An Emotional Reset Button: The Cathartic Power Of Video Games

Throughout life, you will very likely go through all kinds of different emotions. It would be pretty boring if every day had the same numb feeling, of course.

From work to your personal life, emotions can build up quietly in the background and linger longer than we expect. Over the years, we must look for ways to release the pressure and relax somewhat. Video games can act as a cathartic method of resetting and giving your feelings a safe place to recover. 

Whether you prefer stories and adventures or gentle online games, this kind of enjoyment can help you process stress efficiently. Instead of bottling things up and never doing anything about it, players can channel their energy into enjoyable progress and exciting choices. Delving into an immersive world can create a reset that emotionally cleanses and refreshes. Here are a few specific ways video games can provide a real feeling of catharsis:

A Real Release Of Frustration 

Video games can be frustrating at times. They allow you to be frustrated in a way that can be expressed safely. Any kind of failure or loss can be seen as something to improve on. The stakes are entirely digital and do not really matter in the grand scheme, so you can move forward without causing any genuine harm. This cycle of attention and release can ultimately feel cleansing and cathartic. 

Stories That Move You 

Narrative games have the same power that movies and TV shows have. They invite you into emotional journeys that can mirror your own experiences in all kinds of ways. The beautiful characters and difficult choices you are tasked with can make the journey feel personal. You will experience joy, grief, and loss. When you allow yourself to feel alongside the characters, you might unlock emotions that you didn’t know were there. 

Burning Off Stress With A Little Action 

Playing video games isn’t exactly going to burn off hundreds of calories, but it will exercise you in small ways. Even by sitting still, you will go through subtle muscle tension and release. These kinds of movements can help to discharge built-up stress. If ever you are going through a stressful situation, the pent-up stress can be released instead of staying trapped. After a few games, you might feel as though you are not as restless as you were. 

Choices That Restore A Sense Of Control 

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, it’s typically because of the uncertainty in front of you and knowing you have little control over what happens. Video games can counter this by giving you the opportunity to decide how things end up. Even the smallest decisions are yours. When this kind of thing happens regularly, you can build some confidence knowing that your choices matter and genuinely do shape what happens around you. When you find yourself feeling as though there is no light at the end of a particular tunnel, this new habit can give you an extra sense of positivity and control. You will never be able to control every single outcome in your life, but you will feel a lot more comfortable when any kind of uncertainty comes your way in the future. 

Repetitive Actions For A Calmer Mind

While some games have plenty of things to do each time, there are a few games that rely on repeated actions in order to get things done. Some examples of this are actions like crafting or farming. Some people might even find themselves hooked on digital card games such as Blackjack or Balatro. These loops can feel very calming and cathartic amid a difficult time in your life. The predictability that comes with repetition provides us all with a sense of safety and comfort. You know what is coming next, so you are not a nervous wreck while you are playing. It can be somewhat soothing as your thoughts slow down and your breathing calms. 

Connection That Provides A Sense Of Purpose 

Many multiplayer games put you in the perfect position to share moments with others. Whether you complete a cooperative mission or win a game of capture the flag, you can create a sense of belonging that all but removes loneliness. Because you will be interacting through gameplay, each social interaction can feel less intimidating as there is something to do alongside talking. Even the smallest experiences like this can remind you that you are not alone and that there are thousands of people just like you nearby. That reminder can be very comforting if you are ever going through a difficult time and need some kind of release. 

A Space That Allows You To Explore Feelings 

Games are not all the same in that they can provide all kinds of stories that make you feel different kinds of ways. They can create environments where players face fears and battle through conflicts. They give you the opportunity to approach emotions that might seem overwhelming in the real world. By working through these themes and ideas in a more simulated world, players can test their responses. You can build a significant amount of emotional flexibility through these rehearsals. When it’s time to face these sorts of feelings outside the game, you will have the experience. 

Clear Endings For Closure 

As much as we hope for them, life rarely provides us with neat and straightforward conclusions. There’s always a great area or a blurred line. Most endings leave people with lingering emotions that are never resolved. Video games, however, can provide you with the ending you feel you deserve. Whether it’s simply the ending of a particular level or an entire story, you leave with a sense of completion and contentment. Every single person on this planet craves closure, and closure in video games can feel very satisfying. Achieving a particular goal or finishing off a strong narrative arc can allow your emotions to settle. When you experience enough moments of completion, your brain may become conditioned to expect emotional cycles to end instead of hanging onto something for too long.