As video game consoles get smarter, they also get more sophisticated. Newer models allow for more powerful hardware and faster processors, which help to make games look and feel more realistic. The result is that gameplay can become extremely engaging. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the after-game experience. Once the fun gameplay is over, the real world often feels like an awkward surprise. You may feel energized during gameplay, but then immediately afterward feel deflated and unable to engage with the world around you. The question is: how can you keep that adrenaline rush going when the gameplay stops? How can you maintain that high after each session?
The answer is: take breaks. Short breaks during gameplay may seem insignificant, but they can actually make a significant difference. Just like a real-world workout routine, short breaks during gameplay enable the body to re-adjust and prepare for more intense activity. That way, the feeling of relief after each bout of enjoyable gameplay is genuine and not just a trick of the mind. It may even help to improve your overall well-being. So, in this article, we will discuss some tips on how to lose weight while gaming so that you can keep that healthy exuberance going when playing and maintain a good mental and physical attitude throughout the day.
Take Breaks During Gameplay
When playing an addicting game, it’s easy to get carried away and forget to take a break. After all, the longer you play, the more you’ll benefit from the game, right? You’ll make more money, you’ll complete more challenges, and you’ll enjoy the gameplay more. All of this is true, but it doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. Just like with real-world exercising, short breaks prevent you from over-doing it. The idea is to enjoy the gameplay but still maintain a healthy lifestyle. So, whenever you feel like you need a short break to prevent yourself from becoming too engrossed in the game, take one.
Let’s say that you play for an hour and then feel like you need a break. It’s always a good idea to get up and move around for a while before returning to your game. Even just a short stroll is enough to get your heart rate up and prepare your body for more intense activity. In addition to short breaks, you should also consider taking longer breaks when you need them. For example, if you get really engrossed in a game and forget to eat, you may suffer from low blood sugar. This is more likely to happen if you play for a long time without eating. So, by taking a break every hour or two, you’ll prevent this situation from arising.
Eating Real Food
Many video game consoles these days have increased in popularity alongside the rise of fitness wearables and smart devices. This is largely because they offer an alternative to traditional external gaming devices like mice and keyboards. While these tools are essential for gameplay, they don’t offer the same level of engagement as the console itself. A television set connected to an Xbox One is already much more attractive than a plain old TV.
When playing on a console, you’re rarely far from the fridge. The selection of healthy snacks and pre-made food available for consoles is better and wider than most other places. Consoles are an ideal place for some quick food breaks during gameplay, especially if you’re running low on energy. Alternatively, you can prepare food ahead, and bring it with you when you sit down to play. This brings us neatly to our next point…
Bringing Your Lunch
The problem with taking short breaks is that they don’t provide you with with the mental and physical stimulation of a real-world workout. It’s like when you’re playing on a console, you’re only working your muscles and your brain, but you’re not getting the nutrients that your body needs. To solve this, you should consider bringing a lunch with you to play. This is especially beneficial if you’re a gamer who often finds themselves in a food shortage while playing. Most lunchboxes come with a water bottle and a thermos, which can both be used to bring some refreshment to the game. In addition to these containers, you should bring a small container filled with nuts or seeds, a fruit, and a hard-boiled egg. This can help to increase your daily intake of nutrients while providing you with energy during gameplay. Alternatively, you can prepare a small snack before you start playing. This should be something easy to bring and carry with you while you’re playing, like a cake or a brownie. The key is to maintain healthy snacks throughout the day, even when you’re not playing. This will help to keep your energy up and prevent you from getting too hungry or tired during gameplay.
Reduce the Amount of Time You Spend Playing
An important tip when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while gaming is to simply reduce the amount of time you spend playing. This is easier said than done, as gaming can be such a rewarding experience. But, you should still be aware that too much gameplaying can be harmful. For example, if you play for long periods without taking breaks, you may develop carpal tunnel syndrome. This is caused by repetitive hand movements and can be really painful. Try to limit how much time you spend playing and take breaks whenever you need them.
Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine
Alongside healthy eating, another important factor in helping to lose weight while gaming is to maintain a regular exercise routine. Just like with real-world workouts, maintaining a consistent gaming exercise routine can help to improve your overall health and well-being. It can also boost your energy levels while playing and provide you with some exciting challenges. The key is to find what works best for you and stick with it. It can be beneficial to set up a routine and then stick to it as much as possible. This will help to form a good habit and make you more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition to this, you should be aware of any bad habits you may have and work to break them. For example, if you usually eat sweets before going to bed, then that may be contributing to your weight gain.
Just like with real-world exercise, too much gaming can become detrimental to your health. This is mainly because when you play, you aren’t getting enough nutrients. It’s also physically demanding, which requires a lot of energy. Longer hours of play can even cause you to lose sleep, which in turn makes you more likely to make bad food choices. All of this may lead you to become unhappy and possibly even aggressive. So, it’s important to set limits and ensure that you’re not overdoing it. If you want to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, then playing on a console is certainly a viable option. However, it comes with its downsides. You have to consider how much you’re going to eat and how much you’re going to play. But, at the very least, it’s a great option for those seeking an alternative way of spending leisure time.