When life gets overwhelming, many of us instinctively reach for a controller. Whether it's before a big job interview, during a stressful week, while recovering from an illness, or simply after a rough day, games have a unique ability to quiet the noise and give our minds somewhere else to focus.

In this episode of Lore & Order, we explore why games are such powerful tools for coping with stress, anxiety, pain, and uncertainty. We discuss the psychology of attention, flow state, and distraction, uncover fascinating historical examples of games being used to endure hardship, and examine the difference between healthy escapism and unhealthy avoidance.

Along the way, we share personal stories of how gaming helped us through difficult periods, from major life transitions and medical recovery to anxiety, grief, and everyday stress.