290 participant study shows a tuned video game greatly reduces stress and worry.
As the political environment boils over again, experts haggle over impending economic doom and we face another summer of extreme temperatures stress levels continue to rise for us all.
Yet another great study, highlighted in this University of California article, shows the RIGHT video game flow state is capable of shutting down rumination and considerably reducing our stress.
“Video games are one of the best ways to get into flow,†said Kate Sweeny, professor of psychology at UC Riverside. “We know from lots of research that flow is most likely to occur if we do something that’s hard, that’s engaging…â€
Here’s the recipe for a good flow activity:
(1) It has clear goals.
(2) It challenges you the right amount (vital).
(3) It gives you immediate, unambiguous feedback on how you’re doing.
You can see how many video games match this description. The key is to find yours. If motion and high levels of distraction are included expect even greater calming effects.
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/cant-stop-worrying-why-video-games-help
