Video games have gotten a bad rap. They’re often criticized as a waste of time or a lazy activity that rots your brain. But the truth is that gaming has some surprising benefits for adults.
For instance, playing games can improve your visuospatial ability and your cognitive focus. It can also help you develop better hand-eye coordination.
1. They can relieve stress
Playing video games can be a great way to relieve stress, particularly when it is played in moderation. It can help to improve your cognitive function, and it can also slow down the aging of your brain. It can even help to improve your mood, as well as relieve anxiety and depression.
Most video games are engaging and enjoyable, which can help to reduce stress. In addition, they can also help to increase your sense of accomplishment. This is because most games present a challenge, and then reward you for successfully completing the game. This can provide a feeling of achievement that can help to reduce stress levels.
Research has also shown that gaming can help to improve your coordination. This is because most video games require movement and hand-eye coordination. In addition, many games also involve problem-solving and decision-making, which can improve your ability to solve problems in real life. In addition, playing video games can also be a great way to socialize with other people. This is especially true for multiplayer games.
2. They can improve memory
While some people may think that video games are a waste of time and that they harm the brain, a recent study found that they can actually help improve memory. This is because when gamers play, their brains are challenged and they have to focus on the task at hand. This is similar to how children learn and develop cognitive skills during play. In fact, it has been shown that playing video games can help with memory, problem-solving and attention.
In one particular study, researchers found that seniors 60 to 80 who played an immersive video game like Super Mario had more gray matter in the hippocampus than those who played a more two-dimensional game such as Angry Birds. In addition, they performed better on a memory test than those who didn’t play any video games at all.
Other studies have found that older adults who play brain training games experience improved multi-tasking, short term and long term memory, and their attention span is longer than non-gamers. These are just some of the benefits of video games.
3. They can reduce anxiety
Playing video games can be a great way to reduce anxiety. When you play a video game, your mind is completely focused on the game and you aren’t thinking about anything else. This can help you relax and calm down.
Researchers have found that playing video games can also increase creativity and imagination. This is because when you play a video game, you have to use your imagination to create the world and characters that you are interacting with. This is a very stimulating activity for the brain and can help reduce stress.
In addition, video games have been found to improve concentration and attention span. This is because most video games require a lot of attention and focus. This can help you concentrate better in your real life.
Studies have also found that playing video games can decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. This is because video games can provide a sense of connection and make you feel like you belong to a community of people who share your interests. This can help to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.
4. They can improve coordination
Playing video games for adults can help to improve your coordination. This is particularly true of games that require you to use a physical controller. These games can improve your hand-eye coordination by forcing you to juggle multiple tasks at once, such as looking at the enemy on the screen while also tracking their health and ammo, and moving your character.
In addition, many games encourage you to think on your feet and plan ahead. This can help to improve your decision-making skills and prepare you for future situations that may come up in real life. For example, if you are playing a game that involves archaeology, you will need to be able to make decisions quickly and effectively in order to complete your quest.
Furthermore, if you are playing a game with other people online or in person, you will need to be able to coordinate with them to win. This can help to improve your social skills and may even lead to real-world friendships. In fact, studies have shown that gamers are more likely to be friends with people who also play video games.
5. They can improve social skills
Video games are often associated with socially isolated teens tucked away in dark rooms playing violent shooter games, but that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, video gaming is a popular pastime for many healthy, educated and socially active people of all ages and genders. It’s also an activity that is typically played in groups, as opposed to individually.
Research has found that video game play strengthens a variety of cognitive skills, including spatial navigation, reasoning, memory and perception. These skills are important for education and career development. They are also necessary for forming and maintaining social relationships.
Moreover, video games allow players to interact with a wide range of interesting and complex characters, which helps them develop greater appreciation and empathy for humanity. This can help improve their interpersonal skills and improve their quality of life.
However, it’s important to note that excessive gaming can have negative social effects, and if you’re struggling with addiction, it’s recommended that you seek professional help. Contact us for a free Gameplan call to see if our program is right for you.