Have you ever rage-quit during a game before? If you said “no,” you’re lying. We’ve all been there, but how much rage is too much? Here are some tips for when your gamer rage starts to overflow.
Try Positive Self-Talk
What are you telling yourself when you lose a game? What does it mean to you? Most of the time, our opinions of ourselves can drive us crazy. You may be telling yourself: “I’m a loser.” “I suck.” “I can’t do this.” These are negative thoughts that can really take a toll on your gaming skills, as well as your daily life. Try practicing some positive affirmations or perspective to “I can do difficult things” or “Just because I lose doesn’t mean I’m a loser.” You have to be your own cheerleader in life, especially when you game!
Play a More Relaxing Game
Maybe it’s just not the day to play Cuphead or Elden Ring. Some games are more challenging than others and it’s okay to not really have the head for it sometimes. If you’re raging too much, go for a relaxing game. Animal Crossing is a great stress reducer. Tetris always does it for me, too. Find what will get you in a better mood and try that harder game tomorrow.
Take a Break from Gaming
It’s okay unplug from time to time. If you’re having a bad day, then maybe you need some time away from the controller. Too much gaming can lead to overstimulation, which can result in irritability, headaches, and anxiety. Try going for a walk or doing a craft to give your brain something new to do. It’s important to recharge your controllers, but it’s important to recharge yourself, too.
Seek Professional Help
At the end of the day, video games are supposed to be fun. If you find yourself taking it all too seriously, then maybe it’s not the video game. There could be something else going on in your life that needs to be addressed. Too much anger can be a sign of emotional or psychological problems that can be treated. Search for a therapist to talk to about your concerns. Take care of yourself and focus on what you need. It’s easy to get angry during a game, but don’t take it out on your controllers.
Guest Author: Gabrielle Muniz
