Video games have always been an outlet for me when times get tough. When the world’s stressful and the feeling of crippling loneliness starts to creep up on me, video games are the light at the end of this tunnel, and I think it’s for a good reason.
Now I know playing video games isn’t the healthiest coping mechanism, nor is it the most productive way to spend your time. But I’m here to tell you that it works and you should try it even as a last-ditch effort to bring some joy into your day. It is all about mindset, after all.
The Dopamine of Cozy Games
Now hear me out, I know that in our fast-paced, internet-dominated lives, it’s easy to get addicted to dopamine. You can get it from scrolling through TikTok, looking at a cute meme, or even watching videos of cats on YouTube, just so you can get used to that dopamine high until your brain is fried. Now take this with a grain of salt, but I personally feel that video games aren’t as much of a dopamine barrage as some people point it out to be. Well, some video games. Yes, I’ve seen the Subway Surfers brainrot videos online, but we’re not talking about that type of game.
When I say video games that give off just the right amount, I’m talking about games that give you a sense of fulfillment in tasks. Cozy games like Stardew Valley, Fields of Mistria, A Little to the Left, you know the ones. These are games that give you a sense of accomplishment that might just jumpstart the motivation you need to accomplish more. Personally, I find that taking a break from all the grinding of real life to just go stare at some crops helps me unwind a little at the end of the day, giving me that little dopamine hit that I need to end the day on a happier note.
Entering The Flow State
The flow state is a phenomenon in video games and other media where you are literally in the zone. Your brain runs on autopilot, and for a second, everything around you is quiet, and you’ve escaped whatever’s been stressing you out the entire day. This quiet that you can only get from playing something like video games is possible only when it has the perfect balance of entertainment and challenge, building towards an in-game goal or a personal achievement. Personally, I’m proud of myself every time I get to enter and exit the flow state because it’s given me the sense of accomplishment and quiet that I need after a long day.
But the balance is something that I do have to emphasize in this case. Rainbow Six Siege is a game that has challenge and entertainment, but the pros in the game don’t really seem the happiest after a loss, now do they? To really get into the flow state, I have to recommend cozy games like Dave the Diver, or single-player experiences like Hollow Knight: Silksong, or, honestly, just maneuvering the streets of Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto V in your car from point A to point B.
Social Interactions
But if there is one sure-fire way to get the heaps of stress off your back, it’s the social interactions that friends can bring into your life. Friendslop is a term that’s been flung around recently, and I have nothing but love for what the genre means for everyone. Living in the age of the internet doesn’t just mean your brain is overloaded with dopamine, but it also gives video games the avenue to connect with people from around the world. There were times in the past when I would just go on Tabletop Simulator, look for an open lobby, and start playing board games with a bunch of strangers without a care in mind.
Then there are also games like Raft, Content Warning, Repo, and a bunch of other co-op games where you can just hang out with friends online or offline to play towards goals. I’ve heard stories of a shared Minecraft world where a group of friends built entire working infrastructures, making happy memories from the comfort of their computer chair. Don’t have any friends? Then feel free to hop on a Final Fantasy XIV guild or get on Webfishing to start meeting new people, and I assure you, if they aren’t friends, they are more than willing to play a game or two with you.
Although these are the ways gaming helps me cope with my everyday life, this definitely isn’t a cure-all for everyone. What works for me might not work the best for you, but I urge you to give video games a try when you’re feeling down in the dumps. If there is ever this nagging feeling at the back of your head telling you that gaming is a waste of time, then take comfort in the fact that sometimes you are allowed to waste time.
For more like this, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for gaming features and opinions.