Video game addiction revelation

I was never that serious of a gamer, but played an hour or so a day. After 2 weeks I never thought about it. Never missed them.

 

Those productive activities you mentioned are having a wife and kids and bills to pay and laundry to do, etc.

You'll look back fondly on being ABLE to game for 6 hours a day. Nowadays, I'm 30 and I am lucky to get in 1 hour of gaming a day.

 

Used to be an obsessive gamer. Haven't games in ages. Infact they bore me now.

I guess its similar to PMO. Go long enough without and your brain no longer sees interest in them.

 

I consider my self a core gamer, and thats the level I feel that I can have functional life along with enjoying playing games, once I dedicated a certain amount of hours set to only playing games in a day then I actually found out I had other hobbies that I've neglected for years and other things I wanted to do and learn but didn't cause I was too busy spending most of my time gaming 7+ hours. I used to be somewhat hardcore and it was kinda ruining my life, I almost loss a job because I spent hours playing a game non stop. Right now my living and financial situation doesn't facilitate my passion for video games but when I do get sorted I will remain sticking to certain amount of time in the day, I found that making a time table like they have in school and work for your life is actually really useful that way I'll never feel like I'm investing way too much time than necessary into something. its like this, that boss in that game isn't going nowhere if I switch off my console or PC right now. Playing video games can be really immersive I know but once you limit the time you spend playing games you'll realise that you'll actually get more enjoyment playing them cause they will feel more like a treat then a task when you implement time management.

 

I've limited my gaming to maximum of two to three hours. Even three seems a bit too much; the only reason I play them is to release stress other then using exercise or reading a book. It depends what mood I'm in really.

 

I play video games casually because I enjoy them. They are a hobby. I got so bad at one point I was playing from the time I got off from work till I went to bed. It was disgusting. I finally realized I had a problem thanks to my SO and I was able get ahold of that addiction and turn it back into a hobby.

Something I've noticed is the most addictive part of that addiction is the online aspect. Playing with friends online. Using a mic and playing online is what sets people up to play for hours. The way I have combated this is I completely stopped playing except for on Tuesdays and Fridays. I would make those my days I would enjoy gaming and Kailey enjoyed watching me.

Then it turned into, I play when I have time, but I can only play with a mic on Tuesdays and Fridays. You will have to find the balance for you. If you truly love games and think of them as more of a hobby then a way to escape, then I'm sure you can get this under control. It feels so good to feel like I want to play and that I'm not just playing because I'm bored or lonely.

You have to find a balance and a schedule. Cut down a lot for awhile and it will help you get used to being in control again.