Your Brain Thanks You For Gaming
For so many reasons, and these are just some.
Gaming might sound like it’s a “waste of time” to most adults, but if you look closely and understand those games and the concentration skills that one needs to keep going with it, you’d think it’s the contrary.
I am not saying that it’s okay to be sitting in front of our screen all day playing games, I am saying it’s not as harmful as they say it is. True, physical sports is more essential for our well-being and health, but guess what? Gaming is great exercise for our brains, it enhances our cognitive skills in many ways.
Coordination is a must.
When you’re playing your exciting yet “very serious” video game, you need to have all your senses in place. So the coordination of visual, audial, and physical movement needs to be intact.
You need good quick problem-solving skills.
Not only does each game have its own set of rules, sometimes you have to be very fast at making a decision without breaking those rules. That alone means that you need to think very carefully before you take your next step.
Short and long term memory is put to the test.
The amount of keys and what each does requires a really good memory along with fast thinking. Moreover, most games show you the rules at the beginning and then you need to remember them throughout playing, that’s drastic long-term memory practice.
Concentration is the key to reach that goal.
Every good game has the ability to keep you concentrating for hours just so you can reach the objective. So if you need to finish up that level to be able to play a harder more advanced one, you will use every bit of your concentration to do so.
It’s not just a game, it’s also learning.
Video games are a great source of creative learning, it helps you get imaginative and create things that are out of this world.
Fast mind and fast actions.
Not only do you need fast decision making skills, you also need to be fast with the act itself. Your brain receives multiple simulations as you play and is constantly working on interpreting them, so with time it becomes very quick and easy for you to interpret and take action.
Multitasking becomes innate.
You have to concentrate on your keys/joystick, energy levels, oncoming adversaries, ammunitions left, available time among other factors, all which are vital to winning. Multitasking at its best.
Social skills get better, yes social!
Even though you are behind a screen, most games allow many players to engage all at once. As such, there is constant communication between the players which results in the growth of a meaningful and casual relationship.
There you have it, gaming is not as bad as it seems. Yet, excessive and addictive gaming can be bad for you, so keep it moderate and allow those cognitive skills to grow and get better.
