Life can put you through all kinds of different situations. You have plenty of responsibilities and expectations, and most days can feel quite stressful. Even without your job and your financial situation, you are constantly looking over your shoulder at one thing or another. Our minds crave a break that is rewarding and rehabilitating in equal measure. Video games are a great way of easing the pressure you feel. As each year passes, more and more people are realizing that games are not just for mindless people looking to waste their lives away.
From single-player stories to casual online games, you can experience a gentle escape and help your thoughts slow down. Instead of constantly focusing on your worries, you can focus on relatively simple actions and steady progress in a different, immersive world. Give your brain space to recover while feeling stimulated at the same time. Here are a few reasons why many video games can be the best possible way to relax:
Necessary Gentle Focus
Most games involve focusing on manageable objectives. Instead of juggling all kinds of stress in terms of work and personal life, you only need to focus on simple tasks. The game feels a lot more contained and achievable than what real life throws at us. By spending a few hours on your PC or console, you can concentrate a little more on these tasks and settle any racing thoughts you have. Gameplay starts to be associated with relief.
Predictable Rules And Actions
Real life is incredibly unpredictable, and the uncertainty can get the better of most people. Video games, on the other hand, tend to come with defined systems and rules to follow. With an extra bit of predictability, we can all feel comforted. Knowing how a system works makes us feel more in control. Instead of being on constant alert, your nervous system will settle.
Small Wins That Build
Game developers always look to deliver regular moments of success and happiness. These small victories can make you feel encouraged without overwhelming with stimulation. From solving a small puzzle to winning a final, each bit of success will trigger a boost in positive emotion. This will then reinforce the idea that progress is constantly being made. When you are constantly achieving things (even in a small game), you consistently counter feelings of frustration and stagnation. You can feel significantly lighter after even brief sessions because your brain has been rewarded for the effort you put in.
A Place To Remove Tension
Every single person on this planet builds up physical and emotional tension at some point. Video games offer an outlet where this energy can be released. You will not burn off hundreds of calories by playing games, but you will go through quick movements and playful competition. You can engage in these kinds of games without any real fear due to the stakes being so low. The likelihood is that you will feel a little looser and calmer, and as though the pressure has lessened somewhat.
Enjoying An Immersive New World
Many video game developers now have the power to create incredibly detailed worlds with complex stories. When you step into a detailed game world, you can distance yourself psychologically from your everyday concerns. There is so much to explore, meaning many of your stressful thoughts lose their urgency. Some of the best games can feel like you are going on a tiny mental vacation. Instead of endlessly replaying the same worries over and over, your attention has shifted to something a lot more exciting. Of course, your problems will not be fully erased, but games can shrink them into something that feels more manageable. Your mind gets a big chance to reset, so returning to real life may feel less overwhelming.
Repetition That Puts You At Ease
While many video games often have an eclectic mix of tasks and environments, there are a few that involve repeated actions. For instance, farming, building, or card games such as digital blackjack can be just what you need on a quiet evening. When you see the same familiar pattern, your mind can go to a much calmer place. Repetition gives you a sense of rhythm that puts you at ease and relaxes your nervous system. These kinds of games have a similar kind of impact as things like walking and knitting. Your mind stays occupied to a degree, but stress responses are lowered. There is no real pressure to get things done.
Social Connection
Multiplayer games give you the power to interact with others on your own terms. You can compete against others or work together with them. You can simply exist in the same virtual space without any kind of goal or competition if you want to. Video games provide a lighter form of connection and communication that can combat loneliness in a low-pressure manner. When you feel part of a group, your entire mood can be lifted, and stress can go away for a little while. Shared moments in the video game world remind you that there are people out there just like you. If you have gone through an isolated or overwhelming period, this kind of realization is very welcome.
Checkpoints To Rest And Collect Yourself
A lot of the time, it can feel as though life has very few checkpoints and places to stop and save. When we have a little break to eat lunch, we can feel as though progress hasn’t been completely saved. Video games can naturally create stopping points for us, though. From small levels ending to entire seasons wrapping up nicely, they give your brain a clear signal that it’s time to pause. This might seem like something small, but it’s actually much-needed closure. In a life that is filled with endless to-do lists, people need the satisfaction of resolving something. When you reach a particular checkpoint or end a game, your mind no longer has to deal with unfinished business. The transition becomes a lot easier.
