How playing online games can reduce stress

Stress is something that many people can relate to. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of people in the UK have suffered from stress in the past year alone. And this stress was so great that it was difficult for them to cope and left them overwhelmed. This is an important statistic that deserves our attention. One of the most important things to take away from this statistic is that more needs to be done to help deal with stress.

So let’s say stress is something that you suffer from once in a while, or maybe more regularly. It may be affecting your ability to do your job well or your relationships at home. While there are different steps you can take to reduce stress, you might want to try out online games that you hadn’t even thought of. That’s right, a simple and fun activity can take some of the strain off you.

Here’s a closer look at how playing games online can lower your stress levels and give you the mental break you need.

It acts like a mental escape

While there are several ways that video games can act as stress relief, it is the fact that they provide mental escape that is particularly important. A study was conducted in 2020 by a Canadian university – the University of Saskatchewan – which looked into this specific topic, concluding that it provides “psychological detachment” from all the stress and what goes on in the body. your life. Even if it’s only temporary relief, it’s still relief.

One of the hallmarks of stress is feeling like your life is out of control. When people play video games, they are in control of their actions, they can manipulate the results, and that can feel empowering – by fighting the stress in the process.

These benefits have also been seen in many age groups, not just adults. Those same video games may have provided children with that much-needed mental relief and distraction.

Some games have a social aspect

For anyone who lives alone, it can be especially difficult to go through stressful times. You don’t have another person with you who can be empathetic and understanding, listen to you express yourself and offer you company. This is why online games can be useful, as many have a social aspect.

There are all kinds of online games that offer a live chat feature that you can use to chat with gamers around the world. You will be connected to an integrated community whenever you feel like it. This might be all you need to fill that social urge you have. And remember, there are always people online, so you will never find yourself alone.

Playing for long periods of time can be like meditation

Did you know that when you play for a while you are lulled into a state of mind very similar to meditation? You repeat the same actions, you just focus on the game, and everything else fades away. You live in the moment, just like with meditation.

There is also the fun and entertainment factor

You cannot ignore the fact that video games also have a high fun and entertainment factor. Laughter and joy can have profound effects on your state of mind, so if a video game can create these types of emotions, you can expect to have some positive benefits. There is also no chance of getting bored as new games are coming out all the time, so there are always the latest and greatest for you to check out.

Include online casinos in the mix

When looking for fun and exciting games that you can get away from, don’t forget to check out online casinos. These are meant to give you the same experience you would get in a physical casino, but with a lot more options and features. You can visit the casino anytime you want, whether it’s for a few quick games or a night of casino action.

To help you find the best of the best in terms of online casinos, be sure to check out onlinecasinos.co.uk which provides a ranking of all the top sites. You will find key information about each of the listed casinos, including details of the welcome bonuses they offer. Because each of the casinos has been tested, you know they will be reliable, secure and safe for you.

The great thing about these online casinos is that they offer all the games you know and love including video slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more. It will feel familiar and fun, immersing you in the action and distracting you from your stress.

What are the best online games?

While browser-based games like online casinos are a great option, remember that today’s consoles all offer online games. This gives you the chance to play some of the most popular titles in an online environment with other players from all over the world. This is where the social aspect comes in.

Some of the best games you can play online through PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch include:

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Fortnite
• Minecraft
• Forza Horizon 4
• Monitoring
• Call of Duty: War Zone
• Gears 5

There’s a little something for all ages and preferences on this list, which means you should find something you like. It also depends on your playstyle, your level of competitiveness, and what you consider to be fun.

If you are constantly struggling with stress and looking for a way to reduce it, you might want to give online gaming a try. While this is not a solution to all of your worries, it can certainly give you that much-needed break and allow you to relax a bit.