Spring Break
Gaming Your Way to an 'A'
Aaron TavenaIssue date: 5/8/08 Section: News
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Fortunately, experts say there's relief: Sudoku, and other games like it.
"Chronic stress is the driver of most disease and can destroy a person's life if you do not learn how to handle the stresses of your life," says Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized stress expert, and founder of The Stress Institute. "Laughter has been scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones and release endorphins. Go online and play a game or watch a funny video to take a mental break and play," Hall said.
Recently, the Stress Institute partnered with pogo.com, a casual gaming site owned by EA Games, to promote the stress benefits of breaking up your day with quick games like Sudoku, Bejeweled and Word Whomp.
Casual gaming, not to be confused with console gaming or social network games like "Warcraft," is designed to provide quick, easy entertainment, oftentimes challenging its players mentally. Popular casual games like Diner Dash and Mahjong also provide easy mental stimulation.
"It may be an opportunity where you can focus, where you can concentrate, and you can bring you attention back to alignment with the task that can be done," said Brock Dubbels, a University of Minnesota Professor who teaches the benefits of video games.
According a survey by Harris Interactive, 53 percent of respondents said they play casual games for stress relief. Sites like pogo.com have built a massive following, and studies have showing that 65 percent of women 24-35 play games while only 35 percent of men in same age range play.
"One of the key reasons why I think gaming is so popular is because it's absolutely an escapist type of pursuit," said Greg Johnson, chief marketing officer for GGL Global Gaming, a social network site for gamers of all kinds. "I think it's like a stress ball but just a little bit more fun."
Dubbels said, "With casual games, I can get involved in a game and I really don't have to be committed to anything beyond what I feel comfortable with."
"Oftentimes, play, if we break it down, is actually an extension of emotions that we don't want to face. For example, loneliness, anger," Dubbels said. "Play allows us to represent or take on new roles and identities and move from the experience of emotion and identity that we're currently experiencing."
Some might worry that too much time on the computer instead of studying might cause more trouble than it's worth.
"Like anything, if you do it in moderation, I think it's a very good and healthy thing," Johnson said.
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