Game on: Top 10 Reasons Why Gaming is Good For You

Gaming: It's something everyone does, whether a lot or a little, whether they realize it or not. When you hear "gaming," you might think of video games, but I'm also speaking of games in general— from casual to complex tabletop board games, card games, party games, and even sports. Games are a worldwide phenomenon, dating back to the beginning of time and even before that. Here's a fun list of reasons why gaming is good for you and why it's great to engage in gaming as much as you can!

10. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

Games often offer complex challenges that require critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Many games may involve puzzles and trivia, offering a sense of accomplishment. Doesn't it always feel good when you beat a puzzle or get past a particularly challenging level? You're improving problem-solving skills which can be used in everyday life!

9. Boosts Creativity and Imagination

So many games involve creativity! I hear many people say "Video Games are a waste of time, why don't you do something creative?" When in fact, Video Games are super creative! Whether it's fun sandbox or building games, like Minecraft, Terraria and Starbound, or farming games like Animal Crossing & Stardew Valley, or RPGs & Simulations like Sims or even Grand Theft Auto, there's so many ways to build and customize your own worlds, players, vehicles, houses, and so much more! Even a variety of fun tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons for story-telling, or creative ones like Pictionary, involve lots of creativity.

8. Develops Patience & Persistence

Oh boy, do some games require a lot of patience! Sure, there's waiting for the loading screens, but how many games do we know that involve some sort of timing- You have to get things just right. Or sometimes there is a difficult level that you just have to play over and over and over again until you beat it- but once you win, it's such a great victory for yourself!

7. Promotes Physical Fitness

Sure, some video games involve sitting down, but there's also plenty of fun virtual reality games to help you get up and moving! Things like Zumba, or Ringfit Adventures are great to play. For those folks who still have Wii or Wii Sports can also jump up to be physical. Of course, most sports involve lots of physical fitness, whether it's something simple like Ping-Pong, or more intense like Basketball- Games are one of the best ways to get up and get your body moving!

6. Improves Social Connections

How many games are MultiPlayer now? How wonderful it is! Whether you're playing alongside your friends in the same room, or online halfway across the world with a few folks or dozens of strangers, there's so many ways to connect with people and bond over video games. That's why we have Twitch streams, livestreams, and online gaming communities in Discord, Facebook and more!

5. Fosters Teamwork & Collaboration

Of course, if you're playing with others, ya gotta know how to work together! You may work together with a few people to accomplish a particular goal, or work with one or 2 partners to beat another team. Gaming improves your teamwork skills and how to work with other people from all walks of life!

4. Improves Hand-Eye Coordination

Back to that physical aspect! Nearly all games involve some sort of hand-eye coordination- Many games require precise timing, reflexes and motor skills. Tabletop games can as well! Some games you gotta be quick to grab something, or play a card. Sometimes, playing a level repetitively gives you that muscle memory and you can see yourself improve. One of my favorites to do this was in Sonic games, especially Sonic Adventure Battle 2!

3. Enhances Memory & Strategic Thinking

All games require some levels of thinking. The brain is like a muscle, we must exercise it to keep it in good shape for a long time. Playing games helps us to train our brains and think in new ways. Sometimes we have to remember where things are in the levels, or how something is played. It involves remembering certain rules or complex strategies to play. Your brain will thank you for playing games!

2. Provides Stress Relief

How many of us love to unwind after a long day with a game? It can be something cozy and relaxing like a farming game, or even something intense and violent. I know there's many times I've been angry and I love to go play a fighting game or something like GTA to relieve some of that stress and anger. It's also a great way to just take a break from the real world and daily stressors, and enhance your overall mood and well-being.

1. It's FUN and Entertaining!

The number one reason is games are fun! Above all, gaming is a source of enjoyment and entertainment, bringing joy and memorable experiences to your life. It can help you bond with friends and family, explore and engage in new experiences and adventures, and just have a good time. There's nothing like playing party games with friends and laughing until your sides hurt, or cheering when you've finally beaten a hard level. Games bring tons of laughter into our lives and make us feel good. I think people should play games every day if they could! Simple mobile games, fun word games, card games, board games, improv games, party games, all of them! The sky is the limit- Just like books & movies, there's endless varieties of games to play, and there's something for everyone!

What are some of your favorite games to play? Here's a list of some of mine!

Video Games:

Sonic the Hedgehog (All!) Animal Crossing

Terraria

Starbound

Stardew Valley

Trials (Rising)

Grand Theft Auto

Untitled Goose Game

Sims

Sid Meyer's Pirates

Diablo

Dr. Mario

MarioKart

Need for Speed

Halo

Team Fortress 2

Old school ones like Lion King/Aladdin

Most Mario games!

Board/Tabletop Games:

Clue

Monopoly

Scrabble

Trouble

Card Games including Blackjack, Poker, Uno

Tapple

Frag

Munchkin

Party Games:

Cards Against Humanity

Apples to Apples

Taboo

Pictionary

Jackbox Games

Trivial Pursuit

Sports:

Running/Obstacle Course Racing

Kickboxing

Basketball

Volleyball

Rock-Climbing

Tennis/Raquetball/Badminton

Arcade/Carnival

Skeeball

Pool

Whack-a-Mole

Air Hockey

Claw Machines

Comment some of your favorites down below, or tag me on Twitter!

Blue Skies! Enjoy the Chaos & Stay TOONed!