This article is going to help you figure out how to STOP playing video games SO much.
I am going to share 6 simple strategies for how to REDUCE video game time, that are EXTREMELY effective.
I will be dividing this article into 2 sections:
- WHY playing video games ALL day is bad (even though there are SOME positive effects when you play in moderation).
- HOW to stop playing video games so much (including 6 simple strategies that worked for me).
Section 1: Why Playing Video Games All Day is Bad
I used to play video games all the time. Especially during a really bad slump I entered after grad school.
For a 2-year period I didn’t have a job and spent a HUGE percentage of my time sitting around playing games.
My only breaks from video games were to engage in other activities that weren’t very productive.
Like watching Netflix and randomly browsing the internet.
Then one day I decided I was TIRED of that lifestyle.
So, I went on a journey to find out how to stop playing video games so much.
And to START doing more meaningful things.
Video Games Aren’t Bad – When Done in Moderation
Before I get into the negative effects of video games, I want to make it clear that video games aren’t ENTIRELY bad.
There are definitely some POSITIVE benefits of playing video games that are important to mention.
- First off, they are FUN, and when done in moderation they can be a great way to RELAX and unwind.
- Second, some studies show video games can have positive effects on your BRAIN. Including improvements to memory, hand-eye coordination, and attention. Because of this, video games are relatively more beneficial than some other forms of entertainment, like watching TV.
However, there is one MASSIVE negative of playing EXCESSIVE amounts of video games.
And that is the opportunity cost.
The Opportunity Cost of Playing Video Games Too Much
Whenever you do 1 thing, it comes with an opportunity cost.
And that cost is the MISSED benefit of alternative opportunities you COULD have pursued.
The reason why playing video games ALL day is SO bad, is because of the opportunity cost of all the OTHER parts of your life you are neglecting.
Things like:
- Studying and doing better in school.
- Advancing your career.
- Developing better social skills.
- Exercising and getting in better shape.
- And finding other hobbies and passions you enjoy.
Just imagine if you spent even HALF of the time you spend on games on these other aspects of your life.
Once I realized everything I was missing out on, I decided I needed to make a change.
Section 2: How to Stop Playing Video Games So Much
Now, I’m going to share 6 strategies for how to reduce video game time, which I have used with GREAT success.
These days, I only play video games occasionally. And the rest of my life has gotten DRAMATICALLY better as a result.
Strategy 1: Don’t Buy Extra Games
The first thing which REALLY helped me, is to stop getting into NEW games I hadn’t played before.
When you first get into a game, it can be INCREDIBLY addicting.
That’s because it is your first time discovering all the cool characters, interesting levels, and in a way, exploring a new world.
So, the best way to avoid getting hooked into another game, is to not put yourself in that situation in the first place.
It’s ALREADY going to be hard to reduce the time you spend on your current games. So, it helps to avoid adding to your problem by starting something new.
Now, if you are wondering whether you can make any exceptions, the answer is, “it depends.”
- If you are able to add a new game once in a while, and it doesn’t become a problem for you, then that’s awesome.
- But if adding new games ALWAYS causes problems, then it’s best to avoid them completely.
Strategy 2: Use Technical and Physical Barriers to Prevent You From Playing
The less convenient something is, the less likely you are to do it.
So, that’s why it can be INCREDIBLY helpful to make your video games HARDER to access.
Either all day or at certain times when you really need to focus on other stuff.
Here are a few ways to do that. (Note, not all of these are applicable to every type of game).
Keep your games on an older computer
Then, just use your older computer to play games and your newer computer to do things like work and studying.
If you create separation from your games when you are focusing on other things, you won’t be as tempted to play them.
This is actually EVEN MORE effective if your old computer sucks.
Because it will be more likely to lag, take a long time to load, and just in general make it less fun to play.
Use an app to block games
There are apps you can get that block your games across all your devices during scheduled times.
This allows you to block the games during the periods when you need to focus on other things.
Make starting the game more difficult for your Future Self
For example, every time you finish playing, you could put the console or computer in a place where it will be annoying for you to retrieve later.
The more work you make it to setup, the less often your Future Self is going to do it.
Give away the game or delete the software
This is the more extreme approach but is definitely worth it sometimes.
Especially for any games you are really addicted to.
Strategy 3: Form Good Habits to Replace Your Game Time
It’s going to be EXTREMELY difficult to reduce video game time, unless you have something ELSE to replace it with.
And you also want to prevent cutting back on video games merely to SWITCH to another unproductive habit instead, like watching too much TV.
Trust me, I’ve been there!
Examples of good habits to consider focusing on include:
- Exercising
- Reading
- Journaling
- Learning an instrument
- Or meditating
Of course, there are plenty of other habits you could choose.
For me, exercising was a real game changer.
Once I started getting into exercising, I started playing games less.
And later, exercise led me to get a job at a gym, which forced me to decrease video game time even further.
Simply because I didn’t have enough time in the day to play as much.
Keep in mind, when starting new habits, it’s usually best to start SMALL. And to focus on adding 1 new habit at a time.
That way things don’t become too overwhelming.
Strategy 4: Cut Out “Problem Games” From Your Life
Problem games are any games you play which you are SO addicted to that you need to COMPLETELY stop playing them.
The best way to do this, is to cut out the game after you reach a PIVOTAL moment.
For example:
- Beating the game on a higher skill level.
- Leveling up a character to a certain point.
- Or achieving a new record or milestone.
It can be easier to stop a game AFTER you’ve accomplished something than it is when you are right in the middle of passionately pursuing a goal.
That is because you have a sense of completion and haven’t had a chance to get invested in a NEW goal yet.
If you don’t want to wait for a pivotal moment to happen naturally, you can create your own.
Just think of something you want to accomplish in the game. And then plan ahead of time to STOP the game after you reach it.
Strategy 5: Be Okay With Losing Touch With Video Game Culture
When you stop playing video games as often, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest developments.
Such as new:
- Games
- Systems
- Or innovative features
And when that happens, you might feel like you are missing out.
Especially if you hang out with friends who play games more.
You might miss participating in those conversations about which characters are good and which levels are toughest.
You may even miss talking about the annoying glitches.
But at some point, you have to make the decision to accept missing out on some things. In order to prioritize other aspects of your life.
Now, I’m not saying you have to fall completely out of touch. You may be able to stay involved to an extent.
But you are likely going to be relatively less knowledgeable than you used to be. And you have to learn to be cool with that.
Otherwise it’s going to be hard to truly change.
Strategy 6: Stop Playing Video Games So Much By Using “The Who What When Where Why Method”
This is a method I’ve designed for moderating behaviors.
I’ve talked about this extensively in my article on How to Cure Your Phone Addiction, so am going to cover it fairly quickly here.
Along with some specific tips on how it applies to video games.
The idea of this method is for you to gradually adjust the times, places, and situations in which you do certain habits.
Until you’ve reached the ideal amount for YOU.
There are 5 components, which I call “Who,” “What,” “When,” “Where,” and “Why.”
As I discuss each of these, feel free to apply whichever ones make the most sense for you.
Who: Limit Based on Who You Are With
This involves only playing video games when you are with (or not with) certain people.
My favorite way to use this tactic for video games, is to ONLY play games when you are WITH other people, NOT by yourself.
This helps you keep the social aspects of gaming, while allowing you to focus on other things when you are on your own.
On the flip side, for other people, who are addicted to playing multiplayer games online, you might want to do the OPPOSITE.
And only play games when you are in single player mode.
What: Limit by Function
This involves limiting the TYPES of games you play.
That could mean limiting:
- Certain genres (like cutting out RPGs)
- Certain formats (like not playing a particular console)
- Or quitting specific games
Either way, this tactic can be REALLY effective if you have certain “problem games” or categories of games that are especially addicting for you.
And it allows you to continue to enjoy the games you don’t get quite as consumed by.
When: Limit by Time
This involves limiting the times you allow yourself to play video games.
For example, you could make a rule that you don’t play video games BEFORE 7pm.
That way you can prioritize other things earlier in the day and reward yourself after.
Or perhaps you do the opposite, and don’t play games AFTER a certain time. Because video games tend to keep you up all night.
It all depends on your own personal circumstances.
Side note, if you have trouble staying up later than you want, check out my article on How to Change the Habit of Sleeping Late
Where: Limit by Environment
This involves limiting your video game usage to certain locations.
For instance, you might have a PLACE you go to where you don’t allow yourself to play games.
It could be a certain room in your house, like the office or your bedroom.
Or it could even be PART of a room, like a specific chair or desk.
This helps your brain get in the habit of associating certain places as “no video game” spots.
Why: Limit by Stating the Reason For Playing
This involves only playing video games when you can state a compelling reason WHY you are deciding to play at that moment.
This serves as a check-in point. Where you ask yourself, “do I really want to do this?”
- If the answer is “yes,” then that is awesome.
- But if it’s “no,” then perhaps you want to reconsider.
For example:
- If you are playing to distract yourself from studying, that isn’t a good reason.
- But if you are playing to reward yourself for a hard day of work, then that is a better reason.
Sure, there might still be sometimes you play DESPITE not having a good reason.
But stating the reason to yourself will INCREASE the odds you decide to do something else.
CLICK the image or link below to SIGN UP for my newsletter & get access to this FREE, in-depth PDF guide:
Click here to get the FREE guide/newsletter
The newsletter focuses on how to BUILD self-discipline —> Including how to FORM good habits & BREAK bad habits.