Historians tell us that, throughout history, people have played games. From simple stone and stick games that were played by people who lived in the Stone Age to rudimentary dice games of the Greek and Roman Empires and simple card games of the Middle Ages, gaming has always been a favored pastime for much of the world’s population.
By the 17th century, gamers had begun to gamble in gaming halls which, over time, morphed into the French Riviera and Vegas casinos that we know today. In the 21st century a large percentage of real money players enjoy gaming entertainment at the Vegas casino online where they can play at any time on their PC or mobile device.
Researchers have long suspected that gaming offers benefits above and beyond that of a leisurely pastime but now, research exists that highlights how gaming can positively impact on your health. Mental well-being, cognitive skills and even physical health can enjoy the benefits that gaming offers.
Health professionals are increasingly suggesting that patients explore options for gaming as a valuable tool for promoting overall health and wellness.
Health Benefits of Gaming
The health benefits of gaming began to draw the interest of researchers in the early 2000s. Prior to that time, informal observations and anecdotal reports existed and they perked the interest of health professionals who started to look at how gaming can positively impact different areas of mental and physical health.
Early studies looked at the impact of gaming on cognitive skills, mental health and social interaction but over time, they discovered that the field was much broader and also includes cognitive enhancement, emotional well-being and physical health.
Some of the findings from studies from over the years includes:
Eye-Hand Coordination
Gaming can significantly enhance eye coordination. Visual acuity and processing speed are sharpened as players are required to visually interpret information and respond rapidly.
The need to coordinate hand movements with what is viewed on the screen, along with the need for repetitive movements, results in a higher level of eye-hand coordination through the reinforcing of neural pathways associated with motor control and visual perception.
Games that involve managing multiple objectives or controls help develop the player’s ability to process several streams of information simultaneously as the player responds to the need to react accordingly and accurately.
Fast-paced games train the gamer to respond swiftly to visual cues. Such skills transfer to real-world activities such as driving, sports or performing fine motor skills.
Depression
The popular impression of a gamer as someone who sits hunched over his device, focused on the screen and ignoring what’s going on around him as he forgoes food and sleep and sinks into depression, is fortunately, inaccurate. In fact, research shows that gaming actually fights depression on many levels.
Gaming provides a distraction and escape from negative thoughts and feelings. The goals, challenges and rewards that are provided in many games foster a sense of achievement and can boost the player’s self-esteem.
Social games such as jackpot competitions, tournaments and Crash Games that encourage social engagement enable players to connect with friends and communities which can then reduce feelings of loneliness and foster an environment of social support.
Playing games has been shown to be a successful stress reliever. Immersive gameplay can reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation both during and after gaming sessions. Since many players fit their gaming activities in between work and other home responsibilities, the sense of routine may be beneficial for individuals who are struggling with depression.
Pain
People who experience pain should be aware that, when they play games, they very might well experience a reduction in sensations of pain. There are several psychological and physiological mechanisms that account for this pain reduction. Not surprisingly, the distraction and shift in attention is one of the main reasons attributed to this benefit. But there are other, less obvious reasons.
Gaming can cause endorphins to be released. These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. By releasing them, discomfort can be reduced. In addition, immersive gaming experiences can lower stress levels and anxiety which often amplify the feelings associated with paid. Reduced stress can lead to a decrease in pain intensity.
Gaming can provide a sense of control and achievement and improve mood which can positively influence pain perception and coping strategies. Functional imaging studies have shown that gaming can modulate activity in the brain regions involved in pain processing that then leads to decreased pain sensation.
Concentration and Attention
Gaming is a good tool to help you improve your concentration and attention. Gaming helps you to focus on tasks and details, track multiple objects or monitor changing scenarios which can strengthen attention skills.
Many games demand quick visual processing which boosts visual attention skills. Shifting focus and adapting attention as needed is enhanced by games that demand cognitive flexibility.
Engaging in challenging gaming activities such as managing multiple objectives simultaneously can promote brain plasticity which can then enhance the ability to switch focus. Setting and achieving in-game goals can translate to better attention and goal-setting management in real-life tasks.
When you play your favorite games at the online casino, you’ll enjoy benefits that go way beyond winning real money prizes!
