Do Online Games Cause Anxiety? Here Are 8 Expert Tips

Online gaming has grown into a focus of developing conflict over its negative consequences on mental health. Some even think that too much gaming could accelerate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. Again, both variables show a very high level of variation for each person.

Being able to set a boundary and find a balance in this area helps in better management of anxiety over online games and other activities that are important, exercises, socializing, obligations toward academic life, and work life.

Online Gaming and Anxiety: A Controversial Association

The relationship between online gaming and anxiety is strong and multidimensional. Generally, online gaming appears to become more addictive to people with predispositions toward anxiety compared to those who do not have such a predisposition. This is true specifically for those with high levels of neuroticism—vulnerability to anxiety and stress.

For most, gaming is an escape from reality for a while to get a breather from anxiety and nervous behaviours; but these are usually just short-term reliefs. The cause behind the anxiety, maybe a life situation, a stressful event, or an inherent personality trait, has not been resolved and may resurrect once the game is over.

8 Tested Strategies for Managing Anxiety Among Gamers

If you’re looking to enjoy gaming daily while staying mentally and physically fit, here are eight expert-backed tips to help manage anxiety effectively:

1. Limit your gaming sessions

You can avoid playing for too long by adding a time frame when using the built-in timers or setting alarms to alert yourself to stop within set time frames.

2. Give short breaks

Even in the most eager of games, regular breaks prevent mental fatigue and keep your eyes from straining to make one feel refreshed and awake.

3. Avoid anxiety-enhancing games

Truly understanding the types of games one is participating in may also be related to high-stress or highly competitive video game genres which enhance symptoms of anxiety.

4. Design a Gaming Environment with Ergonomics

A comfortable, well-designed environment can considerably help in providing an overall indulging experience, thus decreasing physical discomfort and increasing relaxation.

5. Value sleep and a balanced diet

Remember, get at least 6-8 hours of good quality sleep each night, and eat right. Proper sleep hygiene and nutrition are important in managing anxiety and also creating a better gamer.

6. Monitor and Reduce Gaming Time

Every so often, check the time spent gaming and adjust when necessary. By reducing the screen time, an individual can find some balance in performing other important life activities.

7. Stay physically active

Introduce some movement, stretching, or resting your eyes at one time during the gaming period. Such physical activities help to negate sedentary moments from gaming and can enhance your overall mood.

8. Seek professional help where and when needed

Anxiety can be very difficult to handle, and at times it is best to seek therapy through a therapist or counselor. Personalized help, specifically through online therapy, is available almost everywhere to guide one through anxieties that spring from gaming.

Final Thoughts

Remember, gaming should be fun and never something that one feels guilty about or is stressful for. An odd-hour gaming bout or sleeping in a bit too long isn’t really a big problem in itself. That is, in moderation. How to continue enjoying games without harming your mental health-the following are some tips to keep in mind.

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