What are the health benefits of gaming?

BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL GAMING

Engaging in traditional gaming, such as on the Playstation or Xbox, goes beyond mere entertainment; it offers unexpected health benefits. While critics often focus on sedentary concerns, studies suggest cognitive advantages like improved analysis skills and strategic thinking. Gaming also provides a mental escape, reducing anxiety and allowing for relaxation.  The enjoyment of the game distracts from stress, easing tension and promoting mental well-being. Furthermore, the sense of accomplishment from winning a game can boost confidence and improve mood. Multiplayer options on consoles facilitate social connections and reduce loneliness. 

Additionally, gaming stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive skills such as problem-solving. It keeps the mind active and engaged. The immersive nature of games can enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Gaming is a form of training for your hands and eyes by improving how they work together. Moving that joystick and hitting those buttons is like a mini workout for your fingers. It's like magic for getting better at catching and throwing.

As technology advances, traditional gaming proves to be a holistic activity, promoting mental acuity, social well-being, and even physical reflexes. So, by gaming you’re investing in more than just high scores. 

MIND-BODY COORDINATION 

Gaming isn't just about fun; it acts as a secret workout for your brain and body. When you play, you improve your mind and body coordination. Quick thinking and fast physical response is like a brain workout, helping you make speedy decisions. Your fingers respond immediately with the controls, building a strong connection between your brain and hands. This coordination boost is great for your reflexes.

Games challenge your eyes to follow the action on the screen, making them sharper. Your hands learn to move in sync with what your eyes see. The teamwork between your mind and eyes is essential. This coordination isn't just for gaming—it helps in everyday tasks too. Whether it's catching a ball or typing on a computer, your improved coordination will be obvious. So, next time you game, remember, you're not just playing; you're training your mind and body to work together like a well-tuned team.

STRESS RELIEF AND RELAXATION 

Many people believe the stigma that gaming and mental health don’t go together but there are many benefits of healthy gaming habits on your mental health.

Gaming isn't just about fun; it helps you to let off steam and relax. There are many benefits of gaming on mental health. When life gets overwhelming, playing games is a great way to escape. The challenges in games give your brain a break from real-world hassles, letting you chill out.

Focusing on a game for an hour or so lets you retreat from day to day stress. Whether you're racing, solving puzzles, or exploring virtual worlds, the game's intensity diverts your mind from worries. The rhythmic actions in many games can also have a calming effect, doing something simple on repeat can help you to destress.

Winning in a game feels great, you feel a sense satisfaction that relaxes your whole body. So, gaming isn't just a hobby; it's a relaxing journey, offering a break from stress and a chance for your mind to unwind in the game's comforting embrace.

SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Gaming isn't just about playing; it's a path to feeling accomplished and boosting your health. When you conquer a challenging level or defeat a tough foe, a rush of success floods in. This feeling of achievement isn't just in the game; it translates to real-life benefits.

Winning in a game sparks a sense of pride, lifting your mood and reducing stress. Getting a victory and feeling proud of yourself releases feel-good chemicals. This positive energy flows into your daily life, making challenges seem more manageable. When you face obstacles in the game and overcome them, it builds confidence that spills into your off-screen world.

Having a sense of achievement in gaming isn't just about the game—it's about empowering yourself, fostering a positive mindset, and enjoying the health benefits that come with a winning attitude. So, next time you conquer a virtual challenge, know that you're not just benefitting your game score, you’ll notice it impacts your confidence day to day.

FITNESS BENEFITS

Gaming isn't just sitting; you can use it to boost your fitness. The gaming industry is starting to adapt to include exercise. But, what is fitness gaming?

Some games now involve moving your body, making it a fun workout. Whether you're dancing, swinging a virtual racket, or doing virtual yoga, you're getting active. Fitness gaming is a great way to stay active while having fun.

These active games make your heart pump a bit faster and moving around helps burn calories. Plus, playing these games with friends can make fitness feel a lot more fun, encouraging everyone to get moving.

By adding fitness to gaming, you're not only having a blast, but you're also benefitting your mind and fitness. When you’re working out, you release endorphins which give you a burst of positive energy. It's a win-win—fun and fitness rolled into one. Picking up a gaming controller for some fun exercise is a great way of looking after yourself.

QUELL

If you’re looking into fitness gaming for the first time, you should keep your eyes on Quell. The Quell Impact is the best gaming system for exercise. We have built a gaming platform with fitness at it’s core, making each workout fun and effective. We wanted to create a product that doesn’t compromise on fun or fitness so that users could have fun while having a positive impact on their physical and mental health.

In our launch title, Shardfall, you run around a fantasy world and fight powerful enemies. The game uses motion tracking technology to turn your body into the controller. So, if you’re into boxing games or immersive worlds but struggle with going to the gym, this is the solution to your workout needs.

The Impact uses resistance bands to target and tone your muscles so you build physical strength during the game. As you play, you burn up to 600 Kcals per hour, making the workout incredibly effective. 

The game is highly immersive, by playing in first person with each action controlled by your body you get lost in the Shardfall world and forget you’re even working out. When you enjoy the exercise you’re doing, it’s much easier to maintain a consistent workout routine.

Fitness gaming is an excellent way to enjoy gaming in your free time with guaranteed health benefits. The more you play, the fitter you get and the better your mind and body feel.