The Benefits of Gaming: 5 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Time Playing Games
It’s the age old debate: when does gaming go from being ‘fun’ to ‘unhealthy’? The answer is not black and white, as video games can have both positive and negative effects on gamers’ lives. We want to share the benefits of gaming and how to make the most out of your time spent playing games, no matter what type.
1. Improve Cognitive Abilities
Playing games offers a great way to improve cognitive skills such as focus, problem-solving, decision-making, and multitasking. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, it was found that playing action-based video games increased gamers’ ability to multitask. This was due to the demands of the games that encourage gamers to use coordination between their eyes and hands to successfully complete tasks.
2. Social Connection
Gaming often comes with the connotation of a loner in their room, but gamers today have access to the world of online gaming. And with it comes a growing wave of online communities. Players are able to interact with others from all parts of the world and, in some cases, even form long-term relationships. Games that rely on team play give gamers a unique opportunity to build camaraderie and work together to meet a common goal.
3. Enhancing Hand-Eye Coordination
In the same study mentioned earlier, participants were found to have improved coordination between their hands and eyes when playing action-based video games. This skill carries over to everyday life, enabling gamers to better react to situations and utilize muscle memory.
4. Stress Relief
It’s no secret that video games can provide gamers with an escape from the real world. Research conducted by the World Health Organization looked at the positive effects of gaming and discovered that it provided gamers with a sense of mental relaxation.
5. Boost Your Career
Believe it or not, gaming can actually be used as a steppingstone for one’s career. With the rise in esports, gamers are being offered the chance to compete on a professional level. But even beyond the tournament scene, gamers can hone in on their strategic thinking, communication, and collaborative skills to open the door to more job opportunities.
At the end of the day, no matter what type of game you choose to play, there are plenty of benefits. Each type of game offers something different, and research has shown that the skills acquired through gaming can be transferred to real-world scenarios. All it takes is to find the balance between education and entertainment and make the most out of the time you spend gaming.
