Why Video Games Offer a Healthy Retreat with Escapism

No matter who you are or what you do in your life day to day, you deserve to have a chance to escape it, even if it’s temporary. For a lot of people, their escape from the daily grind and routine is vacations or doing something special on weekends. But what about the weekdays? What if you’re strapped for both time and cash? What if you prefer to stay at home anyway? Well, one of the best forms of escapism isn’t just books or shows, but it’s video games.

While some critics may view gaming as a mere distraction, it's essential to recognize that escapism through video games can actually be a positive and beneficial experience. Everyone has their own ways of escaping their troubles and escaping the dullness of a day-to-day routine has. Whether it’s college stress, your work, your family, or anything else, you deserve to get that escape. So, here’s exactly why video games are a pretty healthy retreat into escapism.

It’s a Source of Major Relaxation​

Every video game is different, just like every gamer is different. Some people take a lot of pleasure from just playing stress-inducing games, while others prefer something softer like a slice of life, and of course, there are those who are in the middle where they want something stimulating, exciting, but not stress inducing, kind of like Minesweeper. For the most part, games are meant to do just that: challenge you, stimulate you, and relax you. It’s a safe environment where you can go to destress for the day and have some fun. In a way, this immersive experience can help you recharge your mind.

It Helps Build a Connection​

Before online multiplayer games were even a thing, video games used to be solitary, but now you can talk to people from all over the world. Sure, some game communities are toxic, not all, but there are some. But taking these few toxic examples out of account, there’s an opportunity to build connections like friendship or even love with other players. A lot of video games have a tight-knit community, so during that escapism, you don’t even have to feel as if you’re alone.

There’s That Feeling of Achievement​

If you’re going to escape into something, doesn’t feel nice to also have that feeling that you achieved something too? Reaching milestones, completing challenges, and achieving in-game goals can boost self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. In a way, when it comes to video games, you are setting up personal achievements; maybe it’s completing a certain amount of objectives, getting a rare item, or as simple as trying to defeat an in-game boss.

But that achievement you’re going to feel has such a major impact on your self-esteem, you’re going to feel productive, you’re going to feel great, and you’re going to feel positive feelings in general that escapism usually doesn’t bring.

It’s a Solid Emotional Outlet​

Everyone needs to have an emotional outlet, one that’s healthy; while some may draw, listen to music, seek help, or even exercise, for a lot of people, gaming is that emotional outlet. When you’re sad or upset, there are games out there to help with that, to numb what you’re feeling, or even to release whatever emotions you have going on. This can very well be a good thing.

 

[Broken Shotgun]

I recall Days Gone was so tranquil by the riverside. Parts of the game are rather frustrating, though. I felt like Deacon was having to play chemist for a day at times. ?️

 

[yibibih]

Video games offer a way to relieve stress and escape from the pressures of daily life. Engaging in immersive gameplay can provide a sense of control and achievement, which can be therapeutic for people dealing with stress and anxiety.

 

[Prakhar Lohiya]

Video games are now seen as a good way to relax and escape from the busy and stressful world we live in. Here's why playing video games can be good for you:

1. Reducing Stress: Video games help you forget about stress and anxiety for a while. They let you enter a different world, giving your mind a break.
2. Feeling Good About Achievements: Games often have goals to reach, and reaching them makes players feel good. This feeling can be really helpful, especially if it's hard to find in real life.
3. Making You Think Better: Playing games can improve how you think. They often need quick thinking, problem-solving, and good strategy, which can make your brain sharper.
4. Meeting People: Despite what some think, lots of games help you meet and work with other people online. This is great for those who feel alone or want to make new friends.
5. Learning to Handle Challenges: Games have challenges that you need to overcome. This helps you become better at dealing with difficult situations, which is useful in real life too.
6. Being Creative: Games with detailed worlds and stories encourage you to think creatively, whether you're making a character, building something, or planning your moves.
7. Feeling in Control: In real life, you might not feel in control, but in games, you can make decisions and control what happens. This can feel really empowering.
8. Educational Benefits: Some games are educational and can teach you things about history, science, or languages in a fun way.
9. Helping with Health: Games can sometimes be used to help people with mental health problems or physical recovery. They make therapy more engaging.
10. Playing in Moderation: Like any hobby, gaming is best when done in moderation. It's a healthy part of life if you don't overdo it, providing relaxation and fun.

In short, video games are a good way to take a break and have some fun. They can help you relax, meet people, learn new skills, and feel good about your achievements. When played responsibly, they're a great addition to your routine for taking care of yourself.