Do Games Really Help Lower Our Cortisol?
August 20, 2026
Coping Mechanisms Are Indeed Vital!
School can sometimes be stressful, especially when we have many assignments, exams, and responsibilities to deal with. When we feel stressed, our body can react in different ways. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), stress is a physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or dealing with a difficult situation.
One way some students cope with stress is by playing games. Games can give us a short break from schoolwork and allow our minds to focus on something enjoyable. However, playing a game does not automatically mean that our cortisol levels will decrease. The effect of an activity can be different for each person.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy coping skills, problem-solving, managing emotions, and supportive relationships can help promote mental well-being during adolescence.
Games can still be one possible way to relax when used responsibly. There are also many other ways to cope with stress, such as listening to music, exercising, talking to someone we trust, getting enough sleep, or simply taking some quiet time.
Coping mechanisms are important because stress is a normal part of life, especially as students. Games can be a fun way to take a break, but they should be balanced with sleep, school responsibilities, exercise, and time with others. Taking care of ourselves means finding healthy ways to relax without letting one activity take over our daily lives.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health. I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health.
NIMH — I’m So Stressed Out! - World Health Organization. Mental Health of Adolescents. September 1, 2025.
WHO — Mental Health of Adolescents
