Many people believe that gaming can be detrimental to our health and wellbeing, and their stance undoubtedly has merit in some scenarios.
However, gaming can play a key role in a healthy lifestyle if participants ensure they strike the right balance each day.
Whether you are a fan of online casino games or battling against friends on an Xbox console, it is imperative not to overdo things.
With that in mind, read on as we assess how gaming can be used as a vehicle for supporting better physical and mental wellbeing.
Establish a Gaming Schedule
We have all heard the stories of people spending endless hours glued to a digital device playing their favourite games online.
However, it is imperative to create a schedule for your gaming activities to ensure that other elements of your daily life do not suffer.
Many successful gamers implement a 90/30 rule, where they play for 90 minutes before spending half an hour doing something else.
Tackling jobs around the house or taking the dog for a walk are among the activities that will prevent you from burnout while gaming.
Work Physical Activity into Your Gaming
Gaming is generally a sedentary activity. For example, if you play an online poker tournament, your session could last several hours.
To compensate for this, including more physical games in your gaming activities is a great way to inject some physicality into proceedings.
Some sports-based games require you to move while you play, making them a perfect addition to your overall gaming experience.
By mixing things up, you will ensure that your body and mind receive the stimulation they need each and every day.
Play Games That Challenge Your Mind
While some games are repetitive and do not really challenge the mind, there are numerous genres which can give your brain a serious workout.
Puzzle and strategy games are fantastic tools for improving decision-making, focus and memory, and are worth incorporating into your gaming activities.
For instance, word games such as Scrabble boost your vocabulary and have been proven to provide positive benefits to brain health.
This point is particularly pertinent for older gamers, who are at greater risk of suffering diseases such as dementia than their younger counterparts.
Build a Social Network Around Your Gaming
Gaming can be a lonely pursuit, particularly if you enjoy playing single-player games. However, it does not have to be this way.
Multiplayer games are a superb way to be part of a community, providing gamers with the social interactions they need to stay connected.
It is worth noting that some communities can be toxic, with players unable to keep control of their overly competitive tendencies.
Ultimately, gaming should be fun, so build a positive social network to garner the greatest benefits for your health and wellbeing.
Do Not Neglect Sleep
Research has shown that adults generally need around 7-9 hours sleep per night to be able to function at their best each day.
Establishing a sleep schedule where you go to bed and get up at the same time is imperative for maximising the benefits of your resting hours.
Burning the candle at both ends can be recipe for disaster, not only for your gaming activities but also for your general health and wellbeing.
Sleep is the time when your body and mind repair themselves. If you take sleep seriously, you will reap the benefits throughout your life.