Can Gaming Be Healthy?

I have been playing games since my early childhood without realizing their health benefits. But at later stages, I noticed that gaming could actually be healthy physically and mentally when performed well.

Gaming has initially been seen as a leisure activity or a source of entertainment in general. However, later it was proven to have cognitive benefits for regular players. Research into gaming is active.

For example, studies have shown that certain types of games can improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and decision-making. I will introduce them in my upcoming posts.

One of the cognitive benefits of gaming is the improvement of problem-solving skills. Multiple games require players to think critically and devise creative solutions to overcome specific challenges.

These trial-and-error processes can help develop problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box. This aspect of gaming appeals to me and motivates me as I work as a designer.

Problem-solving skills are essential for many aspects of life, including academic and professional settings. For example, students who play strategic games may perform better on school tests that require problem-solving skills.

Similarly, professionals who play games that require problem-solving may be more equipped to handle complex tasks and challenges in the workplace.

Spatial awareness is another cognitive skill that can be improved through gaming. Many games, particularly strategy games, require players to visualize and manipulate objects in three-dimensional space.

This process can help improve spatial awareness and spatial reasoning skills. I experienced this in my academic and professional life.

Spatial awareness and spatial reasoning skills are important for various professions, including architecture, engineering, art, and design.

These skills are also valuable for everyday tasks such as reading maps and navigating unfamiliar environments.

Decision-making is another important cognitive skill that can be improved through gaming. Many games require players to make quick decisions based on limited information, which can help to improve decision-making skills in real-life situations.

Good decision-making skills are important for many aspects of life, including personal and professional settings. For example, individuals who can make quick and informed decisions might be more successful in leadership roles or working in high-stress environments.

In addition to these cognitive benefits, gaming has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Research has shown that playing games can reduce stress and improve mood by providing a sense of accomplishment and giving a break from daily life’s pressure. I also experienced this in my life.

Gaming can also provide a sense of social connection, as many games can be played with friends or online with other players. This social aspect of gaming can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be isolated or have difficulty forming social connections.

I documented my experience related to a community in a recent story titled I Joined a Guild in an MMORPG and Immediately Started to Enjoy Myself a Lot More.

However, I believe that some games might not be beneficial for cognitive aspects. Simple, mindless games may not offer the same benefits as more complex, strategic games.

It is also important to strike a balance between gaming and other activities, as excessive gaming can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Gaming addictions are well documented. I read an article about the addictive aspects of video games in my gaming publication recently.

Sitting too long in a dark room can be problematic. For example, long gaming sessions during the pandemic affected my sleep patterns. I had to introduce new sleep hygiene as it affected my health.

I hope my thoughts and experiences on gaming can be helpful for you if you are a new gamer.

With that being said, thank you for reading my post, and have a good one.

The original version of this story was published on another platform.

About the Author

I write articles in my field covering gaming, filmmaking, media, technology, and design. You can subscribe to my account to get notifications when I post on Medium and Vocal Media. I support Illumination Integrated Publications as an editor and moderate the Slack Workspace, where you can share your Vocal Stories with thousands of members free of charge. I own and manage two publications, one for gaming and one for YouTube. You may join via my referral link if you are new to Medium. You can also join Vocal Media to share your inspiring stories. I look forward to reading your posts on both platform.