Gaming is an amazing hobby since it can help you relax and engage with other gamers while enhancing your problem-solving and motor skills. Playing video or online games can be lots of fun, but there’s always a chance of getting frustrated or irritated when things don’t go your way while you’re online. This could lead to making poor decisions and fits of rage, which can be detrimental to your mental health.
According to an Opera GX survey, nearly 70 percent of US gamers get angry when they lose, and they usually take out their temper on their equipment or gear. Most of the respondents have had to reflect on their angry outbursts in the past as getting mad not only gets in the way of one’s enjoyment, but it could also be damaging to mental and emotional wellbeing. Healthy gaming should be the goal at all times since you wouldn’t want your favorite pastime to have a negative effect on your wellbeing and relationships. If you continue to game despite rage issues or are spending too much time and money on games, here are some strategies to regulate your emotions and develop healthy gaming habits.
Learn How to Manage Tilt
Have you ever heard about the concept of tilt or tilting? This is a phenomenon that takes place as people spend long hours playing competitive online games or casino games. According to experts, tilt is a state of mental or emotional confusion and frustration that causes players to adopt poor gaming strategies during high pressure situations. When they tilt, esports players may get into shouting matches with their teammates, while online casino players would make bad bets as they lose all sense of rationality and logic.
People are prone to tilt if they play while they’re angry, sad, or in a bad mood. So to improve your chances of winning high-volatility online casino games like Buffalo King Megaways, Fire Stampede, or Big Bass Splash, take some time to manage your emotions for an hour or so before playing. Try going for a walk, watch a few funny videos on YouTube, or have a light snack while relaxing on your porch or backyard.
While playing, be on the lookout for signs that you’re about to tilt. It can be anything from making snide remarks to other gamers or aggressively slamming your mouse on your computer table. Once you catch the signs, spend a few minutes doing something else to decompress, such as making a cup of tea or vacuuming your living room floor. Only resume playing if you feel calm and composed to avoid making bad decisions or engaging in toxic behavior.
Make Time for Other Stress Relief Activities
It’s dangerous to rely on gaming as your sole means for stress relief. Rather than making you feel better, repeatedly losing games or getting into verbal altercations with other players can exacerbate stress and make you feel anxious or depressed. Don’t use gaming as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday problems. Instead, make time for other stress relief activities that you can do without a device or technology.
For instance, daily exercise can help to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, while mindful activities like playing an instrument, drawing, or meditating can help you feel at ease. You may also want to take up a new hobby such as building LEGOs, woodworking, reading, knitting, or crafting to give your mind a break.
Take a Break
Creating some space between the thing that’s making you feel angry or frustrated can be helpful in emotional regulation. If you’re constantly raging or being destructive, it may be time to step away from your computer and take a break. The break can be as long as a few minutes so you can calmly deal with your hostile feelings, or it can last for an entire day (or even a week). Consider taking an extended break from your PC if your negative behavior is putting your family on edge, and resume playing once you’re sure that you’ve got a handle on your emotions.
Don’t let your negative emotions get the best of you while you’re gaming. Playing games is supposed to be fun and exciting, so bring the joy back to your favorite pastime by learning to control your feelings, and see how it improves your gaming experience.