Short video games breaks during work may combat stress

Feeling stressed during the workday? Playing video games may help, say scientists who suggest that engaging in such enjoyable activities during short breaks can help employees recharge themselves.

People regularly experience cognitive fatigue related to stress, frustration, and anxiety while at work.

Those in safety-critical fields, such as air traffic control and health care, are at an even greater risk for cognitive fatigue, which could lead to errors.

Given the amount of time that people spend playing games on their smartphones and tablets, researchers wanted to evaluate whether casual video game play is an effective way to combat workplace stress during rest breaks.

Researchers from University of Central Florida in the US used a computer-based task to induce cognitive fatigue in 66 participants, who were then given a five-minute rest break.

During the break, participants either played a casual video game called Sushi Cat, participated in a guided relaxation activity, or sat quietly in the testing room without using a phone or computer.

At various times throughout the experiment, the researchers measured participants' affect (eg stress level, mood) and cognitive performance.

Those who took a silent rest break reported that they felt less engaged with work and experienced worry as a result, whereas those who participated in the guided relaxation activity saw reductions in negative affect and distress.

Only the video game players reported that they felt better after taking the break.

"We often try to power through the day to get more work finished, which might not be as effective as taking some time to detach for a few minutes," said Michael Rupp, a doctoral student at the University of Central Florida.

"People should plan short breaks to make time for an engaging and enjoyable activity, such as video games, that can help them recharge," said Rupp.

The study was published in the journal Human Factors.