Whether you’re a professional gamer or a hobbyist, you may define yourself as this and this alone. And even if you don’t, society still looks at you as a gamer and nothing more. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it misses the point of what gaming can do. You already know there are many other activities to try, but you prefer sitting at your computer or console and testing your skills and your mind against friends or the AI.
Yet, you may have other interests. Even if gaming is your number one hobby, there are other things you enjoy doing, and gaming can enhance your experience to make you even better. If you’re looking for more reasons to embrace the digital world, here are some ways gaming can improve your other hobbies.
You’re More Open to Different Things
Every gamer starts playing one game, but the more they learn, the more they explore. This also works for trying new things as you have had positive experiences doing something different in the past, so this is no different.
There’s an assumption that gamers only play games and nothing else, but this is far from the truth. Trying new things can be directly influenced by gaming. If you’d never played Madden, you might never have tried American Football. If you didn’t play SSX in your youth, snowboarding may have been the lowest priority. Through gaming, you have experienced more than many non-gamers do at all.
It Can Introduce You to New People
Similarly, those who don’t get gaming struggle to understand how easily it connects you to the rest of the world. Making online friends has become easier throughout the years, and with gaming lobbies (as toxic as some of them can be), you can meet interesting people from all over the world.
Not only will you meet new people, but you’ll also be exposed to new ideas that can transform your worldview. If you started gaming young and lived a sheltered existence, this is a fantastic way to educate yourself and prepare you for the real world.
You Can Learn The Rules Faster
Starting a new hobby is always intimidating, especially hobbies that are full of rules that seem impossible to keep track of. Take soccer as an example. Fouls, yellows cards, red cards, substitutes, and the offside rule can trip newbies up if they aren’t careful. But if you play FIFA or Pro Evolution, you can learn the rules much faster. You may not have the skills yet but that will come with practice, especially as you will make fewer mistakes because you’re aware of what’s okay and what isn’t.
Your Reaction Times Improve
Many games include fast-paced activities where you need to move, point, aim, and shoot within just a few seconds. The same goes for survival games where you need to be on your toes when turning every corner.
Playing these games regularly will naturally increase your reaction times. The more you [play, the quicker your mind and body will be, meaning you can improve your ability when playing fast-paced sports or doing other activities. Not only this, but games can also make you a better and safer driver as long as you can separate rally car racing from a trip to the supermarket.
You Can Boost Your Creativity
The more you experience other worlds and stories while gaming, the more creative you’ll be. At first, you may find that you lift ideas directly from the stories you play, but you’ll gradually evolve as an artist and creative, reaching a point when you will have no trouble telling your own stories.
This is similar to reading books or watching movies. If you’re interested in writing, you can turn to video games, especially any video games that align with your genre. The nature of video games makes them the perfect resource for anyone who wants to write fantasy or sci-fi, but survival horror and adventure resources are also plentiful.
You Improve Problem-Solving Skills
You don’t need to play sports to get the benefits of video games. Solving overcoming puzzles is an integral part of video game culture, and this can apply to your day-to-day life or any hobbies that put your mind to work.
Even if you’re only concerned with completing brainteasers before bed or beating your kids at chess for the hundredth time, video games encourage your brain to think differently. This can become one of the most reliable and powerful tools at your disposal and helps you ensure you get to the correct answer before anyone else.
It Provides a Manageable Balance
If you want to make the most of all your hobbies, you should find a way to balance them successfully. However, you know how difficult this can be, especially if you’ve just purchased a brand-new game and want to get through it as quickly as possible.
This balance can be beneficial, though. It allows you to prioritize what to play or do when which also means you can avoid spending all day doing something that could cause problems later. As enjoyable as gaming is, you don’t want to ignore other responsibilities, so treating it as a reward for a day of hard work can make finding balance much easier.
You Increase Your Downtime Options
You can also maximize your downtime options. If you’re having a lazy day or are confined to bed after an injury and waiting on a response from a motorcycle accident attorney, video games give you a chance to keep your mind active even if you can’t do anything else.
This can stop you from getting restless if you’re stuck inside and makes any planned or unexpected downtime more enjoyable and manageable.
The Best Hobby
Most people who play games swear by it as being the best thing to do. You get the chance to escape to another world and test your skills against a host of creatures and other players. Not only this, but it also gives many people the tools to excel in other areas and hobbies, so remember this the next time someone tells you to switch your computer off because you’ve got your method for self-improvement.
