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Happy Neuron concentrates on brain fitness to challenge
the brain and keep it in top gear at all times.
Increasingly,
scientific evidence tells us that we can dramatically
increase the probability of staying mentally and
physically fit throughout our lives. Most of us would
probably
say that mental fitness and agility translate directly
to
quality of life and more fulfilling experiences.
Physical exercise, good nutrition, social connection
with others,
and mental stimulation all play important parts
in ensuring that our brains remain sharp and agile.
In
fact, there
is good evidence which points to it building brain
reserve, our brain's ability to generate new connections
and
pathways, as extra reserve capacity that will help
us remain sharp
throughout our lives.
"Use it or lose it" applies to muscles in our bodies
as well as to neural pathways and connections
in our brains. And what is more exhilarating than
learning something new? At every stage of our lives
scientists
all over the world agree that the evidence is
now overwhelming: mentally stimulating lives "boost
brain power". Numerous landmark studies have found
that
engaging in mentally stimulating activities throughout
our lives can help keep our minds sharp. HeadsUp
provides you with five of the most popular Happy
Neuron games that have been developed by respected
cognitive scientists to help your keep you mind
sharp. |
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PopCap, an online gaming company with a base in Ireland,
commissioned research from the University of East Carolina
in order to test
the effect of casual video games on participants' stress
levels and mood ratings. Results were calculated using
state of the art technologies that measured heart rate
variability (HRV), electroencephalography (EEG) and
subjects' mood states pre- and post-activity. In all
cases, the
changes in stress levels and mood were measured in
comparison to a control group that experienced a web-based
activity
similar in physical and mental nature to the game-playing
groups. Bejeweled in particular was found to be stress
reducing while Peggle and Bookworm Adventures did not
reduce subjects' physical stress levels significantly
but did affect psychological tension, depression and
other aspects of mood, in some cases dramatically.
Peggle had the greatest effect on psychological tension,
with
study subjects who played that game averaging a 66%
reduction compared to a 36% reduction among those who
played Bejeweled 2 and a 24% reduction among players
of Bookworm Adventures. Specifically with respect to
Peggle, female subjects
accounted for two thirds of the overall reduction in
tension after playing that game. Bejeweled 2 and Peggle
had similarly positive effects on subjects' anger levels,
reducing anger by 65% and 63%, respectively. Bookworm
Adventures had a more modest effect, reducing anger
by 33%. Among female subjects, Peggle produced the
greatest
anger reduction at 86%. Men experienced the greatest
reduction of anger while playing Bejeweled 2 at 63%.
So there's the proof - computer games can be beneficial.
Bejeweled, Peggle and Bookworm Adventures are available
on the HeadsUp website for your entertainment and
mental well-being! Enjoy. |
