{"id":62919,"date":"2020-06-11T07:10:24","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T06:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/?p=62919"},"modified":"2020-06-11T07:10:24","modified_gmt":"2020-06-11T06:10:24","slug":"how-video-games-can-boost-your-brain-during-lockdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2020\/06\/how-video-games-can-boost-your-brain-during-lockdown\/","title":{"rendered":"How Video Games Can Boost Your Brain During Lockdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

During this strange and worrying pandemic era, there isn\u2019t a lot to do. Sure, times are changing a little, and we\u2019re able to do a few more things \u2013 the restrictions have been lifted somewhat, but we\u2019re still kind of limited regarding what we can and cannot do. With that said, we\u2019re stuck using our imagination and coming up with domestic activities to fill the void of fun.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A pastime that has been super popular over the years, and is continuing to grow, is the video gaming world. Video games used to be for a select fraternity, but are now seemingly everyone\u2019s cup of tea. They\u2019ve become a lot more popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic due to the fact that all you need is a home, a console, a controller, and some electricity!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s somewhat of a stigma surrounding video games, but they actually do a lot more good than harm. Want to know a little more about this? Well, here are some points for you to sink your teeth into:<\/span><\/p>\n

Hand-Eye Coordination\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Everyone could do with their cognitive skills improving, and something as basic as <\/span>hand-eye coordination<\/span><\/a> can go very far. It can transcend the hobby of video games and built up abilities in other areas of life. Many sports require such a trait as well as many jobs. You need to be able to press the right things at the right times, and video games train the brain into doing so very well. It\u2019s not just a case of mashing a button all the time anymore \u2013 it\u2019s almost becoming an art.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reflexes!\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

This is similar to what we were just talking about before, but a little different in that it can make someone a lot sharper mentally and physically. It helps to have your wits about you in this life, and these kinds of games can speed you up a little. It can, again, boost skills away from video games \u2013 many ball games require a sharp brain and fast physically, after all. It may seem as though someone is just staring into the abyss when they\u2019re concentrating on a game, but they\u2019re certainly not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reading And Listening Skills\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

A lot of games have compelling stories that players can follow along with. If you pop your <\/span>reading glasses<\/span><\/a> on and get involved, you too could become encapsulated in a beautiful narrative. Subtitles are an option, which is very handy as it can teach someone (slowly over time) how to become a lot more competent with words. The charisma from the characters can also drip onto the player.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Information also comes from the game by way of instructions, so a video game player is always taking in written information while their game is plugged in and running.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bringing Out Passions\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Video games have a knack of making people want to emulate what\u2019s on the screen. Take <\/span>Guitar Hero<\/span><\/a> or Tony Hawk\u2019s Pro Skater, for instance. Those two played a huge part in getting people into music and skateboarding, respectively. It can ignite a fire inside a person.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

During this strange and worrying pandemic era, there isn\u2019t a lot to do. Sure, times are changing a little, and we\u2019re able to do a few more things \u2013 the restrictions have been lifted somewhat, but we\u2019re still kind of limited regarding what we can and cannot do. With that said, we\u2019re stuck using our imagination and coming up with domestic activities to fill the void of fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":62923,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2746,10377],"tags":[24580,1470,2421,22360,25107,24447],"class_list":["post-62919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorial","category-entertainment","tag-covid-19","tag-editorial","tag-entertainment","tag-games","tag-guitar-hero","tag-video-games"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/video-game.jpg?fit=1050%2C700&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5yMhl-gmP","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":60926,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2020\/03\/editorial-our-stance-on-live-music-during-the-current-pandemic\/","url_meta":{"origin":62919,"position":0},"title":"Editorial: Our Stance On Live Music During The Current Pandemic","author":"Lisa Hafey","date":"16\/03\/2020","format":false,"excerpt":"If there's one thing we really love here at Essentially Pop, it's going out to see live performances, to take photos (especially if we're in the press pit) and relive the experience, by writing it down and sharing it with our readers.","rel":"","context":"In "Editorial"","block_context":{"text":"Editorial","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/editorial\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/covid-19.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/covid-19.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/covid-19.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/covid-19.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/covid-19.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63041,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2020\/06\/6-ways-to-support-your-favourite-artists-bands-during-lockdown\/","url_meta":{"origin":62919,"position":1},"title":"6 Ways To Support Your Favourite Artists\/Bands During Lockdown","author":"Essentially Pop","date":"14\/06\/2020","format":false,"excerpt":"With tours cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, it's difficult to know how to support our favourite musical artists. Amy has come up with 6 ways we can show our love to our faves, and help them in this trying time.","rel":"","context":"In "Editorial"","block_context":{"text":"Editorial","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/editorial\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/HOW-TO.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/HOW-TO.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/HOW-TO.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/HOW-TO.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/HOW-TO.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63067,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2020\/06\/here-are-4-amazing-ways-on-how-to-support-music-during-the-covid-19\/","url_meta":{"origin":62919,"position":2},"title":"Here Are 4 Amazing Ways On How To Support Music During The COVID-19","author":"Essentially Pop","date":"15\/06\/2020","format":false,"excerpt":"During these heartbreaking and fearful times, a lovely soothing song is all one needs. Music is fundamental to a weary soul as it boosts one's spirits to live and conquer another day. Musicians across the globe are also feeling the full effect of the coronavirus pandemic. In as much as\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Editorial"","block_context":{"text":"Editorial","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/editorial\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/concert.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/concert.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/concert.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/concert.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/concert.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":79809,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2023\/01\/charles-greene-lets-us-know-that-with-new-album-created-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-the-door-is-always-open\/","url_meta":{"origin":62919,"position":3},"title":"Charles Greene Lets Us Know That With New Album Created During The Covid-19 Pandemic, ‘The Door Is Always Open’","author":"Lisa Hafey","date":"18\/01\/2023","format":false,"excerpt":"We all found ourselves at a loose end during the Covid-19 pandemic, with plenty of time on our hands. Some of us turned our hands to baking, others gardening, or handcrafts. Charles Greene likewise found himself with plenty of time to do something new, and the result was his new\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Album Of The Week"","block_context":{"text":"Album Of The Week","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/album-of-the-week\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Charles Greene","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-5-e1674036154158.png?fit=878%2C878&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-5-e1674036154158.png?fit=878%2C878&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-5-e1674036154158.png?fit=878%2C878&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-5-e1674036154158.png?fit=878%2C878&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":72595,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2021\/11\/rofi-james-want-to-get-away-from-it-all-with-new-single-berlin-wall-out-today\/","url_meta":{"origin":62919,"position":4},"title":"Rofi James Want To Get Away From It All With New Single ‘Berlin Wall’ Out Today","author":"Lisa Hafey","date":"26\/11\/2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Back in 2018 we got to chat to Galway band, Rofi James, when they were performing as part of a showcase set up by Irish Music Party. You can check out that interview here. Now we're happy to share with you their new single, 'Berlin Wall', released today.","rel":"","context":"In "Music"","block_context":{"text":"Music","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rofi-James-Berlin-Wall.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rofi-James-Berlin-Wall.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rofi-James-Berlin-Wall.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rofi-James-Berlin-Wall.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rofi-James-Berlin-Wall.png?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":77785,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2022\/09\/dulcie-taylor-taps-into-our-own-yearning-for-a-soft-place-to-fall-with-her-latest-release\/","url_meta":{"origin":62919,"position":5},"title":"Dulcie Taylor Taps Into Our Own Yearning For A ‘Soft Place To Fall’ With Her Latest Release","author":"Lisa Hafey","date":"26\/09\/2022","format":false,"excerpt":"We've all felt it during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we're all still feeling it now, with Covid still very much a thing, and now the looming cost of living crisis, and wars breaking out all over the world. There is a sense of hopelessness in the air, but we aren't\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Music"","block_context":{"text":"Music","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dulcie-Taylor-SPTF-photo-2-horiz-mid-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dulcie-Taylor-SPTF-photo-2-horiz-mid-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dulcie-Taylor-SPTF-photo-2-horiz-mid-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dulcie-Taylor-SPTF-photo-2-horiz-mid-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dulcie-Taylor-SPTF-photo-2-horiz-mid-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62919"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62919\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}