-> refocus the stress response to a fleeting danger
video games are filling this role for me (and i exercise separately void of danger). although i used to get caught in feedback loops of too much gaming leading to decreased performance of responsibilities leading to more stress leading to more video games to destress.
that said, i still recommend them. just be aware of the potential cycle and stay disciplined about using them as a tool! Also, dont get so caught up in what youre "supposed" to do in the game such that it becomes another source of stress.
works with a variety of games for me. my preference historically has been competitive shooters with team communications (CSGO, Halo), strategy games (Civ5), survival games (minecraft, v rising), RPGs (elden ring, skyrim, Divinity Original Sin: 2)
games are the perfect environment to push a comfort zone, trust your gut, be wrong, suffer consequences, and bounce back from it. this seems to be critical for me. I think a lot of games would work. I love trying new games for this reason, and tend not to "complete" games unless it's convenient to.
i find the catharsis is heavily dependent on how i play the game. I try to challenge myself on my own terms, like shadow boxing, while maintaining a respect for the game and playing along. I try not to be stressed about performing my best, nor completely careless. I honestly rarely try to perform at my best, but do try to keep it rare rather than never.
It can be an exercise in and of itself to maintain an appropriate amount of care and effort throughout the entire experience. I slip up one way or the other at some point and it feels good to catch myself and reset mentally.
edit: it also helps that it is usually the last thing i do for the day and i go into it feeling satisfied about what ive done the rest of the day (closed work for the day, exercised, chores, hygiene)
video games are filling this role for me (and i exercise separately void of danger). although i used to get caught in feedback loops of too much gaming leading to decreased performance of responsibilities leading to more stress leading to more video games to destress.
that said, i still recommend them. just be aware of the potential cycle and stay disciplined about using them as a tool! Also, dont get so caught up in what youre "supposed" to do in the game such that it becomes another source of stress.