Health Benefits of Video Games – The average person does not think of video games as a way to stay healthy and active. However, because of how far video games have come recently and how many genres, some video games offer health benefits. This is not to say that playing the video games listed below all day is necessarily healthy. But when people play them in moderation, they can offer physical benefits. Here are five video games that will keep you physically active.
1. Augmented Reality Games
While not all augmented reality games inherently promote physical activity, some of them do. Pokémon Go and other, similar games all reward players for getting outside and going on walks. In Pokémon Go specifically, players are incentivized to take long walks to find a larger selection of creatures to collect as well as earning special items for going on walks with their Pokémon partners. Remember, walking is a form of working out, so find a workout routine that works for you. Many products like Thrive work, but make sure you research Thrive side effects first to know which will be best for you specifically.
2. Virtual Reality Games
While virtual reality games are generally more stationary than augmented reality games, virtual reality games typically have players up and moving around in a contained area. Even being up on your feet and moving around slightly can be good for your health. That being said, virtual reality games require that you wear a headset while you are playing, and spending long periods with your eyes that close to the screen can be painful and unhealthy. Make sure you take frequent breaks when playing virtual reality video games.
3. Motion-Controlled Games
While not as popular as they were ten years ago, motion-controlled games often sold on the platform that they would get you up and moving while playing video games. The Nintendo Wii was one of the first and most successful uses of this technology. One of the games that launched alongside the system was Wii Sports, which was a game centered around using the console’s motion controls to play sports realistically from the comfort of your home. While many companies have moved away from motion controls, they are still a fun gimmick to look back on from time to time when you are feeling nostalgic.
4. Mobile Apps
Many augmented reality games are mobile apps, but there are many mobile games and apps that do not use augmented reality that can still keep you active. Health and fitness apps are a huge market in every app store. You can find apps that help you stay on a diet, plan your workouts, and keep you in a good mental state. While not all of these apps are video games, some of them are. Health apps sometimes keep their user bases interested by having a gaming aspect to entice users to come back every day.
5. Regular Video Games
There is a lot of fear-mongering surrounding video games. Some media outlets would have you believe that video games will turn you into a violent, aggressive murderer, and while there may be an important discussion to have there, that is not true for the average person. Video games can help keep your brain healthy and sharp. For example, several studies suggest that people who regularly play video games have quicker reaction times than those who do not. Depending on what type of game you are playing, you could gain all sorts of mental benefits. Professional gamers have to keep their bodies and minds in great shape to play their best. And you can do the same.
No matter what you feel the public opinion is on video games, you should not let it affect your enjoyment of them. Video games can have just as many benefits as other hobbies. Especially if you go out of your way to find games that help your body as well as your mind. Do what makes you happy and do not let others tell you what you are allowed to enjoy.
