Adults are dealing with a lot. And how well are we coping?
- During June 24–30, 2020, U.S. adults reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19. Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation (Source: CDC).
- According to data from Nielsen, alcohol sales are up by 32% compared to last year.
- Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause changes in sleep or eating patterns, increased use of alcohol and tobacco, or worsening of chronic health problems (Source: CDC).
The outlook does not feel super rosy after doing just a little research on what stress can do to your overall health. Long-term stress can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems including:
- Mental health – from depression to hopelessness and unattached anger management issues
- Skin and hair problems
- Sleep disruption
- Gastrointestinal problems
Like I said, not rosy.
The health gurus will tell you to meditate, drink more water, journal about your feelings and things you are grateful for, exercise more and eat plenty of whole foods. We agree with all of that, but if you’re more inclined to seek challenge and laughter, we suggest grabbing your kiddo (or connect with a buddy online) and your gaming remote for an all-in battle on the console.
The science behind gaming and stress relief.
Most gamers report that playing video games is a way to connect with friends and relieve stress (Source: Science Direct). In another study looking at the use of video games to recuperate from stress and strain, persons who associated stronger recovery experiences with game play used video and computer games more often after stressful and exhausting situations. In addition, participants’ level of work-related fatigue and exposure to daily hassles were both positively associated with the use of games for recovery (Source: Journal of Media Psychology).
What does all that mean? Stress Relief the FLE Way: Play. More. Games.
We typically cater to hospitals, medical facilities and correctional facilities - all places that have a high level of stress and anxiety surrounding them. Our fully loaded carts, kiosks and cabinets allow for portable gaming that can engage, distract and relieve stress in all kinds of settings. Our handheld devices come loaded with casual games (games that can be picked up and played with for a few minutes) that offer a quick break, a change in focus or a simple challenge.
Playing video games gives people a break. Whether you need a break or distraction from cooking dinner, cancer treatments, or just from the monotony of a socially distanced life, video gaming can help. Chat with our specialists (425-582-3173 or shelly@fullyloadedelectronics.com) about what devices and what games might be best for you. We’d love to help come up with a plan to keep your facility as stress free as possible.
What are your favorite video games for stress relief?
Leave us a comment below.
