Online gaming is an industry quickly growing in userbase. More and more people turn to online gaming to take some of the stress out of their day and help them unwind. But how exactly does playing help your stress levels and lead to relaxation? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why internet-based gaming is so popular.
Online gaming occupies your mind
One contributor to increasing anxiety levels is our mind. More specifically, worrying about daily stressors or fears often leads to increased stress. Playing online games can help occupy your mind so that you can unwind and relax for the rest of your day. Instead of worrying about something endlessly, especially when you know there is nothing you can do to help the situation, internet-connected games allow you to lose yourself in a bit of mindless fun and give your mind a break from the stress. This is especially true of challenging video games that engage your mind.
Online gaming serves as a social connection
Social isolation is not a new concept, but it has increased dramatically over the past few years. Lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to many people spending far more time at home than ever before. While society has returned to some semblance of normality, feelings of isolation are still a problem for many. Online gaming can help.
Not all online games include a social element, but many do. This is a great way to form connections and feel less alone even when spending a lot of time away from one-on-one, in-person interaction. Players at many NJ online casinos, for example, have the ability to connect with like-minded players from a variety of locations and backgrounds during live games with a chat function. The same can be said for other kinds of gaming experiences such as Facebook gaming or even mobile gaming, both of which can help build social relationships.
Online gaming helps regulate emotion
Yet another way that online gaming can help you relax is via emotional regulation. One study found that playing games was positively related to interoceptive awareness and, by extension, emotional regulation strategies. When we have good coping strategies and the ability to regulate our emotions even in the face of duress, our stress levels tend to decrease. We are able to talk ourselves down from the over-analyzation often connected with increased anxiety levels and breathe a bit easier.
Online gaming releases dopamine
Online gaming has been shown to release dopamine, also known as the “happiness hormone”. This boosts your mood and helps you feel a bit better about life in general. Even playing a video game just once a day can help improve your mood. While not everyone will be impacted by video games the same way, it is worth a try as a cost-effective, mood-brightening tool.
Are you looking for more ways to kick back and relax after a long day? Give online gaming a try! With games of every genre with players around the world readily available, you will likely find something to suit your tastes.
