"moderation is key to maintaining a long-lasting passion"
Gaming may be an enjoyable hobby but for some people, they experience gaming burnout.
‘Burnout’ was originally described in the 1970s by a psychologist named Herbert Freudenberger in reference to working professionals.
He used this term to describe how these professionals would feel “burned out”, specifically describing them as exhausted, listless, and unable to cope.
This often occurs in gaming.
We see it happen to streamers, professional gamers in esports and amateur gamers aspiring to compete.
Gaming burnout includes the physical, mental and emotional symptoms of burnout that people experience from everyday life such as exhaustion, stress, depression and feeling overwhelmed or distressed.
However, gaming burnout can also include being tired or bored of playing video games and you’re not alone if you or someone you know are currently struggling with it.
Here are a few ways to avoid gaming burnout.
Limit Non-Gaming Screentime
If gaming is a priority, it’s crucial to manage your online time wisely, especially when it comes to activities like social media.
Shifting abruptly from intense gaming sessions to mindlessly browsing through platforms like Instagram or TikTok can heighten sensations of fatigue and mental exhaustion.
By setting boundaries for other online engagements, you can better sustain your energy levels and mental focus.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, of Online Games, says:
“Going from screen to screen makes us gamers feel more drained and limits our attention span in the long run.”
One of the physical consequences of gaming for long periods is eye strain.
Eye strain could lead to headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and eye issues, which maximise the physical lows of gaming burnout.
Give your eyes a break by not looking at screens when you don’t need to.
Set Time Limits
Setting time limits is essential for maintaining a healthy balance and preventing burnout.
Playing too much can make you feel tired, bored or isolated.
To find a good balance, try scheduling your gaming time according to your priorities, needs and preferences.
For example, you can set a limit on how many hours or sessions you play per day or week, or you can plan your gaming time around your work, school or social commitments.
Strategic business consultant Kaushik Bhatti says:
“By setting boundaries, diversifying your interests and practising self-discipline, you can prevent burnout and preserve your enthusiasm.
“Remember, moderation is key to maintaining a long-lasting passion for gaming while also prioritising your overall well-being.”
You can also use apps or tools to track your gaming time and habits and adjust them accordingly.
Be Active
When playing the best games, it can be easy to get hooked.
But sitting in a chair for hours is not going to help reduce gaming burnout.
In fact, it could lead to serious physical consequences.
Research has shown that prolonged physical inactivity due to gaming can increase the risk of developing obesity, diabetes and a decline in fine motor skills.
Therefore, when you do decide to take a break from gaming, it’s beneficial to engage in physical activity.
Marin says: “Exercise during breaks doesn’t have to be super strenuous.
“Simply going for a walk in your neighbourhood gets your blood pumping and gives you a natural energy boost.”
Being active during your gaming breaks can help mitigate the negative health effects.
Have Better Snacks
When you feel like you need a boost to continue gaming, it is easy to reach for a bag of crisps or an energy drink.
However, these choices will negatively affect your body.
Marin says: “Remember that eating healthy is a form of self-care.
“Put healthier snacks right in front of you at your gaming station before you begin, then you won’t have to think about it later.”
A couple of food options could be carrot sticks with a healthy dip like hummus or easy-to-eat fresh fruits.
A healthier alternative to an energy drink is a smoothie with protein powder and vitamin B12.
Have Sufficient Sleep
For some gamers, they are playing for hours long into the night. This means their sleep is impacted when they go to bed.
Without sufficient sleep, every aspect of your health and wellness suffers.
Poor sleep quality will suppress your immune system, decrease your physical ability, decrease your focus, suppress your memory, inhibit your ability to learn and so much more.
Regarding gaming burnout, your body will not properly cleanse the toxic byproducts or physiological processes during wakefulness, both in your blood and your organ systems – one of which is your brain.
Ultimately, every part of your body suffers when you don’t sleep enough.
Try Something New
Sometimes, gaming burnout could be a sign that you need to change up your gaming routine.
If you are playing the same game all the time, you might feel bored or uninterested.
Bhatti explains: “To overcome this, it is crucial to introduce new elements into your gaming routine.
“Trying something new helps to rekindle your passion and maintain your motivation.”
“Explore different genres, multiplayer modes, or even gaming platforms to diversify your experience.
“Engage in gaming challenges or competitions to stimulate your competitive spirit.
“Additionally, consider taking breaks and engaging in non-gaming activities like exercise or hobbies to restore energy and rejuvenate your mind.
“By embracing novelty in gaming, you can avoid burnout, keep your passion alive, and sustain your motivation in pursuing your gaming endeavours.”
Remember why you Game
Bhatti says: “When an individual becomes so immersed in gaming it starts to negatively impact their overall well-being.
“To prevent gaming burnout, it’s important to remember why you game in the first place.”
Gaming provides a source of fun, entertainment, creativity, socialisation and escape.
It can also help relieve stress.
To reconnect with the positive aspects of gaming and reignite your enthusiasm, take some time to reflect on what gaming means to you and what aspects of it you truly enjoy.
Consider jotting down your gaming accomplishments, cherished memories or memorable stories related to gaming.
You might also share these experiences with fellow gamers or friends who understand your passion.
By engaging in these reflective activities, you can deepen your appreciation for gaming, rekindle your motivation, and rediscover the joy it brings to your life.
Navigating the world of gaming with mindfulness and balance is key to steering clear of burnout.
By setting boundaries, prioritising self-care and diversifying gaming experiences, players can safeguard their mental health and sustain their passion for gaming in the long run.
Remember, gaming should enhance your life, not detract from it.
With these proactive approaches, gamers can continue to enjoy their favourite pastime while minimising the risk of burnout and maximising their overall well-being.