Playing video games can be a fantastic way to relax. They allow players to escape while exploring new worlds, interacting with characters, solving a number of challenges, and of, course, having fun. By taking you to exciting places and letting you test your reflexes and your brain, games also offer a much more interactive activity than just watching TV.
However, there are always two sides to the same coin. Many players sometimes face that one level that it is quite difficult to beat or that one player who you swear must be cheating. No matter if it’s a lack of knowledge and skills or simply bad luck, losing (especially repetitive) is frustrating. If the content of the game, the inability to complete a level or other opponents make you angry and upset, there are some simple strategies that you can use to calm yourself down whilst playing video games.
Put Down Your Controller
When we get caught up in a loop of things that don’t go the way they should, it’s very easy to lose control and face the feeling of boiling with anger, sometimes even throwing controllers at the wall in frustration.
So, when you first notice you are feeling angry, the best thing to do is to gently put your controller down. You don’t want to break your expensive video game controller in a fit of anger, right?
Take A Break
Due to your body’s activation ‘fight-or-flight ‘response, you might notice some warning signs that you are about to lose your temper in a video game, such as jaw tightening or leg shaking. Taking a break from an especially frustrating level is something that will help you calm down quickly, leaving you having less anger outburst.
As you are removing the main source of the frustration (even if only temporarily), a distraction from the game can make you more relaxed, just like with many other problems. While this is more difficult in online games, it is important to maintain control. You can grab a drink, stretch your body and hands or even do a few push-ups – anything which moves you away from the screen and changes your focus for a couple of minutes.
Turn Down The Difficulty
No matter what your friends or other players might say, but lowering difficulty is not a criminal offence, and there is definitely no shame in easy mode. If you find that the game is no longer fun, why play it? And is it really a big sin to kick difficulty down a notch?
You don’t need to do this in all games or even the entire game – you can try to change the difficulty just to get through that obnoxious level. But if that means the difference between fun and frustration, there are no qualms in turning down the difficulty.
Try Out Different Type Of Video Game
Since playing or even watching violent video games can lead to increased feelings of anger and aggression, consider choosing a less violent video game. You can continue to play games in your leisure time, but change the type of game you are playing instead. There are tons of relaxing games you can try out, which can distract you from your negative feelings by giving you a range of tasks to focus on in the game.
Therefore, if you get angry after playing or watching violent games or you already have some anger issues, switching to something more relaxing can give you that much-needed relief from failing over and over.
Go Outside
Getting outdoors and connecting with nature can help to reduce anxiety and restore our ability to stay concentrated. As little as 20 minutes in the fresh air can be enough to feel more energetic.
While having a brisk walk around the block is the best way to get natural light, you can simply open a window if you can’t go outside. Having a room well ventilated is a good subconscious and physical boost for your body.
Consider Using CBD
This natural supplement might also come in handy in case of game-induced anger. Cannabidiol (CBD) is believed to interact with special receptors of the cell-signalling endocannabinoid system to provide various positive effects for your mental and physical health.
Therefore, taking CBD oil for anxiety can help to improve depression, reduce your anxiety and stress levels – all of which is preceded by unpredictable mood swings and bouts of anger. To reap its benefits, you can try out different formats, such as oral tinctures, capsules or tasty edibles like CBD gummies or chocolate.
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