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The Effects of Gaming on Your Mind

Online gaming has been a popular pastime for years and shows no signs of stopping. There are so many different types of game to choose from that you’ll never be short of something to play. Whether you prefer casino games like the ones available at 777 Casino or an interactive online game, there’s something for everyone.

But what impact does gaming have on the brain? We’re going to be looking into what aspects of our lives that gaming has an effect on and what those effects are.

Why is gaming so popular?

Gaming is one of the most popular pastimes and one of the areas of the entertainment industry that just keeps on growing.

With new technology such as VR (virtual reality) coming into play, there are now even more ways to game than ever before. This is one of the reasons that gaming is so popular – it has a wide reach across ages, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Since the internet became so widespread, it’s now even easier than ever to access different games. This means that people are able to play more and they definitely take advantage of that ability.

Gaming apps for all kinds of different games now exist and have made it easier for people to access the games they love.

Technology advancements meant that gaming companies find it easier to make games more fun which is why its popularity has never waned.

What are the positive effects of gaming on your brain?

• Healthy brain stimulation

There are a multitude of skills that you can learn from video games. We tend to have an idea that video games and other types of online gaming are random and aimless but that’s not the case. Most games require strategy and concentration in order to play them properly.

This helps people practice those skills in a fun and social setting so that it doesn't feel like learning. This will then surreptitiously transfer these skills into the persons’ day to day life.

We all know the importance of exercising our brains in order to keep them in working order. But what you might not know is that it’s possible to stimulate the brain while enjoying fun activities such as gaming.

It’s not all sudoku puzzles or crosswords, you can exercise healthy brain stimulation whilst gaming too. This has a positive impact on our brain as well as boosting serotonin as we enjoy the game we’re playing.

• Helps relieve stress

There’s no better way to relive stress than to do something you love doing. Relaxing and enjoying something that isn’t work, school or childcare related is the only way to switch off from the day.

There are so many elements of our day that can be stressful and difficult. We need time to decompress and do something we actually enjoy doing and that doesn’t ask too much of us.

Gaming is a common choice of leisure activity and is a great way to lessen stress levels. It’s a way to focus the mind on something completely different to the day to day and helps people feel less overwhelmed and wound up.

• A great way to socialise

Online gaming can be a great way to socialise, no matter what age you are. We often associate gaming with children but it’s an activity that a large number of adults enjoy as well. As we have less and less time to socialise as we get older, online gaming can be a great way to stay in touch with friends.

As we age, our friends might move further away, even across continents. Instead of having a phone call, we can game with them online as a way to socialise. It might be a different way of staying in contact but it’s a great way to keep the friendship going.

Not everyone wants to just sit and chat with their friends. A lot of people prefer to do an activity of some kind so gaming can be a great way to do this.

For kids and adults alike, there are many social benefits to online gaming. It’s a way to keep friendships alive or even deepen the connection between friends.

This is especially true for people who struggle with social interactions in person. Being able to make friends online creates a safe space for those who might not find it as easy to make friends in person. This helps people come out of their shell and form strong bonds that they might otherwise find difficult.

• Helps with problem solving

A lot of games require problem solving skills in order to get through to the next level. Most games don’t come with any instructions, so the player has to figure it out as they go along. The player has to learn quickly in order to get anywhere in the game.

They also have to learn to make decisions quickly and learn as they go. There are also games where the players will have to lead a team of people – perhaps people that they have never spoken to before.

All of these skills are applicable to the outside world and can help people gain the skills they need later in life. There are always situations in life in which you’ll have to make executive decisions and where you might have to lead. Therefore, these skills can help you not only in the game world but the real world as well.

Most people start gaming at a young age which means that they learn these skills earlier than others. The sooner you start learning these skills, the easier they are to implement into your life. Young gamers can end up being more advanced in these areas than people who didn’t game at an early age.

Online gaming is a great way to take part in something completely different to day to day life whilst also acquiring useful abilities. There’s no need to feel guilty about your gaming time as it helps you more than you might realise. What’s your favourite type of game to play?