Image credit: PexelsA team of researchers from the University of Central Florida believes they have found a solution to the cognitive fatigue experienced by most people in stressful work environments.

While most Americans experience cognitive fatigue due to work stress and anxiety, particularly concerning are the levels experienced by employees in high-stress professions such as those in the healthcare and air traffic control fields where cognitive fatigue might possibly result in fatal errors.

Published in the journal Human Factors, Michael Rupp, a doctoral student in human factors and cognitive psychology at the university, and his team observed 66 study participants after having them all participate in a computer-based task meant to induce cognitive fatigue. After the task was completed, the participants were given a five-minute break where they either sat quietly, participated in a relaxation exercise or played a video game (called Sushi Cat).

Of the three groups, only those participants who played the video game reported feeling better after the break.

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

To read more, go to the article "Searching for Affective and Cognitive Restoration: Examining the Restorative Effects of Casual Video Game Play."