Online games addiction is a serious issue that can affect people of all ages. According to a study conducted in the U.S (Center for Mental Health Services), more than 3.5 million U.S adults have experienced gaming addiction at least once in their lifetime. Game addiction is a real thing, and it can have a serious impact on your life. If you find yourself spending more and more time gaming, to the point that it's impacting your work or relationships, then it might be time to take a step back and assess whether or not you're developing an addiction. Even if you don't think you have a problem, it's important to take the steps necessary to ensure that your gaming habits don't become unhealthy. If you've been looking for ways to stop your obsession with games, we're here to help.
3 Basic Steps to Achieve Healthy Gaming Habits
The first step is to understand what it means to have an addiction to online games and how it manifests. The second step is to identify the games that cause you problems. The third and final step is to develop healthy gaming habits that will keep your gaming in check. Let's take a look at each of these steps in more detail!
1. Ask yourself, "Am I addicted to gaming?"
Gaming addiction, also called Internet gaming disorder or pathological gaming, is a pattern of compulsive and uncontrolled use of online games. Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Internet gaming disorder is diagnosed when someone exhibits four or more of the following symptoms in a 12-month period:
Preoccupation with internet games
Cessation or reduction in other activities to play internet games
Loss of control over time spent playing internet games
Irritability while attempting to reduce internet gaming time
Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce playing time
Increased tolerance for internet games (meaning you need to spend more time playing them to feel satisfied)
It is important to assess yourself and seek help from professionals to identify these manifestations of addiction to video games. Others can identify it manifesting in themselves, but often deny its severity. A family member can help you go through this process and eventually seek professional help, if needed.
2. Identify the games that cause you problems.
Some games are more addictive than others, and if you're having trouble with pathological gaming, it can be helpful to find out which games are most likely to cause issues for you. If you're struggling with addiction to online role playing games (RPGs), for example, it may be more effective to focus on reducing your time playing those games rather than trying to curb your time playing all video games.
Different types of game require you to spend different amounts of time playing each round. Instead of just focusing on games that eat too much of your time, you can also try other fun mobile games. Some of these games just span around 2-3 minutes of gametime which you can enjoy without missing out on other activities at home.
These casual games online are totally free and you can play them right away using your mobile browser.
3. Practice healthy gaming habits.
Gaming is one of the most popular forms of entertainment today. With so many different types of games available for mobile devices, PCs and consoles, it's easy to get lost in a virtual world for hours on end. But gaming can also have negative effects on your health if you're not careful.
Good Habits to Keep You From Gaming Addiction
Set limits for yourself. For example, only play for 30 minutes before bed each night and never on weekends.
Find other hobbies. Instead of playing video games after work, try something new, like painting or learning a new language.
Get exercise. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop addictions than those who don't get enough physical activity each day.
Go outside. Being outdoors in nature is good for your mental health and can help prevent gamer disorder because it gives your brain something else to focus on besides video games!
Gaming is no doubt a good form of entertainment, but if it is taking over your life, then you probably need to reevaluate. Try these tips to get more perspective and balance on your gaming habits. Then you can figure out how much time you can spend gaming, and what to do when you have reached your limit.
In the end, it's up to you to control your actions. No one is going to be able to play video games for you. If you feel that you have gaming addiction, you need to take steps toward fixing your behavior. Developing good habits will help you do so. And the sooner the better.