Online gaming is now the new deal. People love and are gradually adopting this gaming method because of its ease of access and convenience. For instance, you can access the best online poker rooms in CA or play your favorite virtual competitive games with other gamers across the world from the comfort of your room and money. It is that easy, and the gaming experience remains the same, if not better.
Despite the great experience gamers derive from online gaming, some people have often thought the activities could be detrimental to an individual’s health in various ways. However, this is not the truth, as it will be shown in this article.
Sure, the fear of online gamers becoming addicted, lethargic, antisocial, and depressed, among other things, is real. But then, you would have to admit that gaming is an essential aspect of their lifestyle. Since this lifestyle is continuous, just like exercise, it has some health benefits. In the next paragraphs, we will examine five health benefits of online gaming.
It Relieves Stress and Stimulates Happiness
People have different methods of relieving stress. To some, a simple vacation will do the trick. To others, a couple of hours playing their favorite online games will do the magic. It has been proven that recreational gaming relieves stress and stimulates happiness. This happiness also improves the brain’s functions.
Many people suffer various ailments because of stress, for instance, mental degradation, retardation, and depression. A simple gaming session can divert their minds from whatever they are dealing with. The suspense, thrills, fun and delight that come from online gaming keep the brain lively, sharp, stress-free, and ready for another working day.
Although you may lose money sometimes if you play real money games like poker, it does not take away the fun, happiness, and entertainment the activity has provided. The joy and excitement that comes from gaming are on another level. When you add the suspense of waiting for the outcome to the mix and competing with your mates, you have a fantastic combo that will captivate and excite you and relieve just about any stress you have been hoarding.
Sharpens the Mind
Research shows that those who engage in online gaming have more functional and responsive brains. This is because online games are not only exciting but naturally keep the brain engaged. So, when you play these games, they train your brain to focus on strategies, solutions, and things you can do to win.
Whenever you play, one of the things you learn is how to be observant. Observation is good for your mental health. Studying patterns and numbers keeps your brain focused and engaged. That way, you do not only have to remember things easily to win but will also have a sharp memory outside the online gaming world.
Furthermore, some studies have shown that gaming activities may help reduce the risks of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is brought about by brain deterioration and can lead to memory loss. Since online gaming activities stimulate the brain cells and help them to function correctly, it can be a way to avert Alzheimer’s disease in your old age.
Improves Decision Making
Online gamers are often fast decision makers. You can say it is something they pick from playing games. In most cases, gaming requires you to quickly assess your situations, which are usually rapidly changing, and make a fast decision to win. These decision-makings and judgements can be helpful in the long run.
Some studies by Cognitive neuroscientists in America suggest that playing fast-paced games serve as helpful exercises for the brain to assimilate information from the surrounding to make clear decisions quickly. So, when you play online games, you subject your brain to cover many things at a short interval.
The decision-making process will test your brain’s cognitive ability and flexibility. If you make the right decisions, you win. If you don’t, you lose. Outside of the gaming world, you can also apply this ability to different facets of life.
Enhanced Social Networking
One of the most prominent benefits of online gaming is its social aspect. Many online games allow gamers to connect with other like-minded people located in different parts of the world. Whether you team with them or against them, what is most important is that you would be socializing or networking.
Socializing with other people has numerous health benefits. It can generally help lighten your mood by making you feel happier. It can also help reduce the risk of dementia, build a sense of belonging and security, etc. The benefits are enormous.
To help gamers enjoy many of these benefits, many online games are built in a manner that allows players to communicate and even forge vibrant communities. From there, they can build solid friendships. Maybe even romance, who knows?
Improves Vision
You probably wouldn’t believe it when someone tells you that playing online games will help improve your vision. Many people actually think the reverse is the case since gamers are constantly staring at their smartphones or PC screens for the most part of the day.
But, look at it this way, fast-paced games such as first shooter games require intense focus. This focus requires intense attention and can train the eye to view objects and other sights more smartly than before. For a great gamer, nothing slips by their frames without getting noticed.
In addition, many gamers with ‘lazy eyes‘ have been found to have an improved ability to discern different shades of specific colors compared to their non-gamers counterparts. So, you see, playing online games does help improve your vision. However, you also need to protect your eyes adequately with the right gadgets.
Conclusion
People often amplify the hazardous effects of online gaming. Thanks to this article, you now know that it’s not always about the negatives, gaming activities also have some health benefits.
These benefits make the whole process more enjoyable. However, you must also endeavor to keep your gaming activities in check, as the adverse effects typically come when the process becomes addictive. Game moderately and have fun!
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