Combating Stress with Videogames

Everybody gets stressed out at some point, even if it's not often. According to the American Institute of stress; about 33 percent of people report feeling extreme stress. Stress has been a huge issue for me, my entire life. Never eating how I should be or the countless sleepless nights. There are many issues that stress causes, emotionally and physically. 

Emotional Issues

• Depression or general unhappiness.

• Anxiety and agitation.

• Moodiness, irritability, or anger.

• Feeling overwhelmed.

• Loneliness and isolation.

• Other mental or emotional health problems.

Physical Tension 

• Low energy.

• Headaches.

• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.

• Aches, pains, and tense muscles.

• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat.

• Insomnia.

• Frequent colds and infections.

• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability.

Among the things I have found to relieve some of the stress in my life are video games.

The stress you have is coming from somewhere so find the source, try your best to fix it but if you can’t, like a project for work or school, then maybe trying video games could help with you escape from the stress. Video games are a great way to stop thinking about the outside world’s stress and issues but be careful that you don’t get sucked in and play all the time because you can create bad feelings of social anxiety and that's a set of problems you don't want to have. Getting lost in a videogame can create a feeling of loss of time. You think you only played for an hour but end up playing for two or more. It’s a big time waster that can actually help you get off the frustrating topic that made you stressed in the first place, so you can go back to that topic with a fresh mind ready to tackle the issues presented.

Video Games Can Cause Stress as Much as it can Block out 

Video games in general have campaigns that make the player feel like they are actually in whatever situation they encounter. For example, a competitive video game like Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, puts you in the boots of a robust soldier that has certain characteristics that make the character unique. Each other character has unique characteristics that have advantages and disadvantages over others. Playing a competitive game like this can make you grit your teeth and sit at the edge of your seat. You can get so far into the game thinking you're gonna lose, furthering the stress of winning, then you win and all the stress fades. That thought of losing never left your mind until you actually won. That is stress you feel when about to score the goal or get a kill. Anything could happen to make you lose the game and that's the stress I'm talking about. Yes, you were able to forget about all the other stressful things in your life but now you're stressing over issues that don't matter making you really forget about your priorities. You can dig yourself a big hole when playing video games, you still need to find time for your job and enjoy some time with your family and friends. 

Video Games That Can Help with Stress

There are many different types of video games, over one million titles have been released. There are nine different main genres that divide into smaller groups. 

1. Action

2. Action-adventure

3. Adventure

4. Role-playing

5. Simulation

6. Strategy

7. Sports

8. Puzzle

9. Idle

I have always told everyone who asked, that there is a video game out there for everyone. Gaming creates dopamine while playing which makes you feel better. It doesn't matter if you're not in those triple “A” titles that are super fast-paced and cost a small fortune, but instead, maybe try downloading a free single-player puzzle or idle game. Just getting your mind off the topic that makes you stressed could make it more beneficial the next time you get back to it. All video games engage the player and try to create a platform that is fun and enjoyable for all users. For example, Microsoft created the Xbox Adaptive Controller. It can be modified in all sorts of arrangements, using different attachments with proprietary 3.55mm jacks. A user can modify it to tailor to their physical needs making it less stressful and easier to play any game. They have created games that are specifically designed for relieving stress like Candy Crush or Flow Free. They are simple and can keep your attention for a few minutes to re-energize your brain. Gaming in general gives the player a challenge and rewards them instantly for completing it, which creates a sensation of feeling complete and accomplished, reducing the stress of achieving long term goals. In simple terms, blocking out the outside world for a few minutes. It can put you in a flow state, also known as “being in the zone”. It's a form of meditation, which lets all the stress from the day fall off. Video games can also be a route for creative thinking, which can help your brain decompress and produce less stress.

Conclusion

Being an avid gamer myself, I have played many different types of games, from titles like Call of Duty and Fallout to Minecraft and Skate. Video games have always been a way to relieve stress for me. Yes, it can cause me stress just as well but if I try to go with the flow of the game and not care if I fail or not, it makes me feel invincible and on top of the world. It is a game after all. That said it’s always nice to get into a game you really enjoy and just get lost in time. The story of the game can be better than a live-action movie. Overall gaming for me is a pastime and hobby that relieves stress. Look into it if you've never played a game, don't let the big graphic titles scare you into not liking video games. Try to find something that fits you, that you are interested in, and it will help relieve your stress.