The video game industry is experiencing more popularity now than ever before, but for many, what started as a form of entertainment has become a dreaded chore. This is what's known as "gaming fatigue" or "gaming burnout," and it can happen to anyone.
What is Gaming Fatigue?
Gaming fatigue is one of the many forms of "burnout," which is used to describe a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress. Most individuals feel burnout from their chosen profession, but it can occur from hobbies as well.
What Causes Gaming Fatigue?
Many factors can contribute to gaming fatigue or burnout, but they all relate to sustained, heightened levels of stress.
For those either in or aspiring to be a professional in the gaming industry, there may be pressure to "do more" that causes excessive stress. Streamers who host 16 hour streams as opposed to the typical four to eight hours, for example, can get more viewers and subscribers, while esport athletes who practice for long hours can gain an advantage over the competition.
For hobbyists, the time they spend working can drain their mental stamina, and trying to accomplish tasks in a video game just taxes them more. Sometimes, the game itself can be a stressor, as is often the case in highly competitive games like League of Legends and CS:GO.
How to Combat Gaming Fatigue
There are a number of steps you can take to combat gaming fatigue. Some may require more effort than others, but achieving at least one form of self care can put you on the right track for recovery.
Sleep
According to Esports Healthcare, the most impactful action someone can take to combat gaming fatigue is to sleep.
There are a number of steps you can take to combat gaming fatigue. Some may require more effort than others, but achieving at least one form of self care can put you on the right track for recovery.
According to Esports Healthcare, the most impactful action someone can take to combat gaming fatigue is to sleep.
Sufficient sleep can boost your immune system. The quality and duration of sleep are important too, as sleep patterns that don't go through all the REM and non-REM cycles can have negative effects on your mood and energy.
Take Breaks
The proverb "absence makes the heart grow fonder" can be applied to gaming. If you're struggling to regain the passion you once had for gaming, find something else you enjoy and indulge in that for a while. This can help alleviate stress and remind you of why you like gaming in the first place.
Evaluate Your Mental Health
Losing interest in activities that used to bring you joy is a symptom of depression, as well as other mental health problems. Such issues aren't always related to gaming fatigue, but they're often the cause of it.
If you think your mental health is affecting your relationship with gaming (or any other aspect of life), the best thing you can do is seek help. Open up to loved ones about how you feel and, if possible, visit a mental health professional. Otherwise, search for help online, as there are many free resources dedicated to educating the public about mental health and treatments.