Although technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and society has evolved its way of thinking, the issue of whether video games are good for men's health is still up for debate. Much is said that it is harmful or that those who play are lazy, while others claim the opposite.
And the thing is, if you analyze the situation, despite the fact that many first-hand games are seen with a vile focus on entertainment and distraction, they can provide other types of benefits, in addition to the fact that the gamer community is becoming increasingly strengthened and seeks to make the most of video games.
Furthermore, major video game and console developers are working to ensure that this type of niche is profitable, whether as a source of income, entertainment, or, alternatively, helps with the emotional and physical well-being of those who consume and invest in its content.
Currently, playing video games involves much more and has ceased to be a guilty pleasure or something designated solely for passing the free time. Rather, even science has come to assert that playing is good primarily for mental health and has even been considered a good form of therapy.
How Video Games Benefit Men's Health?
According to a study conducted by the University of Oxford, people who tend to play video games report a higher degree of well-being. In addition to being entertaining, video games are cathartic and help individuals distract themselves from what is happening in the world, and even allow them to safely drain a myriad of emotions.
And the thing is, video games are not popular just because they are fun, but also because they have served as a therapeutic method for many, and according to the same study from Oxford, they help relieve daily stress, as well as promote communication among players when one cannot, or does not want to, leave the house.
Video games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Plants vs Zombies are good especially for preserving people's mental well-being. It is usually said that video games are capable of promoting violence, that they are a waste of time, or that they even force people to isolate themselves in fantasy worlds when, if played in moderation, the opposite occurs, and they even help many users to rest.
Myths of Video Games
The world of video games has been said to be everything, and despite the vast amount of media and specialists providing information on the subject, it is still treated as a harmful activity.
It is worth noting that, despite the effort to be as transparent as possible on this issue, incorrect data that lacks veracity often tends to circulate, thus giving rise to false myths.
For example, it is often said that video games are addictive because the World Health Organization included "Gaming Disorder" among its diseases, and subsequently, video games began to be associated with vice. When the reality is that the WHO itself states that gaming disorder is a behavioral disorder that mainly develops from playing video games that have "gambling" mechanics like the coin-operated machines in casinos.
On the other hand, the biggest myth about video games is that they generate violent behaviors. The reality is that there is not a single study that claims such a fact, and the study from the University of Oxford disproves it. Similarly, it is recommended that young people play video games appropriate for their age and avoid exposure to explicit content.
It has also been claimed that video games cause attention disorders; however, the Child Mind Institute stated through studies and published articles that there is also no evidence that video games cause Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Video Games That Improve Health
Despite the myths that exist around the world of gaming and the way they can impact people, you should know that many games are created for cognitive and physical development. In the same way, The Guardian states that some people find a way to cope with their depression, stress, or anxiety through video games.
Of course, just as there are good games, there are bad games that contribute nothing and are extremely mediocre, but it has become evident that playing is a harmless and fun way to deal with various problems.
Currently, there are quite famous and entertaining games that one can enjoy and relax with, such as The Sims, The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the aforementioned Animal Crossing. These games, due to being set in large environments with countless missions, are perfect for entertaining oneself and relaxing with activities, music, and objectives that can stimulate players, thus benefiting their mental health.
But just as there are games capable of constantly entertaining people, there are also games created to improve people's physical health and keep them in constant motion, whether through virtual exercises or even dance choreographies. Dance Revolution is a clear example that people can have fun dancing and exercising with dance choreographies to the rhythm of the latest musical hits.
Games to Sleep Better
At the same time, there are games that help to sleep better and combat insomnia. For some people, having a comfortable cotton pajama is not enough to rest and meet the recommended eight hours of sleep, and therefore, they seek to fall asleep through video games that can stimulate them. Especially younger gentlemen, who don their best pajama to start this playful activity.
Just as many video games help combat stress, anxiety, and depression through therapeutic assistance, some of them also partially help cope with insomnia.
One of the recommended games for relaxing and sleeping better is Viridi, a video game that is referred to as "a safe place" for players to enter to have a moment of peace and tranquility. Viridi is a plant simulation video game that aims to provide calmness, and thus, promote satisfactory sleep.
It is also recommended to play Unwind Me, which, like Viridi, claims to be a relaxation game, but with the variable that it requires more attention because it is a game that offers six simple games that are easy to carry out, but that present small challenges for the users.
The striking thing about this video game is that, as players continue with the chosen game, users will be able to enjoy and relax to a greater extent thanks to the music, white noise, or ambient sounds that come from it.
However, despite the fact that many games seek to positively influence the men who attend them and who are looking for ways to learn new things, sharpen their minds, sleep better, or further develop their memory retention, if one suffers from any type of disorder of this nature, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
In conclusion, the day you want to stay home to play video games, a very comfortable garment to wear will always be a good pajama. Check our website El Búho Nocturno and you will understand.