If you suffer from stress, you can destress by playing games. Whether you like to play alone or with other people, there are many options available. For some, playing games is a great way to relieve stress, while others may find it too difficult.
Fortunately, video games are now recognized as legitimate methods of stress relief.
Cooperative gaming relieves stress
Whether it’s on a handheld gaming system or on a computer, cooperative gaming is an excellent stress reliever. It can create positive feelings between players, and some studies have shown that it reduces stress better than competitive games. These games also train players in stress management techniques such as biofeedback and meditation, which can be useful in everyday life.
In addition to relieving stress, cooperative games are also enjoyable. Competitive activities can lead to spats and emotional meltdowns. Cooperative games allow people to play at their own pace and enjoy the benefits of teamwork.
Effects of casual video games on mood
A new study from East Carolina University has found that playing casual video games can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety. These games can also improve self-esteem, which can be helpful if you’re feeling low. Researchers analyzed a series of studies and found that subjects who played casual games for between 30 minutes and 90 minutes a day experienced an overall improvement in their mood. In addition, playing these games may increase your energy Slot demo expenditure and physical activity, both of which can help with mental health problems.
Although mindfulness-meditation offers a slight advantage in reducing physiological stress, the study found that casual video games also reduced stress in the same manner. The findings suggest that casual video games are an effective medium for reducing stress, especially since they’re easily accessible and widely used by students. Ultimately, the results of this study may help guide the development of new initiatives to support students in their mental health.
Effects of casual video games on physiological stress
While the benefits of playing serious video games have been studied extensively, little is known about the effects of simple casual video games. In a recent study, Pine et al. (2020) cited three studies that reported lower levels of stress in participants who played casual video games. However, no studies have compared casual video games to mindfulness meditation.
Researchers have also been looking at the long-term effects of playing video games on health. One study found that people who played casual video games showed significant reductions in depression and anxiety. Additionally, gamers reported improving all aspects of their mood.