This is not for everyone, and I have young children so have been exposed to it everyday, but recently during my recovery I have been playing puzzle and adventure games on a console platform. Although, I haven't noticed any conspicuous improvements to my recovery after playing, I have found that while playing my mind is distracted and I feel better for it at the time. There are lots of good "point-and-click" games that require eye movement and focus, puzzle-platform games work on coordination and puzzle-adventure games work on memory and cognitive function. I also find that the "reward" function in the games release endorphins which are analgesic if I have brain fog. The obstacle is finding the right games that appeal to you. I have criteria; I like a specific atmosphere (hand-drawn animation is pleasant), there has to be a good story, the games need to be able to be finished (so not "open-world", it must be able to be "clocked" like completing a story), pleasant music, and an interesting world. I'm not always in the mood to play but when I am, I find I can whittle away a few hours, relaxed and comfortable, immersed in the story. Just thought I would share this with any survivors who do play or those who may consider taking the plunge.
Hi Rups, I also play games most days, mainly in the evening and find I can waste away a good couple of hours. I am playing Twodots and Dig this at the moment ( both free though you can pay for extras like a lot of games ) and I do daily jigsaws. I find it helps me think things through and helps with my memory. I don't normally have the sound on.
I’m considering going back to my passion of Sony plantation gaming
I need to find a one handed controller so I don’t need my left arm.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Sony have an official Access Controller which is decently priced for a joy-con. The packaging is also designed to be opened with one hand. However, the reviews are mixed. There are others on the market, but not sure how good they are. The Nintendo Switch has the best design for one handed gaming because the joy-cons can be separated but if you already have a PlayStation or favour the PlayStation power and game library, it may not suit your taste.
I play games on ps5. It was actually recommended by physio at the start to get my motor skills back.
When I first tried I was gutted as my hand couldn’t go as fast as it needed to/how it used to be. Luckily that came back.
Now I play regularly with mates and as you say it’s a great distraction. For the time I’m on it, I don’t think about anything else. Like playing guitar etc.
I see it as a kind of meditation, during periods when my condition has been the most challenging, I have passed the time, relatively, calm and distracted by playing games in bed. It’s a whole different kind of thinking and I find the quests and puzzles a worthy way to keep the mind limber.
I’m wedded to Sony these past 26 years so I’ll look into. The accessibility controllers and se how they fit with my left side disabilities