Playing games on your phone may be more effective at relieving stress than mindfulness apps.
recruited 45 college students and gave them all a 15-minute math test to trigger a higher level of stress, then split them into three groups. One played a shape-fitting game called “Block! Hexa Puzzle,” a second used the Headspace mindfulness app, and the third was given fidget-spinners, with each group participating in their activities for 10 minutes.Those who played the game reported feeling energized.
In a second part of the study, 20 working professionals were recruited and again divided into the groups, but this time were asked to play the games, listen to the mindfulness app, or use the fidget-spinner for 10 minutes after arriving home from work. They did this for five days and recorded how they felt after.Those who played the game reported feeling more relaxed by the end of the week than those in the other two groups.
“The takeaway message for us is that, far from being a waste of time, even very simple casual games have the potential to be helpful in dissipating , and are more effective than a mindfulness app,” lead researcher Emily Collins, Ph.D., of the University of Bath toldShe said the difference is likely related to the four factors needed for successful recovery after stress or a day of work: psychological detachment,Mindfulness apps may prompt relaxation, Collins said, but games tend to have all four, since people tend to feel like they’re developing skills when playing a game, giving that sense of mastery.
—the answer might be right in your hands. Whip out your smartphone and fire up a game that tests your skill and immerses your attention. You don’t want to go much beyond the 10 minutes used in the study though: Prior
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