We know that gaming has been demonized in the media to the extent where a lot of people believe that gaming is bad. However, this is not the case at all. Gaming itself is not bad, but when things get out of control it has the potential to be bad. That said, this is true for pretty much every single thing out there, as too much of anything is bad for a person.
But, gaming can actually be a fantastic hobby for those who enjoy it for a number of reasons. Everyone enjoys their hobbies because they like to do them, and today we’re going to be looking at some of the plus points for gaming rather than focusing on the negatives like so many others. Ready to get into it? Let’s get started.
Problem Solving
The first reason that gaming can be a fantastic hobby is that it can help with your problem solving skills. There are lots of games out there that exist for you to specifically hone your problem solving skills, helping you become better in this area which you can then transfer to your daily life.
For example, games like sudoku and spider solitaire are fantastic for problem solving because you spend the whole time you are playing trying to figure out the right order for the cards or numbers. Of course, there are many other games that also have this benefit, so that’s something to look into if you’re looking to improve your skills in this area.
We do want you to note though that you have to be patient with yourself. Your problem solving skills are not going to magically sort themselves out and jump up three levels overnight, and you have to be prepared for that. It’s going to take time and consistency to see the results you’re looking for, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Critical Thinking
You will also find that there are plenty of games out there that assist you with your critical thinking. While it might not always be obvious that this is what is happening, if you ever feel like you’re under pressure in a game and you have to make decisions, then you’re working on your thinking. If you ever have to make a decision once you’ve been given a whole load of information, then that’s helping you to work on your critical thinking also.
Sometimes it’s disguised in a way that you don’t realize that it is what it is, and that’s what makes them so clever. You are learning without knowing that you are learning and improving your skills that you can carry over to your daily life. So, it’s not something that you should be worried about, it’s something that you should notice and work on regularly.
Socialization
We bet that you’ve never taken the time to think about the fact that when you play games online with other people, you are actually working on your socializing skills. These are super important because they will impact your daily life. If you know that you’re not the best when it comes to social situations, then you need to think about potentially using gaming as a way to improve this if you’re someone who likes to play online.
Of course, you’ve always got to be wary of strangers and we don’t recommend giving out any kind of personal details unless you’re confident that things are safe. But, sometimes it can help you to improve your leadership as you are more likely to take charge when you don’t feel as though you’re going to be judged by people who know you. At the same time, you may become more confident speaking to people, which will then help you grow in confidence outside of the game as well as inside of the game.
A Lot Of Variety
What makes gaming such a fantastic hobby? Well, aside from playing with your friends, you also have a huge catalogue of games at your fingertips. You may have to do a bit of trial and error to find out what games you like and don’t like. There are many different genres out there, from fantasy to first person shooters. You also need to make sure you are sticking to the age of games that are suitable, so if you have children then don’t play 18 rated ones around them.
Head to your local game shop or even look online to see what games you can get your hands on. Some even have franchises so when you are finished playing one then you can go to the other and keep playing your favorite games.
Things To Watch Out For
Lastly, something to be aware of is the dangers and risks associated with having gaming as a hobby. There are a few risks, even some that can leave you injured so make sure you know these before you start gaming for long sessions. If you use a controller or even a keyboard then your wrists, fingers, and hands aren’t going to be in ergonomically friendly positions. This leaves you open and at risk of developing RSI, which can be really bad in gamers. If you begin to notice a sore wrist then you might need to rest it and take a break from gaming for a little bit.
You also need to be aware of who you are speaking to online, there are a few crazies out there that you need to be careful of. You never know who is on the other side of the screen and the last thing you want to do is say the wrong thing to someone and annoy them. A lot of information can be found out online so you don’t want to put yourself at risk of becoming a target.
We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some ideas on why gaming is a fantastic hobby to have. There can be a lot of joys in gaming and the world is your oyster with all the games available at your fingertips.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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