How Excessive Video Gamers Can Maintain Their Health

The Case of a Gameaholic Turned SEOR

As a former senior analyst in the gaming industry, I can attest to the challenges faced by excessively avid gamers. My personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle began with a simple realization: there was a direct correlation between my gaming habits and my health. By setting real-life 'quests' and 'tasks' that I needed to complete before indulging in my gaming sessions, I managed to control my gaming addiction effectively. These included:

Exercising to keep fit Engaging in hobbies and creating 'Vitality for Gamers' Consuming healthy foods

The approach worked wonders for me. For instance, I would game for no more than an hour, or perhaps two hours on weekends, only after accomplishing at least two of the above tasks. Stripping down my gaming time actually enhanced my enjoyment, and I even started a YouTube channel called 'Calorie Gaming' to spread the message. Since then, I've become more conscious about the balance between gaming and health.

From All-Night Play Seshes to Regular Working Out

Once upon a time, my vacations were consumed by gaming. I would stay up until 3 PM and sleep late, only breaking for bathroom and meals, playing video games endlessly with my friends. Though I recognized the negative impact on my health, I found it hard to resist. The constant screen time harmed my eyes, and my wrist ached. Moreover, my back and eyes suffered from the sedentary lifestyle. I was unwell but could not bring myself to break my gaming routine.

Fast-forward to the present, and the picture is quite different. With school and my dedication to fitness dominating my schedule, I now exercise five times a week—often in my breaks—and genuinely enjoy it. This newfound enthusiasm for working out has opened new social avenues. Now, I socialize with people I never believed I would have anything in common with, thanks to this newfound interest.

My motivation to stay healthy no longer requires a strong will or external motivation, as I genuinely enjoy the gym. The social aspect of working out has transformed it from a chore into an enjoyable activity.

Balanced Gaming and Fitness: A New Reality

Controlling your gaming time requires a balance. In a day, if you spend an hour at the gym, which is quite common for most people, and subtract that from your day, you are still left with 23 hours for gaming (or 24 if we consider a full day). Even if you only have 6 free hours every day, you can still manage to squeeze in five hours of gaming, which is significant for a gamer. It's all about making time work for you, not against you.

Adopting a balanced approach to gaming can protect your health, while still allowing you to fully enjoy the benefits of the game. If you're like me, and even if you're still struggling with gaming addiction, give these strategies a try. Your health and well-being will thank you.

Remember, a healthy gamer is a happy gamer. Embrace the balance, and enjoy every minute!