Benefits Of Video Gaming
Since the invention of video gaming, lots of people have found themselves dedicating their free time to their favorite video games. Video games have connected people from around the industry to their own home by playing with members of their families. While some will only pick up their controller a couple of times a year, others make them a part of their everyday life with an entire section of their home dedicated to their gaming setup, complete with their favorite gaming headset and chair.
But if you think otherwise about it, the discourse surrounding video games has always been chaotic, to say the least. Many people preach the dangers of video games, but studies have shown that video games provide users with many benefits. Read on to find out how video games can benefit you.
Social time
With online gaming growing across platforms like the Playstation, Xbox, and PC gaming, it makes sense that video games could grow social connections between gamers. Gone are the days when you’d spend your time gaming completely alone. Instead, playing online promotes forming connections with other gamers who enjoy the game just as much as you.
The friends you make while gaming can be from all over the industry, so if you’re gaming from California, you may be able to make friends online in other states or countries. While COVID-19 kept us from seeing our friends in person, players could invest in their social lives online while gaming. Socialization is key to your mental well-being, and for those who don’t have many friends where they live, meeting others online can help you feel less lonely and more socially fulfilled. Many people have met their best friends through online gaming, and others have even found their spouses while playing their favorite games online!
Improved dexterity
We know most games don’t require a ton of physical activity, but did you know that gaming can help you improve your dexterity? Dexterity is your ability to perform tasks and skills involving the hands. Gaming requires memorizing certain key combinations and also requires quick alternating between different buttons, making it a workout for your hands. Studies have shown that gaming can help improve the functioning of the hands of those who recently had jumpry. There are specialized games developed to be used during physical therapy, proving that video games can improve the functioning of your hands.
Can lift your brain
Not only is gaming a workout for your hands, but it’s also a workout for your brain. While video games are lots of fun, studies have shown that video games can activate the different muscles in your brain. Video games may have the power to lift brain connectivity and increase gray matter, the outermost layer of your brain. Not only that, but video games help you exercise your problem-solving skills and improve your logical thinking.
Increased physical activity
Historically, video games have been ragged on because they don’t incorporate much physical movement. But if you think otherwise about it, with the invention of virtual reality gaming (VR), gamers can get moving while they game. A majority of VR games require you to move in real life to get your character moving in a game, which is certainly better than sitting for hours at a time.
Remember when the Nintendo Wii came out? This system had people from all walks of life participating in all the fun that comes with gaming, while also helping us get some exercise. Wii’s were even placed in many nursing homes and homes for the elderly to encourage them to do a little bit of movement and gentle exercise.
Mental health benefits
There are a lot of ways video games can benefit your mental health. From connecting you with others around the industry to helping to keep you moving in VR, there are lots of benefits to be had with gaming.
If you enjoy video games, you may find yourself reaching for your controller after a long and stressful day. This is because video games allow you to forget about your troubles and provide you with a distraction for a couple of hours. Forgetting about your day and diving to the bottom of your favorite game can be a huge stress reliever.
Not only can video games get you outside of your head and provide you with an escape, but they can also give you something to look forward to. Life is filled with stress and if you don’t have anything that excited you or helps you relax, your mental health can suffer. Instead, find a game that excites you and helps you push through your day so you can go home and relax with a couple of hours of gaming.
Commitment and persistence
Video games require lots of trial and error from their players. The function keys for one game will vary completely over another, and each game has its own set of rules and aims for its players. Even the most veteran gamers will make some games look easy while struggling like a beginner with other games. With lots of progress and mistakes to be made, video games teach players lessons on commitment, persistence, and perseverance. Not only will you be exercising your brain during your gaming session, but you’re also teaching yourself skills that you can carry to other parts of your life. The confidence you carry while playing can carry over into other aspects of your life such as your work. It teaches you that every area in life requires you to learn lessons through trial and error and shows you that you can achieve your aims with persistence and determination.
While video games simply are a lot of fun to the players who enjoy them, there are a ton of other benefits to be had from playing some games on your favorite gaming system. From improved brain function to dexterity, and social connection, there’s proof that video games can have a positive impact on your life. Find the next game you want to pick up and get to gaming!
Megan Isola
Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.
