Tips on How to Manage a Video Game Addiction

For many people, video games are a staple of personal entertainment. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. For this reason, addiction to playing video games can be a serious issue. Not only does video game addiction drain your free time with your family and friends, but it can also have adverse effects on your finances and physical health. Here are some tips on how to deal with video game addiction and curb the constant urge to pick up that controller.

Evaluate your Game Play Schedule

As an avid gamer, I know firsthand how fast time flies when you are playing. It is easy for several hours to pass in what seems like a short period. For those with video game addictions, it is sometimes difficult to gauge how much time they spend playing each week. The first step to solving any addiction is for the addict to admit that they have a problem and understand how it is affecting their life.

Tip - For one week, keep a notebook next to your game console to record your playing time. Before you begin playing, write down the time you start. When you are done playing, record the time. At the end of the week add up the daily totals to see how much time you spent playing video games during the week. Compare this with the amount of time that you spend at work or with your family. You might be surprised.

Leave Playtime for Home

One step to controlling your video game addiction is to understand that there is a time and a place for playing. Always try to avoid gaming outside of your home. This step alone will help to reduce the amount of you daily playing time. Not only will this help you as you change your gaming habits, it will also keep you out of trouble. For example, video game addicts are more likely to play games from their computer at work. This could get your in trouble with your boss or even fired.

Tip - Do you keep a laptop with you for game time during your lunch break at work? Consider packing a book or going for a walk instead.

Give yourself a Time Limit

Time management is definitely a struggle for people who deal with video game addiction. Give yourself an limited time frame for playing video games each day. For example, you could start by giving yourself an hour of free gaming time each evening after work. You could even allow a slightly longer time on the weekends when you are not working. Set a timer or ask a friend to remind you when your hour is up.

Tip - Just one more level! I know that line all to well. It is hard to stop playing if you haven't reached a game checkpoint yet. Try setting a timer for 50 minutes. When the timer goes off, you will know that you have 10 minutes to complete the level or find a checkpoint.

Reward yourself

Another great method to dealing with a video game addiction is to use game time as a reward for doing something good. For example, reward yourself with an half-hour of game time for exercising for an hour. Since gaming requires a lot of sitting, it is easy to become a game playing couch potato. This option allows you to have a little fun while staying in shape.

Tip - Create a chore list for yourself for the week. Next to each task, write the number of game play minutes that you can earn by completing the task. Make sure that more difficult tasks earn higher 'pay rates'. You will become more motivated to getting your to-do list completed each week. This also works well for college students who feel the urge to play instead of study.

Unlike other addictions, there is no need to give up video games altogether. Hopefully, this guide will help you control your game cravings