10 WAYS TO WIND DOWN AFTER A GAMING SESSION
Video gaming has become one of the most popular pastimes. There are some positive effects of video gaming, such as improving reaction time and skills, making it a fun pastime. There are also some negative effects of gaming, such as sleep problems and higher risk of certain health concerns. Constant video gaming can make it harder for us to wind down and detach from the gaming world.
Here are ten actionable tips for winding down after an intense gaming session to help you combat the effects of gaming. Let’s dive right in!
Read more: 11 Tips to Stay Healthy While Gaming
TIPS FOR WINDING DOWN AFTER AN INTENSE GAMING SESSION
1. Taking a Walk
Taking time to yourself and going on a casual stroll is an excellent way to disconnect from the virtual world and ground yourself in the real one. A brief walk around the block will clear your head and can help combat the adverse effects of gaming. It’s also a great way to find an easy way to get your body moving. Combined with the healing powers of nature, taking a walk is one of the easiest and most effective ways of winding down after an intense gaming session. It’s also free!
2. Reading a Book
For those that like to wind down at the end of a long day with a good book, consider doing the same after a lengthy gaming session. Combatting the negative gaming effects by taking your eyes away from the screen and onto the page will help you decompress, which is especially important if you prefer video gaming at night.
Do you find yourself picking up a book only to dream of returning to your video game? Check out some excellent novels based on or inspired by video games to get the best of both worlds.
3. Listening to Music
Some people find it difficult to wind down after a video gaming session because of the sudden shift in noise levels. For instance, going from playing a loud video game to reading a book can be a jarring change for many people. If that’s the case for you, pop in some headphones or turn your speaker on and listen to relaxing music. Music is a fantastic way to decompress and destress. Listening to calming tunes for around an hour after a gaming session is sure to bring balance back to your mind.
Studies show slower music can relax your mind and your muscles, which are both put under stress when you’re gaming. So if you’re having trouble detaching from the gaming world, find calming music that speaks to your soul.
4. Taking a Hot Shower
A hot shower is a wonderful way to relax your muscles after excessive gaming and combat the adverse effects of gaming for lengthy periods. Among the benefits of taking a hot shower to boost your health and well-being it has also been shown to improve your sleep!
5. Talking to a Friend
Talking to a friend is a vital way to wind down after a gaming session for those who prefer gaming alone. Call a close friend to ensure you have a positive outlet to express yourself when the gaming console turns off. Alternatively, consider inviting your friends to join you in your next gaming session to stay social while you game.
6. Meditating
Meditation is undoubtedly one of the best ways to unwind and relax your mind in any situation, and winding down from a gaming session is no different. Meditating encourages a clearer mind and a sense of peace, which is essential for stressful gaming sessions you might struggle to detach from.
Additionally, meditation might make you a better gamer. By relaxing the mind, meditation can be a tool to improve your physical and mental health overall.
7. Exercising
It’s no secret exercise has various benefits on your physical and mental well-being, and these benefits are crucial when bouncing back from a particularly intense gaming session. Exercise can also help boost your energy helping you feel refreshed. Exercise can help combat the longer sitting times from gaming and finding daily movement has tons of benefits.
8. Journal
If you notice gaming makes your mind feel jumbled and your thoughts disorganized, consider turning to pen and paper after a gaming session. Write about the game if you struggle to get your mind off it once you power down for the evening or describe other things going on in your life. No matter what you write, you’ll access the spectacular benefits of journaling and letting your thoughts out on paper.
9. Be Creative
Besides video gaming, what’s your favorite creative outlet? Is it drawing, painting, writing, or something else entirely? Whatever your outlet of choice is, doing something creative after an intense session can give your mind some much-needed relaxation and take your mind off gaming.
On top of that, turning to a unique creative outlet after gaming gives you a sense of accomplishment and recenter before the next time you pick up the gaming controller.
10. Healthy Snacking
Ever notice your stomach starts speaking its mind toward the end of a lengthy gaming session? Once you’ve put down the gaming controller for the day, look for a healthy snack or protein shake to indulge in and refresh your mind and body. Choosing tasty foods packed with vitamins and minerals can help provide your body with essential nutrients. Additionally, consider some calming tea to help your mind and body feel more relaxed.
FIND MORE HEALTH SOLUTIONS FROM GNC
Understanding the positive and negative effects of gaming is essential for any gamer, whether you game casually or professionally. Winding down after a gaming session is possible with the tips outlined in this article. At GNC, we offer great gaming nutrition solutions and articles loaded with helpful information for gamers.
