Playing Computer Games Is A Key Strategy For Coping With Employee Stress
Stress is something we deal with every day, and it’s impossible to avoid. There have been as many things created and as many theories developed about how to deal with stress. But all of them are not as effective as we would like them to be. However, the most underestimated and misunderstood form of stress management is something that a huge number of people are already addicted to – games.
Struggling with stress at work
Stress affects our psychological and physical well-being. In the most severe cases, it can lead to serious health problems and even death. Trying to improve their emotional state, people look for something with which they can distract themselves. Today, games have become this very means to help people escape from reality for a while and restore their strength. Read more about these games on apppearl.
Psychologists have long stated that playing games on computers or gadgets and virtual reality helps wonderfully relieve stress after a busy day at work. Researchers at the University of Central Florida found that a five-minute break from video games improves mood and helps recover from strenuous mental work.
During the experiment, the participants ‘ initial mood was first measured. Then the subjects completed a task that caused mental fatigue, and their mood was evaluated again. After that, they were given five minutes to rest. The participants were divided into three groups: some played a video game, others meditated with an instructor, and others just sat in silence and did not use either a phone or a computer. After the break, the researchers again assessed the mood of the participants.
It turned out that those who played a video game had a much better mood. And for those who sat in silence, it even worsened.
This isn’t the first study confirming the benefits of video games. In 2014, scientists had already noticed that they helped recover from work and reduced stress.
Online games that relieve brain tension and stress
There are many types of games available to employees. They can choose ones that require great thinking, problem-solving or creative skills. Or they can choose games that teach important life lessons. Employees can spend a lot of time making a virtual town, building relationships with other residents.
It is worth noting that not all games are equally beneficial. It is believed that getting rid of stress helps games with simple mechanics and unpretentious goals. Life itself is not the easiest thing, and the solution to confusing tasks can do more harm than good. Games like Professor Layton, Brain Age, and Portal allow you to have fun and relax at the same time. While they remain challenging enough to provide a sort of warm-up for the brain, their mechanics and tasks are not intricate enough to cause the player stress. Instead, the various puzzles force you to focus only on one task and “disconnect” from everything else. For some people, this allows them to relax, as there is no need to solve many problems at once: everything becomes simple, clear, and straightforward.
Employees of mental labor, office workers regularly experience unrealistic emotional stress. It needs to dispel with some uncomplicated, light, somewhat monotonous game. And at this point, games in the genres of Mahjong, bubble shooters, three in a row come to the aid. These are popular game genres for office workers and creative people. They are all simple, do not require much attention and extreme concentration on the process, which helps to reload, returning to work in a few minutes.
Additionally, classic card games like Spades and Hearts are excellent choices for relieving brain tension. Spades, a trick-taking game where players bid on the number of tricks they think they can take in a round, encourages strategic thinking but in a relaxed environment. Hearts, on the other hand, is a game where players try to avoid certain cards that carry penalty points. Both games offer a balance of engaging challenge and leisurely pace, making them suitable for unwinding. Moreover, these games can be played online for free on various platforms, allowing easy access for everyone. They provide a comfortable way to take a mental break, either solo against computer opponents or in multiplayer modes with others, fostering a light, sociable, and stress-free gaming experience.
Games for leadership development
Another good choice is a management or business simulation game. This type of game requires players to make critical decisions that affect the progress of the company. These games also help the employee to work faster and better, allowing him to handle tasks that would otherwise have been overwhelming. Most companies offer some type of employee development program that offers players the opportunity to download and play various games, allowing workers to take a break from the rigors of the everyday grind and just enjoy themselves. This can be a good break for those who get tired of their regular workday.
Previously, bosses struggled with games at work, trying to block such portals in office networks. Today, advanced employers, on the contrary, tend to give vent to the emotions of employees by arranging such breaks.
By the way, games of bubble shooters are a separate and very powerful trend of our generation. Bubble shooters are popular for many reasons: bright, without complicated rules, and tied to tours and achievements. You can at any time include, play, and leave until the next time, without worrying and thinking about the outcome of the plot, lost lives, the need to pump the hero, etc.
Does the device matter?
Moreover, it is not only the type of games that matters but also how exactly to play them. Research from the University of Colorado has proven that time and place are also significant factors in reducing stress levels. Handheld consoles such as the Nintendo 3DS or PlayStation Vita are considered the most effective. Retro ROMs are also a good way to take your mind off your problems and relax during your lunch break. But stress relief is not limited to handheld devices – home consoles and PCs also do a good job. The only exception is motion controllers, where players have to do some physical activity, which brings us back to multitasking. In turn, controllers, which involve only the hands, allow the rest of the body during the game to rest.
Summing Up
You can argue endlessly about whether games help to fight stress or vice versa make people impulsive and cruel. Nevertheless, if you approach this wisely and without excessive fanaticism, then video games can be a good way to relax and distract yourself from everyday problems.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce stress in your life, consider trying computer games. Stress relief is possible when you give employees the freedom to use their creativity and leisure in productive ways. In addition, there are many other options available, such as yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. Playing computer games can provide a way to relax while still at work, allowing workers to feel better and increase productivity.
LUXAFOR HELPS PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THEIR GREATEST PRODUCTIVITY LEVELS WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF OFFICE PRODUCTS. LET’S BE PRODUCTIVE TOGETHER!
Do you want to build and maintain new habits? Get your free PDF version of the Don't Break The Chain calendar and start today!
Do you want to build and maintain new habits? Get your free PDF version of the Don't Break The Chain calendar and start today!
Author's Bio
Jessica Chapman is a writing editor from Chicago who enjoys traveling. She works with Australian Writings, and if you need programming assignment help, she is the best person you can ask. She is also into politics and sports.
