which underline how video games help control stress, allowing the mind to focus on other things and be a way to unload emotions.
On the other hand, the emphasis is on the stressful effects and aggression that can result from playing a video game, as well as the physical effects of adopting a certain position for an extended time. In some cases, it is even believed that they can generate a behavioral addiction.
Could violent video games generate violent reactions?
Again, regarding this question, there is no unambiguous or conclusive evidence. Different Education reveal that after playing a violent game, people are able to yell at other players.
However, this reading may be biased, as it is given in a laboratory setting, as opposed to real life; people don’t actually scream after playing there. In this sense, there would not be a direct relationship between the use of violent video games and its correlate in behaviour.
Role of video games in stress reduction
Video games would help control the stress due to recovery experience. This means that people use them as an escape after experiencing stressful situations.
For example, after days of work or study. That feeling of well-being and disconnection also affects the body.
How does it work?
Since the goal is playful and leisure, video games are geared towards connecting with pleasurable emotions. In this sense, they trigger the production of dopamine at the body level, which is why this feeling of well-being occurs.
It can also facilitate socializing when shared with friends or other people. Some games are also used in the workplace to encourage teamwork.
Through video games, the flow statewhich consists of concentration and attention focused around a goal. This way you exert effort and feel rewarded when you reach a goal or overcome a challenge.
What types of video games are recommended for stress relief?
In relation to the types of video games that help control stress, there is a very important influencing factor: Personality and tastes. That is to say, there are people who like competitive games, while others get even more stressed and therefore prefer other propositions.
movement games
There are video games where the participant is asked to make movements, follow a rhythm or coordinate steps. The best known are sports and dance. There is Education which show that they could be very useful for combating a sedentary lifestyle.
casual games
In some studies it is said that the more casual games (simple and that do not require the display of great skills) also serve to relieve stress, like the enigmas and the famous Tetrisamong others.
Games to train skills or learn
Many people are keen to combine fun with development of new skills. In this sense, video games that have trivia or riddles, in style Brain Age: train your brainThey might be an option.
Video games not recommended
In general, it is accepted that video games that promote discrimination, or those that contain sexist messages, are not recommended. Always try to have a careful and critical look.
On the other hand, it is also recommended to avoid those that, from the outset, involve a large investment of time before achieving anything. That is, those designed to be long. This is because it can be frustrating and stressful to never achieve your goal.
We must seek moderation instead of prohibition
As usual, extremes in life are not good. So it’s not about being fundamentalist and eliminating video games completely or spending hours with them. We must consider them as a tool and take advantage of them psychological benefits.
In other words, putting into practice the ability to decide and know how to choose what to play, at what time and for how long. If after I finish playing I start to feel stressed because I didn’t study for an exam or our sleeping habits change, then you need to adjust.
In second place, Don’t underestimate stress. It implies an increase in cortisol in the body and, therefore, anxiety and worry permanently.
Also, while video games help manage stress, they can also be used as a way to avoid facing certain difficult situations. In the latter case, the relief is momentary, but it prolongs an unavoidable situation that requires responsibility. To avoid this inadvisable use, it is good not to lose concentration and ask yourself the reason for a certain behavior.
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