From super realistic footy sims to crazy arcade-style basketball, sports gaming are huge. But let’s be real, gaming can be a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to how we’re feeling. So, what’s the deal with sports games and our over mental wellbeing? Keep reading to find out the fascinating connections between mental health and playing sports video games.
What To Know
Let’s start off with the positives of gaming. Smashing a few goals or nailing a perfect three-pointer can be a great way to relax after a long and difficult day, like a mental reset button. You can escape into another world, forget about your worries for a bit, and just have some fun. Plus, many of these games can actually be really good for your brain’s health.
Quick reactions, planning your next move, keeping an eye on everything that’s happening – it’s like a workout for your mind. You’re improving your hand-eye coordination, your strategic thinking, and your ability to make split-second decisions.
And let’s not forget the social side. Online gaming is a great way to hang out with friends, even if they’re miles away or even on different continents. You can team up, trash talk (in a friendly way), and build long-lasting friendships. It’s a way to connect with people who share your passion for a particular sport or game. You can celebrate victories together, commiserate over losses, and just have a laugh. S
Some sports games can even teach you about real sports and how they work the same way casino gaming can teach you about online pokies NZ offers and other games. You could learn tactics, get a better understanding of the rules, or even get interested in a sport you’d never thought about before. They can be a gateway to learning more about the sports world, its history, and its culture.
Keep The Following in Mind
Gaming is a window to endless entertainment, but this also makes it easy to get hooked. The feeling of wanting to win, the urge to keep playing just one more match, it’s easy to find it slightly addictive And if you’re spending all your time gaming, other things in your life can start to suffer.
Like, your sleep, your schoolwork, or even your real-life friendships. You might find yourself staying up late to play, even though you know you have to be up early for work or school, or you may start neglecting your studies or your responsibilities at home.
People playing online can become really competitive, and sometimes things get a bit out of control. Trash talk can turn into insults, and it’s easy to feel stressed or even anxious. The anonymity of the internet can sometimes bring out the worst in people, and they often say things online that they would never say in person.
If you’re already feeling a bit down, gaming might not always be the best escape, and it has the potential to make things worse. If you’re using gaming as a way to avoid dealing with your problems, it’s not a healthy coping mechanism – and it’s also easy to start comparing yourself to other players online.
Finding The Perfect Balance
So, how do you enjoy sports games without letting them take over your life? It’s all about balance: set some limits for yourself, decide how much time you’re going to spend gaming each day and stick to it. Use a timer or an app to help you track your playtime. And don’t be afraid to take breaks. Get up, stretch your legs, and give your eyes a rest.
Make sure you’re also making time for other stuff, like exercise, hanging out with friends in person, and just chilling out without a screen in front of you. Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with nature. Engage in hobbies that don’t involve screens, like reading, playing music, or doing arts and crafts.
Keep an eye on how you’re feeling when you’re gaming. If you start to feel stressed, angry, or like you’re neglecting other things, it might be time for a break. Pay attention to your emotions and your physical state. Are you feeling tired, irritable, or anxious? Are you neglecting your responsibilities? If so, it’s a sign that you need to take a step back and reassess your gaming habits. And don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you’re struggling.
Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a professional, talking things through can really help. Just talking about your feelings can make a big difference, and there are loads of resources out there if you need them, like helplines, online support groups, and mental health professionals.
It could also be a great opportunity to try other types of gaming, such as slots of blackjack, which can be easily found through reputable sites like Treasure Mile casino.
Game developers can also do their bit by encouraging responsible gaming. Things like letting you track your playtime and giving you tips on how to stay safe and healthy while gaming are a good start. They can also provide information about responsible gaming practices and resources for players who are struggling with gaming addiction.
A Healthy Attitude To Gaming
Sports games are awesome; they’re fun, relaxing, and good for your brain. But keep in mind that they’re just games, always remember to find a healthy balance, and look after your mental wellbeing. When you’re gaming in a healthy way, it can be one of the best ways around to spend your free time.
There are countless sports games out there that are worth giving a try. Football, cricket, motocross, and so many more are available both on PC and console, and despite the small potential drawbacks, there are few hobbies that are quite as fun and as relaxing.
With this in mind, we recommend starting with something like Madden NFL from EA as it’s widely considered one of the best gaming franchises in the world. When you’re ready, you can begin looking at other titles and franchises and settling on something that ticks all your boxes.