Research done at Canadian academic institution, McGill University in Quebec, found that online gaming helps to relieve stress. They even went so far as to say that online gaming, including gambling, is a healthy way to relax after a particularly stressful time.
This is good news for online casino operators who have had to fight the reputation of being dangerous and highly addictive. The fact is that there will always be those people who gamble too much and make poor financial decisions. But, like anything, gambling in moderation can be good for your health.
Obviously there is the kind of stress that cannot be relieved by playing games online but the study specifically looked at the everyday type of stress. Stress from a long workday or a busy commute was actually noted to decrease in people who spent some time playing online games. In fact, cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone, was noted to drop approximately 17 percent.
This study should not be taken lightly, especially when you consider the harmful effects of stress on the body. Stress can make people overeat which, in turn, leads to heart problems. It is also a common factor of excessive drinking, which can lead to destructive behaviour.
The next time a friend or family member gives you a hard time for looking to online games as a stress reliever, simply tell them that online gaming is your version of yoga.
