Games are a source of entertainment for millions of people around the world. They provide an escape from reality and engage our competitive nature. There are countless benefits to playing games, both physically and mentally. Let's take a look!
Physical Benefits
Relaxation
Stress is a growing issue in modern society and is responsible for many illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Playing games is a great way to reduce stress by releasing anger or negative energy without causing harm to others or ourselves.
Exercise
In today's society, many people lack the motivation to exercise. This is due to our sedentary lifestyles combined with limited time due to work and family commitments. However, playing games is an excellent way for people of all ages and abilities to stay active at home without planning or effort. Many modern fitness programs such as CrossFit use video games by equipping gym equipment with sensors that transfer movement from the virtual world into physical activity. This is an effective way to harness the fun of games while still achieving physical benefits.
Mental Benefits
Knowledge and Skills
Video games are getting more complex as technology advances, so playing video games for an extended period will improve your knowledge on various topics such as geography, history, first aid, etc. Playing strategy games also encourages decision-making and quick thinking, which can be applied in business or personal life situations. A common addition to popular video game titles is trivia quests that test players' knowledge on everything from Steely Dan song lyrics to Shakespearean sonnets. These mini-games act as a reward for completing levels and help players learn at the same time.
Enhances problem-solving skills
Many games today require players to solve problems to advance further. For example, players must use launchers and portals to get around obstacles. Players found themselves thinking of different ways to get past certain map parts, which improved my critical thinking skills.
Builds confidence
Some games provide challenges that build confidence in the player when mastered. A great example of this is Minecraft, where players mine for resources and then craft them into items they need. The more difficult challenges that are achieved can lead many players to feel accomplished, boosting their self-confidence.
Stimulation of our brains
As we age, our brains become less capable of learning and retaining new information. Playing games such as Sudoku can help to slow down or even reverse this process. The repetitive nature of these games acts as a form of mental exercise that strengthens the neurons in our brain and improves how it processes information. This is sometimes known as 'exercising your brain' and benefits people at any stage in life.
Social Benefits
Cooperation
Playing games requires teamwork with teammates who work towards a common goal with you. If everyone chips in, the team will be successful, but it can fail if one person doesn't do their part. By encouraging collaboration between individuals, players can learn to overcome differences and work together in the real world. This is extremely important for people of all ages, especially children exposed to bullying within school environments. A great example is people playing games with personalized items such as bespoke bags from Cornhole Worldwide where players can print slogans or phrases to make a statement.
Meeting new people
As mentioned in the last point, gamers tend to share common interests, which allows them to connect with like-minded players. The best way to make friends is by playing games in a group setting; however, many social networking communities are dedicated to video game enthusiasts where members can chat and form friendships in an environment dedicated to their shared passion.
Let’s Play!
So next time you need to take a break from studying or want an escape from reality for an hour or two, try playing games! You might find that you enjoy yourself more than expected!
