by Sharon Brook

Created on: May 11, 2009

In a recent research study conducted by PopCap Games, statistical information gathered from gamers downloading from their website indicate that a whopping 88% of casual gamers play as a means to release stress and tension. In another survey of online gamers, 41% responded that stress relief is the main reason why they chose to play video games in the first place. In a certain sense, an average length of time's worth of game play is around 30 minutes, which is enough to clear the mind of any stressful thoughts and tension. Games as simple as Solitaire or Freecell card games are stimulating enough to keep the brain going in a relaxed mental state. In essence, you're brain is thinking on a leisurely basis without any stressful pressures.

Research analysts attribute the success of video games as stress relief because it takes our minds out of real time pressures, and places us into a virtual world where we are in total control of things. Just think of it, how many times you have the opportunity to die and come back to life three more times; or screw up a level and be able to restart all over again so that you wouldn't make the same mistake twice. In the real world, we all should know that this would never happen in a million years, but in a virtual world- it's all in your hands to determine how everything pans out in the end.

You are given every opportunity to free your mind from reality, and break into virtuality. There are literally all kinds of games designed to suit your wildest imagination- from The Sims, a virtual simulation where you get to pick out your perfect character, living environment, family, career, and everyday functions of life. Perhaps you feel like driving a Ferrari at top speeds on a European highway, racing against other competitors driving exotic cars. How cool is that?

There are even games that are more interactive, such as the DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) where you get to play with physical activity and coordination as you perform certain dance combinations in coordinated rhythm.

The mental activity, stimulation, and gratification fulfilled through game play actually suppress the production of a stress hormone called cortisol, which is responsible for heightened feelings of stress when it surmounts into uncontrollable levels. It forces us into a fight or flight state of mind, where we are forced to choose on how to respond to stressful situations. With video games, we can always decrease our frustration levels by taking it out in game play. Some couples have been known to work out their arguments by going into head-to-head combat with each other on the big screen. How's that for peacefully working out your indifferences without physical altercation or contact?

One word of caution, though- video game play can be extremely addicting, so please play responsibly, and don't forget about your real time responsibilities in the real world. Just remember, don't get lost in the world of virtuality, where you begin to lose sight of the world of actuality.

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