How Gaming and Esports Can Jumpstart Your Brain in the Morning

Most of us struggle to get going in the morning. Whether you're a student trying to focus in first-period math or an adult staring at a screen with your coffee, shaking off that early brain fog can be tough. Growing up, my lowest mark was always my first period class. But what if gaming—something many consider just entertainment—could actually help wake up your brain and boost your focus for the day? The thought sparked in my head when I read a study about gaming activating your brain, and so I dug a little deeper.

Gaming and Focus: The Science in Simple Terms

Research has shown that playing video games can help train your brain to focus better. One study found that children who played video games regularly scored higher on cognitive tests measuring attention and memory compared to those who didn’t play at all (National Institutes of Health, 2022). This suggests that the mental skills used in gaming—like reacting quickly, solving puzzles, and remembering details—can carry over into real life. Which, if you've read our previous blog posts, you already know. Another study examined how gaming affects brain function and found that action video games, which require quick decision-making, can improve a person’s ability to focus on tasks for longer periods (British Psychological Society, 2023). Think of it like a workout for your brain—gaming exercises different parts of your mind, helping it stay sharp and engaged.

Why Mornings Are Tough (Especially for Students)

If you’ve ever struggled to pay attention in an early morning class, you’re not alone (me included). Research shows that children's brains take longer to wake up and reach peak focus compared to adults. This is why so many students feel sluggish in their first few classes of the day (National Center for Health Research, 2020). Traditional ways of "waking up," like drinking coffee or taking a cold shower, might not work for kids. However, engaging in a stimulating activity—like a short gaming session—could help activate the brain faster. When playing a game, you're making quick decisions, solving problems, and reacting to challenges. This mental engagement helps increase alertness, which could make focusing on schoolwork or other tasks easier.

Gaming as a Morning Brain Booster

Not all games offer the same benefits. Fast-paced action games, strategy-based games, and puzzles challenge the brain in different ways. Here are some types of games that could help jumpstart your morning: • Action Games (like first-person shooters or racing games): Improve reaction time and focus (British Psychological Society, 2023). • Strategy Games (like chess or city-building games): Boost problem-solving and decision-making skills. • Puzzle Games (like Sudoku or Tetris): Strengthen memory and concentration. A short, 15–30 minute gaming session in the morning could act as a warm-up for your brain, much like stretching before a workout. Recently, I have been playing NHL online as soon as i wake up and immediately my mind is stimulated and alert

The Takeaway

Gaming isn’t just a fun hobby—it can also be a tool for improving focus and energy levels, especially in the morning. With scientific research backing up its cognitive benefits, playing the right types of games could help shake off grogginess and prepare your mind for the day ahead. Just like with anything else, balance is key—mixing gaming with healthy habits like exercise and a good breakfast can set you up for success. I would suggest waking up to give yourself enough time to have a good breakfast, shower (preferably cold), and have a 15–30-minute gaming session. So, next time you feel sluggish in the morning, consider swapping your extra snooze button time for a quick gaming session—it might just be the jumpstart your brain needs!

References

British Psychological Society. (2023, March 9). Playing video games may improve attention and memory, new research finds. Retrieved from https://www.bps.org.uk/news/playingvideo-games-may-improve-attention-and-memory-new-research-finds National Institutes of Health. (2022, October 24). Video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/newsevents/news-releases/video-gaming-may-be-associated-better-cognitive-performancechildren National Center for Health Research. (2020). Early morning classes, sleepy students, and risky behaviors. Retrieved from https://www.center4research.org/early-morning-classessleepy-students-risky-behaviors