If you’re a gamer but you’re also attending college, managing your work/life balance can be tricky at best. Even though you’re an adult and on your own, that doesn’t mean you’ve mastered the art of time management (which is a lifelong discipline).
Gaming can be a great way to stay sharp and relieve stress, but not if it gets in the way of studying, getting the most out of your college years, or a part-time job. Can you really do it all?
The answer is yes, whether you love casino gaming online or first-person shooters. It’s all about sticking to a schedule and giving yourself some buffer room.
For example, start recognizing that things (including gaming) always take longer than you think. Start working on ditching those procrastination tendencies so you can make the most of these four years.
Make time for what you love and what’s required
Unfortunately, gaming tends to be at the bottom of the totem pole while you’re in college. Many other things pretty much have to come first, such as homework, actual work, and prepping in whatever way is necessary for your future, whether that’s grad school applications, scholarship essays, interviewing for corporate jobs, etc.
It’s easy to get so overwhelmed that you either put your passion for gaming on the backburner or completely give up and indulge in a gaming binge. Neither is a healthy option.
Everyone has the exact same hours in the day to work with, and you can make time for both the things you love and what you need to do. If you want more time for gaming (or anything else), start by assessing your daily habits.
Is there a way to shave off some extra time, such as holding a weekly “cleaning party” with roommates so you’re not constantly picking up after them? How about cooking meals in advance so you’re not always running to the store?
Know your bad habits
Most gamers have that one game that just sucks them in and doesn’t let go. This can be dangerous if you know you’re prone to zoning out for hours.
It doesn’t mean you have to give up gaming, but you may need to switch to a game that imposes clear time frames (such as table games instead of an epic quest). Understanding your own tendencies is a life skill best established when you’re young.
Most important, don’t beat yourself up if you slip. Sometimes a long-haul session with your game of choice is just what your body and mind need.
