Talking to my mom the other day, and she feels what a lot of parents of gamers feel, That I play video games to much. What my mom doesnt realize is that my "Game" Time is normally taken up by me recording, editing, rendering, and uploading videos. I dont truely play as much as she thinks, but thats ok. She can get on me as much as she wants, it wont really change anything. I know my perfect balance, and I still work when Im needed, so I dont skip work just to play a game. Well, not all the time, on when new expansions drop for WoW I tend to take the day off to just game as long as I can, but a lot of people do that.....right?
Balance is something that all gamers need to learn, and as quickly as possible. And By gamer, I mean a person that wants to put time into a game or games to actually complete the content they provide. To all those people out there that just play, and dont ever truely complete the content of the game, you are also gamers yes, but for the purpose of this post Im not including. This is because you tend to not have the time to really devote to a game, and dont have to balance your life around it. No offense meant. But anyway, back to balance.
Like I was saying, Balance is something that all gamers need to learn, and as quickly as possible. Its very easy to lose yourself in a game, and forget about the responsibilities of real life. Things like Homework, Meetings, Phone calls, Errands, important appointments, etc. Ive been there, and Ive forgotten a lot of things that im not proud of forgetting. Ive even forgotten my anniversary with my Boyfriend because I was gaming to much that day, and trust me that sucked. But at first, Balance can be hard for some, because games can suck you into a world that is beautiful (or terrifying, if you like Horror games). But Balance is needed, as with everything else.
The First thing I started doing when I noticed I was having issues with Balance was writing myself notes. It helped remind me of what I had that day, other than what I had inside a game. I would stick them on my computer so that I would be forced to see them the next day. Its helped me a ton when it comes to making appointments, or those important family phone calls that everyone just loves to make.
The second thing Ive done comes from some more technology that almost every one has. Im, of course, talking about a cell phone. Most cells come with a calendar app, which one can set to ring when one has to leave for something they have to do that day. With the alarm app, I can set a time for me to get off as still have time to get ready for whatever Im doing. Its been a lifesaver when I have to be to a place at a certain time in order to make something that I promised I would do. Things like Family Dinners, Birthdays, and the like. Things that would upset someone if I didnt make after I said I would.
Finally, I keep a day planner with all my appointments, including raid times in WoW, and I look at it every morning when I wake up, and every evening before I go to bed. It helps keep me in check and keep the things I have to do fresh in my head. And even though I still forget things that Im supposed to do, it helps keep it to a minimum and makes sure that I do everything that I meant to (for the most part)
These are my three steps to maintain balance between games and Real Life, and I would love to here what other people do. Comment here and let me know. Also, if you didnt know already, I make youtube videos which you can find here at My Channel. And if anyone has any questions for me, whether on my views about things or just for random facts about me, dont be afraid to ask. It would be fun to answer some of them.
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