Overwhelmed

   

   Have you ever had the feeling that you simply had too much to do with not enough time to do it. Gamers feel this all the time. There are simply way too many games out there with too much time to devote. Most people work as well as have families that they devote their time to, but that usually leaves minimal time to game. Most people use gaming as time to unwind and time to get away and just relax. I like to play a lot and devote a lot of my time because its something I'd one day like to do for a living. No matter what kind of gamer you are, it simply doesn't add up sometimes especially with how many key releases are going on this time of the year. I can literally name about 5 titles I'd really love to be putting time into right now but I have to choose where my time is spent. My wife is and always will be my first priority but she is very supportive of what I do and wants me to push as much as I can. Even with how things are, gamers can often feel that they are overwhelmed, especially with new releases. It is important to remember that there isn't any reason to rush through games or feel pressured to play them in any way other than the reason you want to.

     Rushing through anything is going to get old quick and dry out any fun you have in a game. I have a buddy at work tonight that was bugging me to get the new GTA release on next gen. Now I could go buy it now, but I would be setting aside too many games that I am already playing. I think its important to always have control over what you do. Only YOU know what you want and only YOU know what is going to make you happy. I think having a good backbone in life will really help you from getting pushed around. A lot of that can help in gaming as well because gamers are very opinionated. There are many people who only play one certain console or just one certain genre of games, and I think its best to have your own opinions in this area. Just because someone else enjoys something, does not mean you will as well. Games are meant to be enjoyable and I think if you let people make your decisions for you, then you will end up being more overwhelmed.

   Just like in real life, setting goals can help ease the pain. Remember to be realistic and never sacrifice anything. If you don't hit level 100 by the end of the weekend, the game will still be there and most games are designed with catch up mechanics. Keep yours goals reasonable and also remember to take a breather in between your game play. If you end up treating games like chores, then you wont be gaming long. Take time and enjoy the little things while working towards your goals and if at any point you ask yourself why your doing it, then stop.

   You have the rest of your life to enjoy things, so don't hassle too much over being the first to do something. World first achievements can be really cool but once the serenity wears off you find yourself right back where you were. If you desire to be in that type of gaming lifestyle then by all means pursue it but know that you have to sacrifice certain things to obtain it. No matter what type of gamer you want to be, always have fun and remember why it is that you chose to game.

Healthy Gaming

                         

   Gaming isn't something that leads to unhealthy habits, but it's definately something that can influence them if done the wrong way. Up until recently, there hasn't been a whole lot of influence for gamers to do anything other than game. I think the Wii was the first big step in that area that hit home with people, and yes a lot of people argue that they sit down playing interactive games, but even if one person actively plays it then they hit their mark in designing it. You are never going to be able to apply a fix to society that makes anyone and everyone do a specific act. Too many people are hellbent on acting on their "rights" and making sure their voice is heard. Yes you have a voice and it matters, but it doesn't mean you have to express your opinions all day every day. On a side note, Facebook is become such a interesting site since it's inception. When I joined facebook in 2005, you needed a college email to even make a account. I kinda wish they had stuck to this. People spend way too much time trying to make themselves look like something they aren't. I really got off track here so I apologize and I'll try and get to my point.

   Today, there is a lot more incentive to get in better shape. I've watched a lot of famous streamers and you tubers go through physical changes and actually roll that into more sponsorships. I think this is really cool, but at the same time I hate that it makes some people ashamed of having people view them. I'm a big boy and I'll admit I used to be very shy about showing my face on camera. I used to barely even voice chat because I was so shy. Regardless of how you look, I think there are habits you should form when trying to be a healthy gamer. Like all things in life, if you enjoy it you'll want to do it more. Enable yourself to continue doing it by staying healthy and making good uses of your time.

   Eating can be a big problem because you are usually so involved in your game that you end up eating while playing. Anyone that has picked Doritos cheese out of their controller can relate to this, and it's gross and unnecessary. We live in a world where physical interaction is so limited but I advise you to take time not eat and have a conversation with someone, and talk about something other than games. Sodas can be bad as we'll. you go for a dew and before you know it the whole 12 pack is empty. Sodas aren't going to help you in any way other than caffeine, and even then it's a bad way to keep your body awake. Try and mix it up and drink a water in between or something that won't dehydrate you and keep you in and out of the bathroom every hour.

   In a lot of games we play there are loading screens. If your like me, you've probably memorized them all because you see them so often. You should try and do something active during that time, and I don't mean google game info. Do some push-ups, doing some exercise, or even clean up the house a little just to keep yourself active in the downtime.

      Third and finally I'd suggest getting actual rest and sleep. I know we all love gaming marathons but regardless your body needs it's rest. Even if you can go long periods without resting, it doesn't mean it's a good thing. Also, if your married like me, your wife or husband would much rather you go to bed with them instead of hearing you try and beat a boss while they go to sleep alone. And trust me, I'm speaking from experience on this one.