For all of you that love gaming, there’s good news in store!
TechnologyAdvice compiled research on how games positively impact the brain. They state that the easiest way to increase productivity is not by providing more vacation days, bigger paychecks, or improved benefits. Instead, simply encourage employees to play more games!
In fact, researchers from Brigham Young University found that newly-formed work teams experienced a 20% increase in productivity after playing video games together.
Wow! Now that’s something pleasant! Your boss may just tell you to play games at work?!
How can gaming help?
Playing games has shown to impact the brain positively by increasing motivation, improving memory, driving efficiency, and enhancing feelings of empathy among team members. But more importantly, it’s shown to decrease stress.
According to sciencedaily, a team of ergonomics researchers evaluated how casual gameplay was an effective way of combating workplace stress during rest breaks. Considering the amount of time people spend on their mobile devices, researchers decided to monitor the stress level, mood, and cognitive performance of participants.
The results were astounding. The people who took silent breaks were more worried and less engaged with work after their breaks. On the other hand, those who played video games reported feeling better. Taking the time to detach makes individuals generally more captivating and enjoyable. So gaming helped them destress and recharge.
What’s causing stress?
It’s safe to say that no individual has not endured some amount of stress. And according to the American Institute of Stress, everyone perceives it differently. What may seem normal for one person can be the basis of stress for another.
According to the American Psychological Association, the Stress in America survey indicates adults report high levels of stress. Many agree that their level of stress has continued to increase over the past year. In fact, everyday.com noted that 52% said financial issues was one of the leading causes of stress.
More alarmingly, Lifeline Australia stated that 91% of adult Australians feel stress in at least one important area of their lives. So there are endless reasons that are triggering it, whether it’s work, marriage, studies, family, etc.
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia defines stress as the feeling of emotional or physical tension that can come from any event or thought. It can make an individual feel frustrated, angry, or nervous.
What are the consequences of stress?
Stress is not all bad. Appropriate doses from time to time are great. It’s essential for survival, helping the body face danger, and cope with difficult situations.
However, ongoing, chronic stress has been linked to multiple medical issues. It can cause or exacerbate various health problems, such as:
- Mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders
- Cardiovascular disease, as well as heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke
- Obesity and other eating disorders
- Skin and hair issues, for example, acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and permanent hair loss
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable colon
How can I relieve stress?
There are several ways to reduce and manage stress. A few strategies that you can use to lower the level of stress that you are feeling include:
- Breathing deeply
- Relaxing your muscles
- Laughing out loud
- Taking a walk or exercising for a few minutes
- Talking it over with a friend
- Distracting your mind from the stressful situation at hand
- Aroma therapy
- Listening to soothing music
The bottom line is you need to find ways to reduce the pressure that you are feeling. One effective method that is lately gaining a great deal of traction is online gaming.
Well, that says it all. Online gaming may well be the ultimate resort for stress relief.
Thinking about the games you can play to destress?
We’ve got you covered. Here are a few that you will definitely enjoy.
- Home Sheep Home
You need to help three adorable sheep, Timmy, Shaun, and Shirley, get back home! Enjoy this free, laidback game using the characteristics of each sheep. Timmy is tiny and can sneak into nook or crannies while Shaun is agile and can jump fairly high. But Shirley is the strong, overweight one that can shift heavy objects.
With the aid of swings, see-saws, ramps, steps, switches, and whatnot lying around, guide these characters across various challenging levels.
You’ll be hooked in no time at all!
- Sushi Cat
Time to feed the hungry cat!
Guide this adorable cat through this puzzle game and let him munch on sushi rolls. The more he eats, the more bonuses you are able to collect.
Start off with four lives, and go on an adventure with Sushi Cat. As you clear various stages of the game, the level of complexity will gradually increase.
- Submarine Dash
For those who love JetPack and Subway Surfer, here’s your chance to escape to the beautiful underwater world. Be mindful of rocks and other obstacles on your adventures as you collect coins. Use the money to upgrade your sub.
But that’s not all. While Unlimited Gamez Mo changes a small subscription fee, you can play numerous other games on your smartphone in exchange.
- Fruit Ninja
You’re on a break… so why not enjoy this juicy fruit-slicing game. You’ll love this simple game as you slash away your stress.
Unsheath your sword and get slicing! Gain extra points for special combinations. But watch out for the bombs.
This addictive, free game is packed with so much fun that you’d wish your break was never over.
- Monument Valley
Get lost in the illusory adventure of impossible architecture. The entrancing colors and design instantly absorb the player into the gameplay.
It’s your job to guide the princess through increasingly complex levels. Rotating paths, stairways, and walls only add to the illusion of an intricate maze.
Available on iOS and Android for a nominal cost, it’s hard not to give this game a chance.
Final thoughts
It’s time to put your worries aside. The way you manage stress today will have a long-term effect on your work as well as your health. Playing a game for a few minutes between assignments or at the end of a busy day is all you need to help you unwind.
So are you ready to pick up your devices and search for a game that will help you become more relaxed and motivated?
Author Bio
Audrey Throne is the mother of a 3-year old and a professional blogger by choice. Throne is passionate about lifestyle, business, automotive, technology and management and blogs frequently on these topics.
Find her on Twitter: @audrey_throne.
Cover Image credits: Photo by Nathan Cowley from Pexels
