Our mobile phones are always within our grasp. We spend a significant part of our day looking at our screens, whether that’s when chatting to friends or checking the news.
For gamers, that time adds up even more. Mobile gaming is fun, convenient and endlessly entertaining. Gamers enjoy all sorts of games, whether that’s puzzles and strategy titles or online sportsbook and casino titles where you can bet online. It can be easy for time to slip by when playing games on smartphones.
Being able to limit screen time has become an important conversation. For gamers, developing healthy screen time habits doesn’t mean having to give up the games you love; it just means enjoying them while still looking after your health and wellbeing.
Creating a Guide for Healthy Gaming Habits
Balancing screen time is relatively simple. By putting a few strategies in place, mobile gamers can enjoy gaming sustainably without damaging their health. We have put this guide together to help you get started:
Set reasonable time limits
One of the most effective ways to achieve this balance is by setting clear time limits on your phone usage. Many smartphones now come with tools built in that allow you to monitor your usage and you can even lock certain apps after a set time.
Time management tools are proven to significantly reduce screen overuse, particularly amongst younger generations. They can improve sleep quality and general overall well-being.
For gamers, this could mean setting a one-hour time limit on a gaming app or blocking usage late in the evening.
Take breaks regularly
Being on your mobile phone for too long can cause eye strain, muscle stiffness and fatigue. Consider trying out the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking at something else every 20 minutes that is 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
This will help give your eyes some rest. Short, regular breaks are very effective in reducing the symptoms of digital eye strain. For gamers, this might mean pausing the game at certain points to rest your eyes and perhaps stretch or grab a drink.
Think about your setup
Posture is very important for your health, particularly for gamers. Holding your phone too close or at an angle that means you have to crane your neck can lead to ‘tech neck’. Looking down at your phone can put a lot of pressure on your cervical spine.
To help reduce pressure, you should hold your device at eye level where possible and use ergonomic seating. You could try using a cushion to bring your elbows up to the correct level and reduce strain.
Get in some physical activity
You should balance your screen time with some form of physical activity. For many, it is recommended by the World Health Organization to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
To help incentivize yourself to do this, you can reward yourself with a quick walk or your favorite sport after finishing a gaming session or reaching a certain point in the game. You could also look at AR-based mobile games that integrate physical activity into the game.
Movement can also boost your mood and focus, which could have a positive impact on your next gaming session.
Get enough sleep
It is common for gamers to stay up late to enjoy a game, especially if they are close to finishing it. However, screen usage before bed can delay melatonin release and make it harder for you to fall asleep.
Poor sleep is very damaging to your health and well-being. It also impacts your reaction times and concentration, making you perform less well in games. You should try to limit screen usage to 30 minutes or an hour before bed to let your brain wind down naturally.
The benefits of developing these habits
Developing these habits will help you reduce screen time and improve your overall quality of life. Gamers who can establish limits may even find they enjoy games more because it feels intentional.
Taking regular breaks help to reduce fatigue and make gaming sessions feel more comfortable. You will have fewer aches, more energy and better focus too.
You may also find that it helps to improve relationships with your family as you can be more present in the moment and less distracted by your screen.
Developing habits to reduce your screen time does not mean having to give up the games that you love; it just means establishing limits and finding ways to enjoy games and look after your mind and body at the same time.
Try out some of these strategies and see what works best for you. It might take a little bit of time to get used to them, but it is certainly a worthwhile challenge.