March 6, 2023
Gaming can be a fun and exciting way to escape the stresses of everyday life. However, it can also be a source of stress in and of itself, particularly when trying to achieve a high level of performance. The pressure to succeed can often lead to frustration, anxiety, and other negative emotions that can affect your ability to perform at your best.
So know that you’re not alone if you ever have anxiety while playing video games. Many people find video games to be anxiety-inducing, even when they’re desperately trying to relax. It can be the dreadful feeling of failing to complete a game, the disappointment in letting their teammates down during multiplayer gameplay, or loneliness when playing solo.
So, what do you do?
Set realistic goals
Set smaller, healthier goals. One of the biggest sources of stress in gaming is the pressure to achieve unrealistic goals. It’s important to set goals that are challenging but also attainable. This will help you stay motivated and focused without feeling overwhelmed.
While it can be hard, thinking of smaller tasks you want to accomplish in your video games can reduce your anxiety.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Stress can also be caused by factors outside of gaming, such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep. A healthy and balanced lifestyle helps reduce day-to-day stress. Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid alcohol and drugs, and eat a balanced diet.
You could even practice Mindfulness, as it can be a powerful tool for reducing stress while gaming. By staying focused on the present moment, you can reduce the distracting thoughts that can lead to stress and anxiety.
Take breaks
Taking breaks is an important part of reducing stress while gaming. Playing for an extended time makes it easy to become tired and overwhelmed. Taking short breaks can help you recharge and refocus, allowing you to perform at your best. Watch some games instead; it’s said that “watching others play can actually bring someone’s stress levels down, provide entertainment, and help them learn new skills.”
Use relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help you reduce stress while gaming. These techniques can help you calm your mind and body, allowing you to stay focused and in control.
Try to stay positive
This is one of those tips that always bothered me the most. Being told all the time to “think positive” can be very unpleasant when your anxiety mostly rules your head, but as time passed, I realized that there is something right in “being positive.”
Maintain a positive attitude, and focus on believing in yourself. “You can do this, you have done this, and you will do this.” Playing in despair leads to poor performance because negative attitudes yield adverse outcomes.
It’s a very difficult mentality to achieve, but it’s important to take it one step at a time.
Connect with others
Gaming can be solitary, but it doesn’t have to be solitary. Connecting with other gamers can help reduce stress and improve your performance. Play what you like with friends, and lean into social communication. Search for a community in Discord or Twitch that fits you to reduce that feeling of being alone.
This doesn’t mean that solo gaming is the cause of gaming anxiety. It may be the other way around. It’s all about knowing yourself.
Stress can harm your in-game performance, but it doesn’t have to be always that way. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the game and have fun!