Sometimes all it takes to get in the right mood is a nice little video game. This is what Google’s football game – a mobile-only companion for Euro 2024 – did to me when I was feeling groggy and lazy in the morning.
This was not the first time it happened, but I keep forgetting how easy it is to get calm back. Familiar music and favorite movie scenes seem to have the same effect on me. I was intrigued so I looked up the science behind it.
The Medical News Today article How video games affect the brain mentions research that found a link between video games and mood.
There is evidence to suggest that video games may be a viable treatment for depression and improve memory and mood in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
The WebMD article Are There Mental Health Benefits of Video Games? also has notes similarly:
Despite what people may think, playing video games boosts your mood and has lasting effects. Whether you’re using gaming to spend time with your friends or to release some stress, it’s a great option.
The next time you are feeling low or lazy or find yourself cursing humanity, go play a quick game. You literally have the license to kill.