It’s no secret that video games can affect you both physically and psychologically. Excessive gaming can cause various ailments such as sleeping disorders, reduced physical activity, cardiovascular stress, and wrist pain. After long hours of playing video games can result in irritability, general nervousness, stress, and various mental and physical health issues.

Can video games give you anxiety?

In addition to physical ailments, gamers are also at risk of mental health issues, ranging from anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Anxiety is particularly prominent among the gaming population. The World Health Organization listed gaming addiction as a recognized mental health condition.

Especially, violent games can put you in an anxious state of mind. And you will remain anxious long after you have put down the controller. You remain anxious because violent games have a powerful effect on your limbic system. When you play these games your brain cannot differentiate between a real threat or “game threat.” And your brain responds by boosting epinephrine and norepinephrine. These stress chemicals send signals to increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Why do I get anxious about playing video games?

Video games can cause anxiety. When your mind predicts potential problems with a game you are playing, it can suffer from stress. Addiction to video games can also cause anxiety because it takes time away from the activities you should be doing instead of gaming. The potential future consequences of neglecting your responsibilities make you anxious. If you allow gaming to take over your life and neglect your regular day-to-day activities, you will be anxious.

Can video games cause stress?

People play video games for all kinds of reasons. Some crave the competition or entertainment, while others play to cope with stress or anxiety. For most gamers, playing video games is an ordinary activity, a healthy way to relieve stress. Unfortunately, some people reach a point when they can no longer control their gaming. They lose control and instead of relieving stress, gaming becomes the source of stress and anxiety.

Can video games cause anxiety attacks?

Unfortunately, many gamers deny the damaging side effects of gaming until it is too late. Gamers have reported panic attacks after extensive gaming sessions. Violent games, especially, can cause anxiety and even lead to full-scale panic attacks.

How do you know if you are having a panic attack while playing a video game?

If you have experienced a panic attack before, you should see your doctor. Gamers who suffer from panic attacks often report that their anxiety feels like a heart attack. Panic attacks can occur because your brain is not equipped to distinguish between the “video game” and “reality”: between “real danger” and “simulated threat”.

If you are not sure that you are having a panic attack while playing a video game, here are the symptoms:

  • Nervousness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Diarrhea
  • Fear that you are losing your mind
  • Heart palpitations
  • Abdominal issues
  • Feeling as if you are going to die
  • Dizziness
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Hot flashes

How do I relax while gaming?

Many video games are created with the intension to keep you at the edge of your seat. Games are not just designed for fun. They are designed to hold your attention. Some forms of entertainment are great at relaxing you. You could easily dose off while watching a movie, listening to relaxing music, or taking a relaxing bath, but games are different in a large obvious way. When you play a video game, you are not passive like you are with watching a TV show.

Gaming brings you into the game. You are not allowed to relax. Oh no, you are a passive participant. To keep video gamers engaged, video games build and perpetuate constant tension. Key elements of video games rely on stress to keep you engaged. The goal of the game is to keep you hooked to the resolution of tension for as long as possible. Even simple video games are designed focused attention to keep playing. That simple fact is that no video games are relaxing, they are not designed with relaxation in mind, quite the opposite. The gaming industry has no desire to roll out relaxing video games. Their goal is to keep you playing, even if you pay with your physical and mental health for the privilege.

How do you not get nervous when playing video games?

Video games are not a great activity if your goal is to calm down and relax. People love video games because they are fun and exciting.  They are fun but also stressful.

So, the best way not to get nervous when playing video games is to take a break. I know it’s too simple, but really. Turn it off. Shut it off. Walk away. Yes.

But, if you want to calm down while playing video games, here is what you can try:

  • Meditate before you start the game.
  • Listen to relaxing music in the background.
  • Manage your stress with breathing exercises.
  • Remind yourself that it is only a game and that the outcome doesn’t matter.
  • Play a game that is designed to calm you down.

How to control gamer rage in yourself or your loved ones?

Playing an easy and relaxing game is a great way to head off gamer rage. Taking steps to calm yourself before you go berserk can support your mental health. It is critical to keep in mind that frustration is normal while playing a video game. Failing or doing poorly playing a video game can induce frustration, but it is important to remember that it is only temporary.

How to stay calm while losing a video game?

You can stay calm while losing a video game if you remind yourself that it is only a game. Gamers really hurt themselves when they go on about saying that “it’s not just a game.” This is the wrong mindset if your goal is to relax and stay calm while losing a video game. Even if you love the game and you think that it is the most important thing in your life, a game is a game. If you get your mind to agree that all you are doing is playing a game, it can be a game-changer.

How do I stop gaming anxiety?

The easiest way to stop gaming anxiety is to stop gaming. If you desire to play video games cannot be suppressed, you must learn to control your anxiety and find healthy ways to calm down.

Schedule After Gaming Downtime

One of the greatest things about taking time off after gaming is experiencing a shift in your mood. For the first few hours or even days, you might feel a bit frustrated about your forced downtime, but soon you will notice that you are much calmer and significantly more relaxed. You’ll begin to notice a shift in how you feel. You will have more energy than before and develop a greater interest in much healthier activities.

Relax After Gaming with a Walk

If you want to reduce stress after long hours of gaming, you should go for a brisk walk in nature. Walking can also boost the production of stress-busting endorphins. By walking regularly, you can improve your mood and reduce stress in your life.

Here are some of the most effective stress-relieving activities you can try after gaming:

Relax Away from the Computer

You’ve done it. Spent long hours playing video games. If you are a gamer and you are looking for relaxation, you have to do it without phones and computers.

Relax with Friends After Gaming

Spending time with friends can be a great stress buster, as long as you are not playing video games together. Seriously. Social contact is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. You could work out together, go see a movie, cook a great meal together. Whatever you do make sure that it doesn’t involve playing video games.

Relax with Music After Long Hours of Gaming

Music is inherently relaxing. You can immerse yourself in it. The rhythm can move you, and if you dare, you can even dance to it. So, why not give listening to some relaxing music a try?

Meditate to Relax After Long Hours of Gaming

One of the best times to meditate is after playing video games. Among other things, meditation can help reduce anxiety, enhance your sleep, and improve your concentration. Meditation is most effective when it becomes part of your daily routine. Brief mini-meditation sessions can also help you relax after long hours of gaming.

Sleep to Relax After Gaming

High-intensity emotions and you know that playing video games is full of those, can result in mental exhaustion. Gaming is stressful, especially when you are playing too much.

Does Gaming Help Relieve Stress?

Some gamers report playing video games as a stress buster. Gaming can help relieve stress as long as you can monitor and control your feelings. As long as you can take steps to keep a healthy balance, either by minimizing playing time or avoiding stressful games, you might be able to relieve stress playing video games.

Can video games reduce anxiety?

Some studies show that video games can indirectly reduce anxiety. For example, it is said that video games can improve your reaction speed and enhance your cognitive abilities. This can help gamers think faster under pressure and be better equipped to problem-solving, which could reduce anxiety.

What is the most relaxing video game?

The most relaxing video games are casual games because they don’t require long hours of time commitment. You can pick up a casual game and play it for a few minutes and walk away. These types of games can include short and simple challenges. It is even better if you can stop and save games. Casual games are great because they give you a short break, and they are not overly stressful or challenging.

What are the side effects of playing video games too long?

Video games can be extremely unhealthy for you. Addiction is a sad reality of the gaming world. Consequences of playing video games too long, or game addiction, can showcase several ways, including panic or anxiety attacks, injuries, depression, alienation, and sleeping disorders. Excessive gaming could result in irritability, anxiety, and depression. You might notice declining mental and physical performance.