Video Games and Stress

Serial Stress Killer

If meditation, therapy sessions, your favourite tv show does not help you to relieve stress, then consider video games.

In this episode of the Serial Stress Killer Podcast, Chris discusses video games and stress. It has long been a debate if video games are really beneficial or harmful to our emotional and psychological state. Chris’ answer is it depends on you. There is an addictive nature (just like in any other stuff) that video games offer, so it’s up to you to be disciplined enough how much time you allot. If it helps you combat stress from time to time, then why not use it? Listen in as Chris also shares some studies and resources about its positive effects.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• If you haven’t found any coping mechanisms yet to combat stress, then definitely include playing video games as one of your choices. It’s easily accessible and cost-effective since most video games are available on mobile phones.
• According to a study, playing video games even for a brief time can offer cognitive restoration. 66 participants did tasks which induced cognitive fatigue. After this, they were separated into 3 groups and were allowed to have a 5-minute break. Leading group plays a mobile game called Sushi cat, the second group undergoes a relaxation session, and the last group just sit quietly in the room without any gadgets.
• If you experienced a stressful event, then your brain is going to focus on that event. Try to do something else to engage your rational mind and to detach your emotions. After de-stressing – can be through playing video games – you can go back to assessing that event rationally.
• Video games can be addictive so make sure that you only allow yourself to be exposed to it for just the right amount of time. They are just designed to give you an immediate quick fix.

BEST MOMENTS

• “If you’re stressed, spending time by yourself in a quiet room may not be your best course of action.”
• "Michael Rupp notes, ‘We often try to power through the day to get more work finished, which might not be as effective as taking some time to detach for a few minutes. People should plan short breaks to make time for an engaging and enjoyable activity, such as video games, that can help them recharge.’"

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Searching for Affective and Cognitive Restoration: Examining the Restorative Effects of Casual Video Game Play | A Study by Michael A. Rupp, Richard Sweetman, et al.
• Sushi Cat
• Stress-Proof by Mithu Storoni

ABOUT THE HOST

After many years of dealing (badly) with personal stress for over 20 years, Chris Hackett is on a mission to help people understand and overcome stress and anxiety by tackling the problem head-on.

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