Anxiety can feel all-consuming and overwhelming, leaving you searching for something, anything, that might bring even a moment of relief. Surprisingly, for many, video games are becoming a go-to resource for managing anxiety.
What makes video games so appealing in this context? Are they genuinely helpful, or could they create more problems than they solve? This blog explores how video games can intersect with mental health, specifically their potential to help with anxiety, while also offering words of caution to keep gaming in balance.
By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of when games can help, when they might hinder, and how to mindfully incorporate them into your life.
How Video Games Engage Our Minds and Reduce Stress
When immersed in a video game, your focus shifts entirely to the challenges, puzzles, or tasks the game presents. This mental engagement is one way video games can alleviate anxiety short-term. Here's why it works:
- Distraction from Negative Thoughts
Anxiety often traps us in loops of "what if" or worst-case scenarios. Playing a game you enjoy provides a mental escape, breaking that cycle—even if temporarily.
- Sense of Achievement
Games are full of progress markers, from leveling up a character to solving a challenging puzzle. These small moments of success release dopamine, the "feel-good" brain chemical. For someone battling anxiety, these little wins can feel like a breath of fresh air.
- Structure and Predictability
Unlike the uncertainties of life, games are generally predictable and controlled environments. This sense of structure can feel comforting to someone whose anxiety thrives on unpredictability.
The Science Behind Anxiety and Gaming
The relationship between video games and mental health is increasingly validated by science. For example, a 2020 study published in JMIR Mental Health found that certain games, like problem-solving and role-playing genres, could reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults.
Here’s why the balance works scientifically:
- Relaxation through Flow States
Flow state refers to the feeling of total immersion in an activity. When you're "in the zone" playing a game, your brain enters a highly focused mode, pushing anxiety to the background.
- Social Interaction in Multiplayer Games
Anxiety can make real-world social interactions feel daunting, but online multiplayer games create low-pressure opportunities to build social connections. Games like Animal Crossing or Among Us foster meaningful interactions without the anxiety-provoking scenarios of face-to-face settings.
Types of Games That Are Best for Anxiety
Not all games are created equal when it comes to helping with anxiety. While some offer reprieve and stress relief, others might dial up your stress levels. Here’s what to look for in an anxiety-friendly game:
1. Relaxation-Focused Games
These games are designed to be calming, without high-stakes scenarios. Examples include:
- Stardew Valley (manage a peaceful farm and build relationships)
- Journey (a meditative adventure through stunning landscapes)
- Moksha (meditative breathwork games with calming music)
All three offer soothing gameplay loops that bring calm and focus.
2. Puzzle Games
Puzzle-based games engage your brain without overwhelming you. Popular choices include:
- Tetris
- Lumosity
They combine fun with light mental challenges to encourage short-term calm.
3. Open-Ended Creative Games
Games like Minecraft (Creative Mode) or The Sims allow you to explore, create, and play at your own pace. These games are less about win-or-lose dynamics and more about enjoyment.
4. Mindfulness-Based Games
Some developers create games with mental health in mind, like:
- Calm/Oasis, which combines breathing exercises with storytelling.
- Kind Words, an online space for giving and receiving encouraging notes.
When to Be Cautious About Gaming and Anxiety
While video games can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety, it’s essential to approach them mindfully to avoid pitfalls.
1. Avoid Escapism Becoming Isolation
Gaming is a great escape, but overuse can lead to isolation or disconnection from resolving underlying causes of your anxiety. Set intentional time limits on gaming sessions, using it as one tool in a broader self-care toolkit.
2. Beware of Fast-Paced, Highly Stressful Games
Games with high adrenaline or time-focused challenges, like first-person shooters or competitive League of Legends matches, might make anxiety worse for some people. Pay attention to how these games alter your stress levels.
3. Monitor for Problematic Gaming Habits
If gaming becomes your sole coping mechanism or prevents participation in daily responsibilities, reconsider your habits.
Tips for Making Video Games Part of Your Anxiety Management Plan
If gaming feels like the right fit for your mental health needs, here’s how to integrate it thoughtfully:
- Choose Your Games Strategically
Pick ones that genuinely make you feel better, rather than games that amp up frustration or stress.
- Treat Gaming as One Tool Among Many
Consider pairing gaming with other anxiety-reducing approaches like meditation, therapy, exercise, or journaling.
- Game Socially
Playing alongside friends—even virtually—is a great way to feel connected and supported.
- Set Healthy Boundaries
Limit gaming during times when it interferes with work, relationships, or physical self-care.
Using Video Games for Good Days and Tough Seasons
Like any technology, video games are what you make of them. They can support your well-being and help you manage anxiety, but only if used intentionally and alongside other coping strategies.
Remember, anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all, so your approach to managing it doesn’t need to be either. If video games help you breathe a little easier or laugh a little louder, then they might just be part of the solution for you.
If you’re exploring how to build healthier hobby routines or integrate gaming mindfully into your life, consult a therapist or counselor. For now, grab a controller and explore the world of calming games waiting for you.