Mental Health Moments: The Benefits of Playing Video Games
⌛ By Kaylin R. Staten ⌛
I grew up in a time when many people viewed video games in a negative light, from portrayals of violence to the whole “rotting your brain” by looking at a screen mentality.
I’m here to tell you that I LOVE and advocate for video games, and they do wonders for mental health, stress relief, and an overall sense of community. I’ve been playing video games since I was a young child (four at the oldest). I started out, like many of you, playing the late-1980s/early-1990s classic versions of Super Mario Brothers. As my love increased, I ventured into the 3D version of the Mushroom Kingdom in “Super Mario 64” and fell in love with “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.” (Sidenote: The Nintendo 64 is still my favorite game system of all time.)
While I discuss the benefits of video games in this blog post, please be advised that there are ways in which they can be detrimental to your health. When you play them and do nothing else, for example, that is when video games can lead you down a slippery mental health slope.
I don’t know about you, but during this period of self-quarantine, I have been increasing my time devoted to video games. Most notably, this has been by leveling up my Tamriel knowledge and duel-weapon-wielding skill set by playing “The Elder Scrolls: Online.” My husband and I have also revisited “Skyrim” in VR. Given enough time in this blog post, I would definitely begin to nerd out over lore and what I have discovered today in one of Tamriel’s eclectic provinces.
How can video games help you with your mental health and other facets of life?
They increase your hand-eye coordination.
This one is a no-brainer. Research has indicated that video games help to keep you on your toes with reaction times and coordination skills. You know exactly when to use your weapon of choice or find that incredibly-hard-to-find item on your latest MacGuffin moment in your main quest line. You will exercise your brain, and if you have something like a Wii or Switch, your body as well.
You’re never too old to play, either. Take it from one of my most favorite gamers to watch on YouTube, Granny Shirley.
You can become a master navigator.
If you have played anything with at least a hint of a map, you know what I mean. You have to find your way to your next objective, warping points, boss battles, and more. And it’s sometimes really confusing, especially if you’re playing a more open-world game. The more you do this virtually, the better you will be when you have to find something in the real world. This skill has helped me a million times over, from finding a specific restaurant (by foot) in New York City to figuring out the Metro in Paris and the tube in London.
You learn new things constantly.
I love playing a game with a story, mostly RPGs (Role Playing Games). You will immerse yourself in another world, with vibrant characters’ lives playing out in front of you -- as well as you making choices in matters, too. Seriously, video games have some of the best writing in them. When you play a video game, you increase your comprehension and critical thinking skills. Playing them can also pique your curiosity about a certain topic. You will also learn more about your capabilities when you sit down and play your favorite game. You strategize about the best approaches to a puzzle or enemy, and using those in-game will allow you to exemplify those skills in your personal and professional lives. Also something I have learned about myself while playing games? I am a completionist and love to collect things. Just like REAL LIFE. Our personalities often come out as we craft our characters or techniques.
They allow you to reach past your comfort zone.
You can ask my husband, but a couple of years ago, I was incredibly stressed out about having to battle a Lynel in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” Having to do this caused extreme panic because the perfectionist in me wanted to do it perfectly the first time around. I didn’t want to die there in the coliseum over and over, but I did it just to prove to myself that I could indeed defeat that expletive-inducing antagonist. And guess what? Doing that one thing outside of my comfort zone allowed me to gain enough confidence to try new games, including “The Elder Scrolls” series. Guys, I’m pretty good now at healing and wielding a weapon at the same time. I used to shy away from battles in video games; now, I’m the first one trying to get a hit in. Doing something like this will boost your confidence in real life, too.
They can help you get through challenging times in your life.
Just like your favorite book, movie, or TV show, partaking in video-gaming during a rough time in your life can help you, as long as you don’t use it as a crutch without addressing any issues at hand. It doesn’t matter if you play alone or with other people. Allowing yourself that comfort in a time of great stress, anxiety, depression, tragedy, or whatever is affecting you will aid in the toughest moments. For example, when I miscarried in June 2019, I couldn’t really do much but sit on the couch in the several stages of depression of grief. “Skyrim” helped get me through that challenging time. While I couldn’t erase the pain I felt, I was able to focus on other tasks at hand while simultaneously addressing my needs and working through the saddest time in my life. Now, I look back on “Skyrim” very fondly and will pass that love of the game to our child (at an appropriate age, of course).
And if you’re looking for a new game suggestion, here are some of my favorites!
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls Online
Stardew Valley
Graveyard Keeper
Ring Fit Adventure
Any Legend of Zelda game, but specifically Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild
Rollercoaster Tycoon
SO MANY MORE
Kaylin R. Staten, APR, is an award-winning public relations practitioner and writer based in Huntington, WV with nearly 16 years of professional communications experience. As CEO and founder of Hourglass Media, she uses her compassionate spirit and expertise to delve into the heart of clients’ stories. She is a recovering perfectionist, mental health advocate, wife, expectant baby + cat mom and Leia Organa aficionado. Connect with Kaylin on LinkedIn.