Fitness is a must for everyone!
By nature, gaming addiction can lead to sufferers leading sedentary lives. In most video game addiction treatment programs, addicted gamers are encouraged to find healthier alternatives to fill their time. Going outdoors and staying active has many benefits beyond just getting fit. Exercise in the outdoors has been shown to improve mental health.
Nature is becoming more distant and our interactions with it are changing, especially since the pandemic. Here are some outdoor activities to help us get out of the house, and stop our video game addiction.
1. Cycling
Prices of bicycles skyrocketed during the pandemic, as they became a popular way to leave the house. And for good reason. A bike ride allows you to enjoy the outdoors while also exercising. You can take it slow and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through a nature trail. If you are a speed demon, and would like to do an intense workout then go for it.
Cycling is a great way to help gamers overcome their addiction. People who enjoy the competitive aspect of gaming may want to substitute it with competitive cycling. Cycling is a great way for gamers who have neglected their health to get in shape. There is a good reason for the abundance of exercise bikes in the gym.
If you are unsure about what to do, try cycling. It’s like riding a bicycle!
2. Outdoor Yoga
Outdoor Yoga is a great way to combine Mindfulnessspan mce-style=”font weight: 400 ;”>, One of the most effective ways of treating and curbing addiction thoughts. Yoga is something you can do in your home. Outdoor yoga can help cultivate mental concentration. There are many distracting noises outdoors: birds, people, wind, etc. The sounds, smells and feelings that you encounter outdoors are not under your control. You will have to put in extra effort to achieve the flow state of meditation you want to achieve through mindfulness meditation. You will need to focus on the poses and minimize distractions when doing yoga in a public park. This will strengthen your mental and physical muscles.
In the same way, mindfulness is a great tool for those who are addicted to video games. It requires that the person focus on the moment at hand despite any negative or addictive thoughts. It is great to have a hobby which helps them fight their addiction.
3. Team Sports
Team sports can be the cure for a gamer who is addicted. Many video games are now team-oriented and gamers play them with friends. A real-life outdoor team game can provide the same social stimulation as gaming used to.
Organise a soccer game in the park. If you don’t have the numbers, or want to be more competitive, there are many local 5-aside teams that you can join. You can also try out other sports like basketball, hockey or doubles tennis if soccer is not your thing.
4. Camping
Camping may have greater health benefits than we realize. Video games and sleep issues have been linked for some time. Gaming exposes people to blue light, which can delay our bodies’ natural sleep hormones. Not to mention the caffeine and adrenaline that comes with gaming.
The removal of ambient lighting and blue light exposure, as well as city noises and the constant hustling and bustling of the city can improve sleep quality. Second, today’s youth are more vitamin D-deficient than ever. It’s safe to say that most gamers who spend their time indoors don’t get enough sun.
Vitamin D can help combat the negative effects that video game addiction has on mood and energy. It also offers many health benefits.
Camping is also a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. It’s easy to bond over gaming, but when you remove all distractions and have nothing to do except talk to each other or entertain them, it helps build stronger relationships. Give it a go.
5. Running
Running is the last but certainly not the least of our list. Running is the number one hobby of recovering addicts. A “runner’s low” is a temporary euphoric feeling that occurs when you run for a long time. Scientists believe that this is because of the release endorphins, and other chemicals in our blood when we exercise. These are natural painkillers and also reduce anxiety and worry.
Running can help to relieve the anxiety that comes along with recovering from addiction. Running may also reverse some of the negative changes in the brain. Many people believe that addiction is a simple lack of willpower. Addiction is more of a brain chemistry disorder.
It’s important to note that, without getting into a long and boring science lesson, willpower is a factor in addiction. However there are also chemical changes that cause these symptoms and cravings. The main cause of gaming addiction is an overexposure to dopamine, where our brain receptors develop a tolerance. This tolerance causes gamers to need more videogames in order to satisfy their dopamine addiction. Running, according to experts, can help balance the levels of neurotransmitters and dopamine.
If video game addiction is holding you back, then put on your running shoes and get out there!
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