"Gaming & Happy Hormones" Topic

Ciara McCabe, professor of neuroscience, psychopharmacology and mental health at the University of Reading, says it's likely that serotonin levels are relatively fixed. "What we do know is that if you engage in what you consider subjectively rewarding, pleasurable experiences, you will probably release some of those chemicals involved in enjoyment, calmness or contentment." And if you make a habit of doing those things – whether it's playing with your cat, winning at Monopoly or canoeing – even the anticipation and cues associated with them will become pleasurable.

The Guardian: link

What a surprise! Who would have thought it? Personally, I already knew stroking my cat, Trevor, makes me feel good but I find Monopoly far less pleasurable, so I'll pass on that, thanks.

I'd heard drugs were easy to get in the UK. Now I have proof. "Winning at Monopoly?" She does realize that means one player with elevated serotonin levels and three with elevated blood pressure, doesn't she? And I've been in RPGs and miniatures games where the ratio was even worse.

I have a Monopoly set. It's the Star Wars Collector Edition from 199-something. I bought it "because Star Wars." I've never played it, and never will, because Monopoly is BORING.

However, I freely acknowledge my inner games puppy. If I happen to drive through the area of my town where Nashcon used to be held, my inner puppy sits up and says "Games?" I have to hush it and say, "No. No games today." And my inner puppy feels sad.
But when I'm driving to a buddy's house for game night, my inner puppy is very happen indeed.

+1 Parzival!

OMG! Parzival, we also have the Star War Collector's edition of Monopoly because it is Star Wars. We also have the Russian edition for reasons. We played the SW one once, and it sucks the same as regular Monotony.

Eternity /EE-turn-ih-tee/ n. 1. The endless expanse of time. 2. The fourth hour of a game of Monopoly.