Looking for stress relief? Try video games.

While the video game industry has been around for decades, it saw a boom during the pandemic because more people were staying home and looking for creating ways to cope with added stress. But gamers haven’t let up on their hobby.

The allure of new home consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch offer a myriad of games. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a gentle, kid-friendly game, released on the Nintendo Switch in March of 2020 and sold over 32 million copies worldwide as of March 31, 2021. The game itself is quite simple: you begin on a deserted island and are tasked with rebuilding the island in any way you see fit. The relaxing nature of the game, coupled with the endless customization possibilities, have been a hit with players both young and old.

But what makes video games so enticing is they provide an outlet for people to unwind while in the safety of their own homes. Plus, it provides a safe, convenient way to stay connected with friends while finding new groups to associate with. But can video games be an effective outlet to reduce stress?

“Video games can certainly be entertaining and occupy your time and attention,” says Herbert Raasch, nurse practitioner at Aurora Behavioral Health Services. “Video games can help with depression symptoms because the dopamine released during game play interacts with the pleasure and reward center of our brains. Dopamine is the feel-good chemical of the brain and affects memory and focus as well.”

However, playing video games can also be detrimental if taken to the extreme.

“Moderation is very important to be mindful of because too much video gaming can be addicting and lead to a sedentary lifestyle which can lead to health issues down the road,” Raasch says. “It is also important to play video games that are age appropriate and avoid gaming groups that support negative behavior.”

While videogames are a good distraction, Raasch recommends keeping these tips in mind:

• Know when to unplug. Like any other electronic device, you don’t want to spend too much time in front of a screen. Take frequent breaks during extended play sessions and know when to put the controller down.
• If you have kids, set limits. While games are a good distraction for kids, it can also become an addiction. Be sure to set time limits for children and ensure that they have time for exercise and other activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids should play no more than 60 minutes of video games on school days, and 2 hours on non-school days.
• Avoid toxic groups. As long as there have been online games, there have been people or groups in there that want nothing more than to ruin an experience. Whether it is playing a game unfairly or using vulgar language, there are many ways to block these people from your game and you should do so if necessary.
• Just enjoy the experience! Remember, it is just a videogame. It might be hard if you are really into a particular game.

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