5 Practical and Scientific Benefits of Playing Computer Games
Introduction
Many people consider playing games a total waste of time. And sure it is especially if you’re playing it unnecessarily for hours and hours. But playing games for relaxation can help you boost your mental state and also gives you many more benefits.
Yes, it is true and some of these benefits are scientifically proven. Don't believe me? Well, try yourself out and you'll notice it yourself.
Computer Games via Joystick
If I tell you that playing computer games can have several benefits to your body, you’ll probably don’t believe me. You must have played video games in your childhood for fun.
At that time, it was no more than just killing the time and get fascinated by the interesting characters and missions. But what if I tell you that playing video or computer games can help adults too in many ways?
Yes, it is absolutely true and in this article, I bring you some of the reasons too. So, let's list out these reasons and described the benefits of playing computer gameS:
1. Helps to Slow Down Aging
Playing computer games is a task that requires physical and mental intervention. Just like your body needs physical exercises to stay in shape, your brain requires mental and cognitive thinking to keep it at par.
Games require your focus and attention. And when you focus and pay attention to one thing at a time, you become smarter and dynamic.
Don’t take it otherwise. Playing games will not help you look like a 20-year-old suppose you’re above 30 or so. But it sure makes you look a few years younger.
2. Helps You Enhance the Learning Ability
The second benefit of playing computer games is related to brain flexibility. In your childhood, you must have heard your parents saying that these games are going to ruin your future. But according to research by the UK University, these games can enhance your learning ability.
Games that require constant thinking and planning also make you a better decision-maker. These games demand processing information quickly and help you boost your auditory perception. If you’re someone who plays such games, you’re honing your decision-making skills in an indirect way.
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3. Helps You Relax and Ease Your Mood
I believe this may be one of the best benefits of playing games. Suppose you’re continuously working on a project for many hours and you feel refreshing your mood.
In that case, playing racing games or any other light games can bring new colors to your mood. It also helps you ease relax your nerves a bit while getting mental stimulation from the game, which is good for your cognitive thinking.
I’m mostly doing this while working for several hours. For relaxing, try to play games that don’t push you harder to put more effort. Games like puzzles, light racing, or arcades can help you fresh up your mood and mind.
In fact, playing games for at least 30 minutes a day or a few hours a week can improve your thinking and helps you develop maturity in life.
4. Acts as a Digital Therapy
If I ask you what two organs of your body are used in playing games, chances are you’ll say hands and eyes. And this is true.
Computer games or any other electronic game requires your attention through eyes and action through your hands. Therefore, playing games can improve your hand-eye coordination.
In some cases, doctors are using computer games as a treatment for their patients who require digital therapy. Games like Mario, GTA Vice City, or any other shooting game can develop and boost your mental strength.
So, if you’re playing games for some time in a day, you can use it as a therapy for your mind and body.
5. Helps You Become Active and Improve Your Overall Mental State
When you play computer games, it affects your brain's regions responsible for spatial orientation, memory, and motor skills.
For example, it can impact your brain’s prefrontal cortex, which helps in decision-making, building personality, and influencing behavior.
Digital therapy with playing computer games
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Similarly, if you play adventure and light games like Mario, you'll engage with your brain's right hippocampus. This part influences the way you process information in short and long-term memories.
Playing such computer games can drastically improve these regions and help you become mentally active and healthy. This can also result in warding off anxiety and unnecessary worries.
Conclusion
Always remember playing games unnecessary is also not good for your body and mind. In fact, as the universal rule says, anything in excess can be harmful to you. And that of course applies to play games.
So, even after there are many benefits to playing games, you shouldn't make it an advantage and start playing for the whole day. Make use of these benefits for the overall development of your mind and body. When you do that, you'll become a smarter, intelligent, and active thinker and believer.
What is your honest opinion about playing games? Do you think it will have a good impact on our mind and body if we play games regularly without hampering our health and work? Do share your opinion in the comments below.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2020 Nikhil Sharma
Comments
Nikhil Sharma (author) from India on August 28, 2020:
Hahaha, you're right, Ms. Suchismita. Playing games once in a while is nice and also good for your mood and mind, but as I mentioned anything in excess could be harmful to you.
You've wonderfully described the addiction concept with chocolate. Thank you for reading and dropping such a lovely comment.
Suchismita Pradhan from India on August 28, 2020:
Nice to know that it has positive impact,hope you will convince your parents too with all these points.
For me its like eating chocolate, once in a while is fine,but if you get addicted to this then you may end up with diabetes.
Nikhil Sharma (author) from India on August 28, 2020:
It's good to know that you also find playing computer games a stress-busting task. Even I also play one or two sessions of racing when I'm free or when I need some refreshment to my mind.
Thank you, Ms. Swati, for reading my hub and sharing your personal insights with us. Stay connected for more such hubs in the future.
Nikhil Sharma (author) from India on August 28, 2020:
Thank you, Liz, for reading the hub and leaving your valuable thoughts. The primary idea of writing this article is to let everyone know that playing games shouldn't be always considered a bane.
When played for a limited time period, games can actually help us learn effectively and clear our cluttered thoughts as well. Although this is what I personally believe.
I appreciate you for sharing your thoughts, Liz. Keep reading.
Swati Khandelwal from Nainital on August 27, 2020:
Yes, I do agree with you that playing computer games can have a positive impact on our brain as well. I myself play games sometimes to relieve stress and it actually works.
Liz Westwood from UK on August 26, 2020:
You have put the case for gaming very well in this article. A lot of young gamers will be grateful to read this, as it gives them some good points to make when arguing with those who might try to limit their screen time.
