Video games are a great way to unwind after a busy day. But if video games have consumed your daily thought life to the point where you have trouble functioning in everyday life, it may already be an addiction. In this article, we’ll share some ways you can help curb your addiction and where you can find help on how to get rid of a gaming addiction in Hawaii.
How can you stop video game addiction in Hawaii?
Set limits on your access to games
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Set a time limit for daily play. Health experts recommend that younger players like teens and kids spend no more than 2 hours a day in front of a screen. This can also apply to adults, especially if they are fairly sedentary.
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Keep gaming devices out of your bedroom. If you keep your console or computer in your room, you may be more tempted to stay up late to play video games. And if you have games on your phone, make sure to switch it off at night or put it in a place you can’t easily reach during bedtime.
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Ask for help from family and friends. If you’re having trouble staying on top of the limits you set, you can always ask for help from your family or friends. Let them know that you’re trying to cut back on your gaming time. You can also ask them to check in on you from time to time, or agree to check in daily with how you are doing. This way, they can ensure that you’re not playing when you’re supposed to be doing something else. Not everyone will want to do this, so ask first to make sure they are someone who wants to support you. Oftentimes, people may even reciprocate by suggest that they join you in limiting their own screen time, or choose some other things they are wanting to do but have struggled to get started on. In this way you would be supporting each other in achieving your individual goals by being accountable to one another!
Establish a healthy routine
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Distract yourself with fun activities. You will be less likely to sink hours into gaming if you have other hobbies or activities. For instance, you can go back to things that interested you before. You can also take this as an opportunity to discover something new to do. Think back on your goals, or make some new ones. Maybe now is a good time to read that trilogy, or learn to play the ukulele, or pick up basket weaving. Whatever it is, there are endless hobbies waiting for you. Pick one!
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Treat gaming as a reward for finishing other tasks. Your gaming is likely interfering with your responsibilities. So what you can do instead is make gaming time a reward for completing tasks you need to do. For instance, make sure that you do your homework or chores first before playing games.
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Do other stress-relieving activities if you use gaming to relieve stress. Sometimes an addiction develops when you use gaming as a stress reliever. To avoid that, you can do other stress-relieving activities. Some alternatives are meditation, exercise, drawing, or writing.
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Schedule time for self-care. If you have a gaming addiction, you’re also likely neglecting your basic needs. So make sure to set aside self-care time each day. This means eating 3 healthy meals each day, getting enough sleep, exercising for at least 30 minutes, and managing your hygiene.
Get professional help for your gaming addiction in Hawaii
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See a doctor or therapist. Tell your doctor about your addiction and get a referral to a therapist who has experience treating gaming addiction.
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Join a support group for gaming addicts. A therapy group is also helpful, especially for those who feel isolated. It’s a great way to meet other people going through the same struggles. The other members can give you advice and help you feel less alone.
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Look into rehab if your addiction is severe. Going into rehab is the best option if your addiction has turned severe and affects your health. Some addiction treatment centers give you the chance to stay in a monitored environment in order to have time away from gaming. But if you’re not able to stay in one, there are also outpatient rehab programs. These programs combine counseling with therapy to help with your addiction.
How to get rid of a gaming addiction in Hawaii
If you live in Hawaii and want to know how to get rid of a gaming addiction in Hawaii, you can turn to us at Honu House Hawaii. Our holistic natural healing center is designed to assist addicts of all kinds transition out of their addiction and into a life of freedom. We provide a uniquely safe, supportive community where you will be nursed back into health with fresh, locally sourced meals, gentle exercise routines, and multiple holistic therapies. We provide the environment and community you need to detox from gaming. Our team of compassionate and professional caregivers are here to get you started. Contact us today.