Being a college student is one of the hardest jobs in the world. This is the time when real life knocks at the door, the time when responsibilities start competing with our passions. I’ve always been a gamer. I love to play games because they make me feel alive, because they take my mind off work, because I can use them as a refuge whenever I need some time alone, and because of many other reasons.
When I was in college, I used to be a computer games addict. For more than three years, I’ve sacrificed my social and academic life by playing every cool and new game that appeared. Do I regret it? No. Would I proceed differently if I had the chance? Absolutely yes.
Balancing gaming and school time is one of the most important keys to developing a steady growth while you’re a student. After all, college time is all about personal development that must never be neglected, no matter what.
Because I’ve never balanced study time game time, I got fired from more than 10 jobs right after graduating. I’ve learned how to balance video games and life only after I got burnt, and I want to prevent that from happening to you.
In today’s post, I’m going to share several insights that should help you manage games while you study. Pay attention and do your best to apply!
Plan Ahead
Brian Tracy, a very popular personal development author suggests that one minute of planning saves ten minutes of execution. If you’re smart about your schedule, you can find time for both studying and playing games.
At the end of each week, make sure you create your weekly calendar. Start with your priorities. Since assignments and exams are bringing much pressure, start with those. Note down all your other activities and mark a few hours for gaming.
Study First, Play After
Prioritizing games over school will often put you in an uncomfortable position. I used to be a student who paid other students to deal with my responsibilities because I couldn’t afford to disappoint my parents. For example, students that work for this service writes college essays for money. Unfortunately for me, most of my college money went into that direction because I failed to prioritize.
Follow this simple rule: always solve what’s important, and not what’s bringing you the most pleasure. Do that and you’ll grow your willpower, self-discipline, and satisfaction. The remaining time can be spent on gaming!
Embrace Your Gaming Time Instead of Feeling Disappointed
If you play a computer game, arrange it in such a way that you allow yourself to be glad that you’re doing it. If you’ve started playing, stop blaming yourself for wasting your time. As long as your responsibilities are in check, you should perceive gaming as a tool to relax and disconnect. Furthermore, you can play and enjoy educational games. This way, you’ll hit two birds with one stone.
Reduce Playtime Step by Step
If you need to reduce gaming, don’t go cold turkey. Start reducing your playtime step by step. Start shifting your perspective. Instead of perceiving games as a lifestyle, treat them as events or rewards. Whenever you complete important tasks, give yourself some time to relax and play your desired game.
However, if you fail to stick to your objectives, you should never reward yourself for nothing. Teach your subconscious that work comes first while rewards come after.
Define the Exact Length of Your Gaming Session
Before you start playing a game, establish a specific timeframe. If you’re playing single-player games, you can always pause and save. However, if you’re playing multiplayer games, you cannot predict how much time you’re going to spend. Don’t even try to. Just enjoy the game for as long as you’ve decided then exit without hesitation.
Understand the Concept of Pain and Pleasure
Our brain is like a monkey. If the monkey is wild, it will control your life. Whenever you have to choose between studying and playing a computer game, your brain is naturally choosing pleasure instead of pain. That’s how we function.
However, we are not our brains. We are the ones who decide how we use our brains. Therefore, remember that your brain is always chasing pleasure, and it will always run away from what you perceive as “pain”.
Whenever you have to make an important decision, remember that you have full control over your brain and that you’re the one who leads.
Takeaways
If you were wondering how to balance study games and life, now you’ve got the answers. The only thing you have to do is start implementing today’s tips and tricks and see where they get you.
Loving to play computer games is not something to be ashamed of, even if you’re slowly becoming an adult. If you manage to create balance, studying and gaming will no longer be in conflict and you’ll be able to treat your passion as a hobby rather than a lifestyle!
BIO: Robert Everett is a passionate gamer, tutor, and essay writer. His main objective is to help students create a life-study balance that generates productivity and reduces stress. During his tutoring sessions, he loves to act like a friend rather than a superior. In his free time, he plays basketball and travels with his family. You can follow Robert on Twitter.