Written By: Carmen Girton
Being a college student can be tough. With little to no free-time, burnout can be especially prominent without some sort of brain break. Sometimes college students, myself included, work themselves until they can’t even think anymore. Just a simple change in activity could be the answer to help prevent this burnout from happening. Video games can provide a break from the stressors of college life, and can also provide a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, video games can also help to improve problem-solving skills, which can be beneficial in academic and professional settings.
Matthew Barr and Alicia Copeland-Stewart’s research study written in 2022, examined how video games affect players’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the quarantining part of the pandemic is over-with, I think that their research can still apply to college students today. Their research states that many people turned to video games during the pandemic and 71.3% of their respondents reported that the time they spent playing video games has changed. Now for college students, It may be difficult to find time to fit gaming in, however it reaps many benefits. Barr and Copeland-Stewart said that some of the benefits include stress relief, cognitive skills development, combating loneliness, and more.
People reported feeling anxiety around the time of the COVID outbreak and video games gave those people something else to focus on, and in-turn, reduced levels of stress. The stress of too much school work can be just as daunting. Instead of scrolling on social media in between chapters, maybe play a game or two of a game you enjoy, whether that be puzzle games, first person shooters, or sandbox games like Minecraft! The data the researchers collected referenced gameplay improving mood levels overall. One of their respondents said that having time set aside to engage in something they enjoy has had an overall positive improvement on their mood.
When I was going through the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a lot of friends via multiplayer games. The authors reported that there was an increase in multiplayer games because it was driven by players’ desire to socialize. This can also apply to college students too! After a long day at the library, playing video games online with friends can help you not only improve your mood, desire to socialize, but also gives you an opportunity to make connections you normally wouldn’t have made. Even playing split screen with your roommate could be beneficial to both of your cognitive health.
The authors reported that people were anxious around the time of the COVID outbreak and video games gave people something else to focus on and ultimately reduced their stress levels. They reported that it improved players’ mood, helped them feel grounded and in control. With crazy college assignments or courses, video games can help you gain some sense of control back. Some people in the research study reported feeling less anxious when distracted with video games, and kept them away from other bad habits like absorbing bad news from social media.
The authors reported that some people chose to play video games during a lunch break or between calls/quiet times when referring to remote work during the pandemic. These people sometimes used video games to help separate from work time and non-work time when they were stuck at home. This most definitely can apply to on-campus and online coursework as well. Those people who took video game breaks during the pandemic reported back feeling far more fulfilled than watching something on Netflix. Not only does playing games help relieve stress, it gives you a sense of control and accomplishment. Sometimes a little sense of accomplishment can help while taking advanced college level courses.
All in all, taking a little video game break in between writing essays or reading chapters can cognitively benefit you. It helps you gain a sense of control, accomplishment, feeling less stressed, anxious, and helps ground you as well. So, instead of taking your typical social media break, turn to something that gives you entertainment, socialization, and control all in one. This stress relieving and mentally stimulating escape can help prevent burnout and help promote your cognitive health during your college journey.