Video Game Body: How Gaming Affects Your Health

We hear a lot about the pros and cons of video games. Some people swear they make you smarter, while others claim they’re just a waste of time. So, what’s the real story? To get some solid answers, you have to break things down. Different games affect you in different ways. An action game might sharpen your attention, but what about the physical side? We’ll look at the research, covering everything from improved cognitive function to the strain on a dedicated video game body. It’s not all good or bad, but it’s definitely worth understanding.

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Key Takeaways

• Specific games can sharpen your mind: Action games, in particular, may help improve cognitive skills like your attention span, how quickly you process what you see, and your spatial awareness.
• Take care of your hands: Long gaming sessions can lead to physical strain, especially in your thumbs. Make daily hand stretches a part of your routine to prevent discomfort and play comfortably for longer.
• Balance is the goal: While the potential brain benefits of gaming are exciting, the research is still evolving. The best approach is to play in moderation and remember that playing just for fun is always a win.

You can game almost anywhere, at any time. How is this affecting you?

As we have grown up, video games have become more and more mainstream. There are even professional gamers, who amass millions of dollars a year through tournaments, and sponsorships. 

What are the effects of video games on our bodies and minds? Do they improve your reaction time? Hand eye coordination? Intelligence? 

I recently watched a study on Wired.com, and found a lot of good information.

Their results show that gaming can improve your perception, spatial cognition, and top down attention. Other improvements could include cognitive processing, focus, and even your hand eye coordination. 

Video games as a category is very broad. In order to get a solid study and see the actual effect, you need to break down the games into smaller portions. For example, you can see how one game affects motor skills versus another game. Generally, action games improve processing speed, and attention span, as well as the ability to be aware of your surroundings in a 3D setting. 

Scientists are currently trying to create video games that will be used to improve attention spans and be prescribed to do so. 

Some of the negative effects of gaming include physical damage to the thumbs for extreme gamers. In order to combat this, gamers should stretch their hands every day for 5-10 minutes. These stretches are very similar to those performed by people suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Some gamers even swear by cryotherapy to recover after a long gaming session!

The medical community does not completely agree with all of the data that could say that video games can improve brain function. How do you dose the amount of gaming to play? The ability to measure the amount of improvement on cognitive function is also subjective, to some. 

As in all things, do your due diligence and research before you become a professional gamer. While there may be positive effects from gaming, not all subjects saw significant improvement in cognitive function. There are good and bad characteristics, but playing just for fun definitely isn't a bad thing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

So, are video games actually good for my brain? Some studies suggest they can be. Certain games, especially fast-paced action titles, have been linked to improvements in skills like spatial awareness, focus, and how quickly you process information. Think of it less as a guaranteed brain-training tool and more as a potential positive side effect of a hobby you enjoy.

Does it matter what type of game I play to see these benefits? Yes, the type of game seems to play a big role. The research mentioned often points to action games for improvements in attention and processing speed because they require you to make quick decisions and track multiple objects. A puzzle game or a strategy game might sharpen different cognitive skills. The key is that different games challenge your brain in different ways.

I've heard of "gamer's thumb." How can I avoid physical strain from gaming? This is a real concern for people who play a lot. The best way to prevent strain is to be mindful of your body. Take regular breaks to stand up and move around. It's also a great idea to do simple hand and wrist stretches before and after a long session, similar to what you might do before any other activity that involves repetitive motion.

The blog mentions some disagreement in the medical community. How much stock should I put into these studies? It's wise to view the research with a healthy dose of curiosity. While the findings are promising, the science of how video games affect the brain is still a developing field. It's difficult to measure the effects precisely or determine a specific "dose" of gaming for cognitive improvement. For now, it's best to see the potential mental benefits as a bonus, not the primary reason to play.

With gaming being so accessible, how do I find a healthy balance? Moderation is everything. Like any enjoyable activity, gaming should be one part of a well-rounded life, not the only part. Pay attention to how you feel and make sure you're still making time for other responsibilities and hobbies. Setting time limits for yourself can be a simple and effective way to ensure you maintain a healthy balance.