Finding a balance between your online gaming life and the real world can be difficult, but it’s an important skill to learn. If you’re constantly playing games for hours on end without spending time outside or with friends and family, then you might start feeling lonely and disconnected from the world around you.
So here are seven tips that will help you find this all-important balance so that you can enjoy both worlds more fully:
Uphold your end of the house chore bargain
If you have an agreement with your family about who is doing what, then live up to it. Doing so will keep you on track for completing your chores and keep the peace with the people around you. Don’t neglect your duties just for the sake of some virtual conquest or loot drop.
For instance, you’re in charge of yard maintenance. To make the task easier, you can invest in battery leaf blowers to do the work for you. This can help you save time and energy; plus, it can make the task more enjoyable. So, before you step out of the house to engage in your favorite virtual world, be sure to take care of your responsibilities first.
Improve your sleeping and eating habits
A healthy lifestyle will improve your gameplay by increasing your focus and concentration. You can do this in two ways: eating healthily and getting enough sleep each night. Don’t let your snacking habits be the cause of premature death during a boss fight. Make sure you’re well-fed, hydrated, and rested before engaging in PvP combat.
You don’t have to follow a pre-game meal plan, but make sure your meals are balanced. Start with a lean protein source such as fish or chicken, and add vegetables and carbohydrates. Don’t forget to drink water; try to consume at least eight glasses of water every day.
Balance work or school responsibilities and playtime
Your life outside of your computer screen should be fulfilling in its own right; it shouldn’t be an escape from your work or academics. So make sure you’re not neglecting homework or assignments in favor of your online life.
If you want to stay on top of your real-world responsibilities, then you need to be proactive and use proper time management skills to balance work with playtime.
Make time for hobbies outside of online gaming
You may be passionate about your online world of choice. But if you want to find a balance between gaming and the real world, having other interests is essential. Try to pick up a new hobby or learn an existing skill that isn’t related to hitting your keyboard or game controller.
For instance, if you like to code, you can find a local programming group or start teaching yourself the coding language of your choice. If you’re more interested in reading and writing, then pick out a new book from your favorite author or look for a local book club that meets regularly to discuss literature.
Disconnect from your online friends after gaming sessions
It’s easy to get lost in the virtual world, but you shouldn’t lose sight of your real-world relationships. Make sure that you maintain friendships and other relationships outside of online gaming. Don’t let these connections fade away with time.
The most important part of this tip is keeping a healthy balance between the two worlds. Treating every online adventure as if it’s your last one can make you lose touch with friends or family. So, spend time with them away from your computer screen and put down the mouse when it’s time to enjoy their company.
Maintain good hygiene to stay healthy on and offline
No one wants to smell like they’ve been rotting in their room all day. Take the time to shower, brush your teeth, and wash your face before engaging in multiplayer games instead of staying in-game for too long. You’ll feel refreshed during the game session, and it will help improve your hygiene in general.
Not only that, but it’ll also help increase your internet speed. If you’re experiencing lag while playing online games, it could be due to the amount of clutter on your computer or network device. So, if you haven’t already, take the time to clean up your computer and clear out any unnecessary programs.
Spend more time outdoors or in nature
There’s no need to climb a mountain or go on an extended hike. Just taking a few minutes to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your mental health. Some people find it easier to relax by spending time in nature, so give it a try once in a while.
If you live near a body of water, spending time by the beach or on a boat is another way to achieve balance. You can even take advantage of YouTube videos that are relaxing to help you wind down after hours spent playing online games.
Hopefully, these tips can help you find the balance between your online gaming life and the real world. Through these simple techniques, you should find a way to maintain a healthy life outside of games while still having fun in the online world.
