How can gaming help you cope with stress and burnout at work?

Instead of thinking of games as 'things' people play, you can think of them as 'places' people are going. The Island from Fortnite is as meaningful a place to young people as any real world location. All of these different places in games give people different contexts to relax, socialise and express themselves depending on what mood they're in. If I'm burned out from work I look to slow paced "happy" games like Animal Crossing which lets me unwind on a relaxing and vibrant island - the perfect place to recharge your social battery.

An integral part of my routine aside from diet and physical activity to mitigate long periods at my desk, I make a point of running a map, a dungeon, or any 15 to 20-minute gaming experience I can complete just before I begin my workday, then to break up my workday, and finally to reward myself after completing the day. I find it provides me with a delightful level of healthy/natural dopamine, which subsequently regulates my ADHD by providing me with additional focus and stimulation to better perform tasks, enhance my creativity, and ensure that I'm highly engaged with my team and clients during meetings. Using that time to help other players while promoting positivity and being as kind as possible is even more rewarding.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱! Gaming isn’t just a digital escape; it's a bridge to connect generations. For me, diving into the gaming world with my kids ❌ isn’t about indulging in a hobby, ✅ it's about embracing their interests. It’s a chance to guide them, not from the sidelines, but right in the action where we learn and evolve together. It’s about ensuring that as they navigate virtual challenges, they’re equipped to tackle real-life ones with confidence. 🔴 Stress and burnout? Those words aren't in my vocabulary when I'm playing games with my kids!

Here's why I was wrong about my parents' attitude to online gaming. "Go do something valuable!" wasn't an order or a punishment. It was a game mission, where upon completion, I got a reward - ONE MORE GAME. How does gaming help you become a better leader? 🧭 Strategy Execution: Managing in Civilization mirrors strategic planning in leadership. 🗣️ Communication Management: World of Tanks emphasizes teamwork, critical for effective management. 🎯 Stay Focused: Formula 1 requires sharp focus, similar to managing projects. 🥊 Life Motto: The determination in sports games like FIFA parallels leadership resilience.

We've all felt stress and burnout at work at some point, and if you haven't then I'm jealous of you - but when we're stressed at work we all find a way to escape the monotony whether thats the gym, a movie or playing a video game. Gaming has been proven to release endorphins, which gives us a sense of pleasure and it's unsurprising. Gaming can offer an escapism as you delve into an immersive virtual world, a social element if you interact with other gamers online and a sense of reward when you complete a game. But games don't necessarily need to be immersive, playing puzzle or problem-solving games are great for stimulating your brain and increasing your logical thinking. But with anything, everything is healthy in moderation.

My Cozy Games Recommendations to try: Disney Dreamlight Valley, Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, Slime Rancher and Cozy Grove. My Casual Games Recommendations to try: Vampire Survivor, Dave the Diver, Power wash simulator, There is no game: wrong dimension.

For a quick mood lift, I rely on casual games. Strategy games keep my mind agile, while adventure games serve as my creative escape with my hubby on the weekend. Plus, playing ADnD games at work not only sparks creativity but strengthens camaraderie. So, when stress hits, choose your game wisely – it might just be the perfect remedy for your mood and goals!

Something not mentioned here is how you can burn out on games as well- this makes choosing the correct games much more important! As someone who enjoys thinking mechanically, I tend to gravitate towards complex games with vast systems such as Minecraft modpacks or ARPG games like Path of Exile. If you tend to focus on achieving goals, progression-focused games such as Runescape are great as well!

Identifying which game is going to help me relieve stress is part of the decision-making process before I sit down to play. Different games increase/decrease my stress levels depending on a variety of factors. I love playing Fortnite with my Dad Group and that is oftentimes just the break I need, but sometimes miscommunications and poor play frustrate me and can add to my stress. Even "Cozy Games" that are slower-paced and intended to lower stress can cause decision paralysis ("What is the best way to organize my garden in Stardew Valley?!")

For me, VR is the happy place when I need to destress. I can still play games while moving my body around, burning some calories and for just 2 and a bit glorious hours before my battery runs out, I am immersed in the worlds I've always loved!

My recommendation is to plan for both purchasing games and any DLC content like bundles and battle passes and stick with it each month. Most modern games include extra costs associated with cosmetics, battlepasses and bundles that we sometimes don't think about when budgeting. Be consistent with your budget and plan for the total of all purchases instead of just the game purchase.

I suggest using gaming as a reward after achieving daily goals such as physical activity, working, going outside, or spending time with family. Setting timers can help manage immersion. Social gaming is definitely my favorite, as it helps me feel connected. It's important to remember that the person behind the screen is not an NPC but a human with complex thoughts and emotions; they deserve kindness, even when frustrations arise. Gaming should be a source of joy, not vitriol.

I will suggest 3 types of games that help you to cope with the burnout. 1. Incremental games: These are games that you can play at your own pace. They will wait for your decision. They are infinite or have a loop mechanic. Cookie Clicker, CLICKPOCALYPSE II or Kittens Game are some examples. They are also called idle games. 2. Roguelike: Similar to the incremental games, these games are based on repetition. Each repetition is different thanks to a newly generated map/enemies. You will unlock new skills/maps with each "run". The Binding Of Isaac, Loop Hero or Hades are some examples. 3. Story-focused games: The typical narrative game. There is a main character and his objective. Really immersive and usually slow-paced.

I love Nick’s perspective and I’ll add to that. If gaming is what you love, use it as part of your self-care routine. I often come home from work and jump into a game to chill and recharge my brain. Gaming activates different brain receptors and fills my “relax” cup. Some people read, others watch tv, I game. You’ve got to know what fills your cup.

To make the most of gaming, remember to play in moderation, set limits on time and spending, select games that align with your interests and age, play with positive and respectful individuals, take breaks for other healthy activities, and prioritize responsibilities over gaming to avoid addiction, isolation, or aggression. This is especially important if you personally enjoy playing FPS games that demand your 100% concentration, as their immersive nature can make it challenging to focus on anything else.

Games can be frustrating, even single-player. We all make mistakes. Be kind to yourself, and try to avoid saying, “I'm such an expletive this or expletive that,” it is not self-care, and the subconscious mind will respond negatively. In multiplayer environments, there can be elevated pressure on you and others, especially where cooperative responsibilities vary. Don’t be too hard on yourself or others. Try your best to spread positivity and revert potentially toxic scenarios. Don't let frustration become anger; remember the wisdom of Yoda. Regulate and try to remember why we are there. If unable, then it’s time for a break. Keeping our communities healthy is also up to us.

Playing games is great, I love games, they are one of my fave ways to de-stress, but, in all honesty if you are experiencing *burnout* then gaming is unlikely to make things much better. You are likely going to need to take some time away from the environment that is burning you out, and possibly seek professional help to cope with the after effects. Your mental health is important, please take care of yourself and look to treat the root problem, don't just try to use games (or any hobby) as a sticking plaster, you're probably only putting off the inevitable.

Need a brief research primer on games and reducing stress? Here ya go! Studies show that immersive gameplay induces a state of flow, allowing players to forget stressors (American Journal of Play). Video games offer a safe space to express/manage emotions. (International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction). Certain games can enhance problem-solving skills, empowering players. (Psychology of Popular Media Culture). Multiplayer games combat isolation and loneliness. (Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking). Some research suggests that violent games provide an outlet for frustration. (Journal of Cybertherapy and Rehabilitation). Games like "Minecraft" promote creativity and mindfulness. (JAMA Pediatrics).

Immersive experiences can be hugely beneficial to disconnect from day-to-day, re-focus and destress. Also a great learning playground.

Ask yourself 'why' you want to play games. Are you there to escape from reality, are you needing a challenge, or do you just want to fill some spare time? Respect your own feelings and allow them to be reflected in your choices; don't let a game consume your emotions if it's not proving productive!