To Game or Not to Game: How Gaming Can Help Mental Health

Part 1 : A co-written blog series with Shannon Hayner, Author of Surviving Creative Evolution

In a world where the narrative around gaming is shifting from skepticism to recognition, we stand at the forefront of reimagining its role in society. Historically, gaming has been scrutinized, often portrayed as a path to addiction and isolation for its enthusiasts. Yet, as we delve deeper, we uncover a narrative ripe for change. The prevailing discourse, once saturated with cautionary tales, now opens up a broader conversation about the potential of gaming to foster connection, enhance cognitive skills, and serve as a conduit for creativity and learning. For Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, my team and I are happy to share how a recent conversation leans in on just how gaming can help mental health.

Set Clear Time Limits

Social Gaming with boundaries

To Game or Not to Game

Meet Mariam...

In a recent exchange with Mariam Nusrat from Breshna.io, a new perspective on gaming emerges. The conversation highlights gaming's untapped potential as a positive force, spotlighting its role in promoting mental well-being, fostering connections, and sharing diverse stories. This dialogue underscores the transformative power of gaming, inviting us to see it as a medium that can do good, connect us, and enrich our lives. I love celebrating founders in Tech and Wellness, and I enjoyed this story in particular:

Mariam Nusrat stands at the forefront of this shift.

As the Founder & CEO of Breshna.io, she has championed the transformative power of no-code game development, democratizing the creation of video games to foster social impact and educational advancements. She brings a wealth of experience from World Bank Senior Education Specialist to Forbes Next 1k Entrepreneur and TEDx Speaker, granting her a unique lens through which to harness the positive potential of gaming. With Breshna.io, she has created a space where over 170,000 registered game creators can bring their diverse stories to life, reaching over 5 million game interactions and securing significant backing from industry giants.

Nusrat envisions a world where gaming transcends entertainment, serving as a dynamic medium for education, social change, and emotional connection. Her work with Breshna.io is not just about enabling easy game creation; it's about empowering individuals to craft games that reflect their experiences, aspirations, and the complexities of human experience.

This fresh perspective on gaming, bolstered by Nusrat's innovative platform and her conversations with advocates like myself, invites us to reexamine our preconceived notions about the gaming world. It suggests that gaming is not only harmless but beneficial, harbouring opportunities for joy, connection, and positive mental health outcomes amidst the challenges.

Gaming as a Space for Creative Expression and Diversity

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, gaming has emerged as a form of entertainment and a powerful platform for creative expression and promoting diversity. With the advent of platforms like Breshna.io, the barrier to entry for game creation has significantly lowered, enabling a wider range of voices to participate in game development. 

The significance of this shift extends beyond game development; it touches on the very fabric of mental health and societal well-being. Nusrat’s vision encapsulates more than the technical feat of simplifying game creation; it speaks to the broader goal of making gaming a space where all individuals feel represented and valued. Fascinating, right?

Representation in gaming is not just about seeing oneself in a character or storyline; it's about validating one's experiences, struggles, and triumphs. 

Engaging with games that reflect their cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance that is crucial for mental health. This inclusive mindset can challenge stereotypes, combat social stigmas, and promote empathy among players, contributing to a more understanding and connected world.

These are the sort of stories, as well as my own in the world of gaming, which I aim to share with a wider audience of humans who listen and share their experiences.

Do you want to have an active discourse on YOU being part of this evolution by recognizing the impact of gaming -- and being brave? As many of you have confirmed for me: Playing Resident Evil or other games that challenge you to go to the next level has had a positive effect on your life. I'd like to hear your stories. Let me share with you my stories and perspectives.

Let's collectively get the word out there that gaming per se shouldn't be demonized...in fact: In small doses, it can profoundly impact mental health, fostering a global community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

One-on-one 30min video call with Lady Dimitrescu

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More in the next few days on Debunking Myths about Gaming.

Some parting words for now...Here are practical tips for fostering healthy gaming habits:

Recommendations for Healthy Gaming Habits

Integrating gaming into a healthy lifestyle requires mindfulness and intention. By adopting positive gaming habits, individuals can enjoy the vast benefits of gaming while maintaining a balanced life. 

1. Set Clear Time Limits

• Establish dedicated gaming times and adhere to them to prevent extended play sessions. Use alarms or apps to remind you when it's time to take a break or conclude your gaming session for the day.

2. Diversify Your Hobbies

• Ensure gaming is just one of several hobbies you engage in. Balancing gaming with physical activities, reading, creative arts, or socializing in person can enrich your life and prevent overreliance on digital entertainment.
  

• Establish dedicated gaming times and adhere to them to prevent extended play sessions. Use alarms or apps to remind you when it's time to take a break or conclude your gaming session for the day.
  

3. Prioritize Social Gaming with Boundaries

• While online gaming communities offer valuable social connections, balancing virtual friendships with real-life relationships is essential. Participate in games that foster teamwork and communication and make time for face-to-face interactions with family and friends.
  

4. Use Gaming as a Tool for Stress Relief

• Leverage gaming as a deliberate strategy for relaxation and decompression. Choose gaming sessions to unwind after fulfilling daily responsibilities or as a reward for accomplishing tasks.
  

5. Be Mindful of Gaming Content

• Pay attention to the content of the games you play and how they affect your emotional state. Games that inspire or relax you are preferable to those that may induce anxiety or aggression.
  

6. Engage in Physical Exercise

• Counteract the sedentary nature of gaming with regular physical activity. Integrating exercise into your daily routine can enhance physical and mental health, providing a healthy balance to gaming sessions.
  

7. Monitor Gaming Impact

• Regularly assess how gaming affects your life, including sleep patterns, emotional well-being, and social relationships. If adverse impacts are noticed, consider adjusting your gaming habits accordingly.
  

8. Educate Yourself on Healthy Gaming

• Stay informed about the latest research and advice on healthy gaming practices. Knowledge is power, and understanding the best practices for healthy gaming can guide you toward a more balanced approach.
  

9. Encourage Open Dialogues About Gaming

• Discuss gaming habits with friends or family members. Sharing experiences and strategies for balanced gaming can lead to new insights and reinforce positive gaming habits.
  

By employing these recommendations, gamers can ensure that their gaming experiences remain a positive, enriching part of a well-rounded lifestyle. 

Happy Gaming, and I hope to meet you soon! - Lady D.