NEW VIDEO: I Quit MMOs and THIS Happened
BooksandTrees
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Posts posted by BooksandTrees
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You might want to make a singular diary and post new days within your forum post. That way you can measure your progress and build your profile.
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Things are going a lot better. The director of my department was fired and I got a raise. I feel like we have a better department environment now and the work culture is better.
I've made some recent progress with my cartoon, reading, and drumming hobbies. I haven't really felt like writing in here for months now. I think I've been so burnt out from the house and job that I just kind of relax after work and zone out when I can. I spent the past few months doing something around the house after work and just the past 2 weeks I've finally gained some freedom.
This newfound freedom is really helping me spend time on hobbies. I've been able to drum to random songs. I'm not trying to master any songs in particular. I just want to get better at understanding the music so I can just play songs on my spotify list.
My cartoon had been stagnant for 6 months but I drew a background the other day and only need 5 more drawn. I've also been reading a great book about overcoming addiction when it's ruined someone's life. Very powerful book.
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Welcome to the forums.
There's a lot to unpack in your post, not just for the readers, but for yourself as well.
Shame is probably the strongest emotion in the world and can lead to both good and bad reactions. Coming here was a good reaction. Beating yourself up over addiction is a bad reaction. Keep that in mind. It sounds obvious but it's easy to look past how we care for ourselves.
For hobbies you should find out why you're playing video games in the first place. What are you looking for when you play? Then find replacement activities.
You could yearn for social interaction, progression in something measurable, competitive environments, etc. When you crave a game, welcome the craving and pretend it's your stomach craving dinner. Sure, you could eat candy bars, but you'd feel like shit. If you ate a balanced meal then you'd feel better and be full longer with fewer cravings.
Try to use that anecdote for game cravings. A balanced life reduces cravings. You'll never escape cravings just like you'll never escape hunger.
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I find it interesting that you've highlighted another addiction and am proud of you for that. My second addiction was porn and that's been harder to quit than gaming even though I'd only watch for a few minutes compared to hours on end.
I think gaming is like a longterm drug that is a gateway addiction to other addictions due to the need for instant gratification from games being so taxing on our dopamine levels.
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Great posts. I agree with what you said that I said about hobbies not being work lol.
I just had a breakthrough of my own with hobbies and finding a process I enjoy. I think it's easy to find something we're interested in but the hobby needs to progress with the path of least resistance for it to flow well.
We get caught up being so linear in progression. An example of this is I've been playing the drums to absolutely random songs I find and read the tabs twice while playing, then move onto another song. I hit bored perfecting like 4 songs.
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You doing ok? Sorry about the girlfriend situation.
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5 minutes ago, Amphibian220 said:
This comeback is more satisfying than having my team win the world cup. You have a habit of bouncing back, keep it up.
Thanks. I'm feeling better and less burnt out. I'm still burnt out but I feel capable instead of frozen.
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Thanks for the responses everyone. I've once again been away doing a ton of house stuff, work projects, and much more.
I interviewed for a new job and didn't get it. I wasn't really interested in it and they could tell.
I've taken a lot of time to do nothing and embrace boredom actually. Last week I finished all my projects at work and a ton of stuff at home. I just wanted to take some time this weekend to recharge, reset, and do nothing. I ended up using the whole weekend for this. No goals, no hobbies, no checklists. I exercised, cleaned, self care, read, cook, spend time with my fiancee, and sleep. I feel a lot better.
I am having a conversation with my boss Monday about how he snaps and says mean things abs we'll see how it goes.
I haven't written on here in weeks because it just feels like work. Even writing now feels like work. I think that means I'm busy as hell and need to relax. So I'll continue this.
I haven't over eaten in weeks since that post. I've taken time to draw, stretch, relax, and accept the situation a little.
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I had a week off from work and had a lot of fun with family and friends. I got a lot of stuff done on my house and did hobbies.
I went back to work and instantly got depressed and stress ate even when I wasn't hungry. I gave up gaming and porn and now it's food. Right when I get stressed I March to the kitchen.
I've bought tons of healthier food, but even if it's healthy, consuming extra calories is still gonna hit.
I need some sort of activity that I can do when I'm anxious or fidgety. I considered gum but I'm concerned how it'd impact my teeth. Maybe hand grips or something?
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On 7/2/2022 at 10:36 AM, Pochatok said:
Hell yes! So happy for you, that is a skill so many people don't prioritize or have so much trouble improving. Glad you're doing better 🙂
Thank you very much! I'll be in touch on your journal soon. Sorry for being away and great hearing from you.
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On 7/1/2022 at 3:00 PM, Vorsicon said:
I quit games a couple weeks ago and my Steam accounts are in the process of being deleted. EGS account is already deleted.
I am currently separated from my family and in the next few days I may end up having a lot of time on my hands. I hope to be back home in the next few weeks or months. Gaming could be a good escape to help destress and recoup, but im worried that if I start down that road that I'll be consumed for a while to numb the pain, as was my previous lifestyle.
I started learning FL Studio but havent had much time to work on it lately and fear that the learning curve will deter me from continuing.
I have been watching more senseless YT lately too that needs to be curbed. FL Studio tutorials have been helpful to keep me learning.
I have been reading a lot more which is good- to an extent. It's also another form of escape and distraction for me, though it does encourage me to write- which I avoid at all costs cuz I'm terrified of writing and that what i will write will be no good. I know it doesnt matter and i need to just WRITE but I have difficulty moving past that.
Im writing this journal entry so i dont look for some escape right now, or maybe it is a form of escape cuz i dont want to pray right now. I dont have my laptop atm so gaming isn't really an option, but i'll have it later today.
I can go to an Anytime Fitness gym if i want to for the next couple days while i have the car, which i think i might do. Ive been going with a friend for a couple momths. I'll have to go by myself but i think i can manage that. I did that a couple weeks ago.
Im staying at a friends for a couple days and gaming has always been a go-to for us. So im not sure if he will want to and/or if i should. I kind of need a distraction right now. Ive prayed for a bit but im losing strength presently and when my friend and I will be home together later today we might want to play something. Idk. I just kind of need a distraction... i know i should keep going to Jesus but Im feeling pretty worn out.
Vors, signing off.
Welcome to the forums. You're doing a great job and the first thing I need you to do is take a few deep breaths and be in the moment. There's a lot of anxiety and potential panic tones coming from your writing. That's ok. You're doing a good job. You've got this.
I suggest writing about your cravings and what's causing you to panic. One of the toughest parts is dealing with boredom. It's ok to be bored. It's very restorative to the mind during periods of burnout and stress.
I wrote a long piece in the celebrations forum called 500 days without gaming. I recommend reading that.
Be your own friend. You've got this.
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Thank you!
I'm also applying for a new job. I spoke too soon about work not being an issue. This place is getting bad fast.
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What a huge couple of weeks. We moved into our house, sold one condo, and got my security deposit back from my old apartment. It feels nice to move on and let those two go so I can focus on one.
Relationship is going well. We took engagement photos and have been focusing on communication, support, and giving love.
Lots of family members are offering to help do stuff at our house which is nice, but overwhelming. We want to do do a lot ourselves and just relax a bit. They're understanding though.
Hobbies are slightly stagnant because of having everything packed up, but I'm spending my time by cleaning, unpacking, and house projects. It's nice and I don't have any cravings.
Work is great. Getting busy and I'm doing better with my boss after a few misunderstandings. We had a polite conversation about it and moved on. If there's one skill I know I have, it's communication lol.
Hope you're doing well.
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Things are going well overall. I've bought a house and I've been improving relationships with my parents and family. It's been quite the relief.
Things with my fiancee have been wonderful. She's been so loving and caring. I'm very lucky.
It's been a pretty exhausting couple of weeks which is why I haven't posted. Work has been busy, the house stuff is tiring, and I've had so many friends and family trying to hang out and see me. I'm trying to fit it all in but I'm very tired.
Ironically, the reason I'm posting right now is because I don't feel well and I'm up late. I can't sleep due too a migraine and I've got some stomach pain. I'm very scared of feeling sick so I'm just going through my practice of anxiety relief and trying not to panic. I have a slight suspicion of being food poisoned so I'm praying that's not the case and it's just dehydration from a very active day with not enough water.
I hope you're all doing well.
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Things are going well. It feels like life is going very fast with planning for the future, work, etc.
Therapy is going well and I'm still doing this on a regular basis. I've been less and less interested in writing on here recently. I mentioned before how it can be difficult to write on here once you are here for a certain amount of time because you see so many people come and go that it almost feels like you're writing a personal diary. I just haven't felt like writing in my diary recently since I've been tired. I'm not suffering from depression though. I've actually been very happy recently.
I also feel like I discuss my issues with so many people now. I speak with my fiancee, my therapist, family, friends, etc that by the time I'm done with that I don't want to summarize it again on here. That's a good problem to have. I feel like I've got a tremendous network now and I'm addressing all of my issues as they come with a very logical state of mind. At the end of the day I'm just naturally tired and ready for bed.
Hope you're all doing well.
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I've been seeing a lot of friends recently. With covid clearing up a bit, I've been seeing about 3 friends or family members a week. It's pretty exhausting to be honest. I forgot how many people I used to interact with on a regular basis before covid and after quitting video games.
I haven't wanted to post on here in a while just because I feel like I recap the past few weeks or months with all of my friends each week. So I just want to relax after.
I've been doing so much socializing that my hobbies haven't gained too much progress other than a podcast being made with one friend. After this weekend I'm gonna reduce it to one hangout every other week. I need a little balance.
I hope you're all doing well. I've decided to exercise at lunch every day because I don't like morning or night exercise. I'm too focused on work or tired after work lol.
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On 3/21/2022 at 12:39 AM, Mohammad said:
I just came back and happy to see that you still writing here 🙂
I always admire you. I look at your posts and tell myself that if you did, I should be able to do it too no matter how hard or impossible it sounds.
Thanks for being an exemplar for me.
Welcome back. I hope you're doing well. That is nice of you to say.
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On 3/20/2022 at 10:01 AM, Marius said:
You can also try fascia rolls and stretch for longer periods (30s+).
Sounds really well how life is progressing for you. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! I did one of those stretches and actually did about 15 minutes of stretching. I'm also doing things to fix my posture at my computer desk while i work. I tied a belt around my thighs because i kept crossing my legs lol. It was because my hip flexors are tight etc.
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Today I'll be doing some background art. I've decided not to share my current cartoon art to remain anonymous. I apologize for those curious to see it.
Something I realized is I'm not very flexible anymore. If I sit against a eashl and try to straighten my legs to stretch my hamstrings, they don't even go straight. This means my posture is bad when I stand too. So I'm gonna be stretching 2 to 3 times a day for a while and probably the rest of my life. It helps me relax as well.
Work went extremely well and I'm seeing my therapist every 3 weeks now instead of twice a week or once s week like I had been. I've made incredible improvements and am so grateful to everyone who has supported me.
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Hey, thanks for the comments. I have been super busy with work and trying to socialize with friends a little more now that covid is going down a bit.
I'm doing well. I finished rigging all my characters and they look awesome. I haven't started background art yet because I gotta learn how to do them properly again. It takes a while to get used to something and then I feel comfortable.
Work is going very well. They gave me my midyear review and said I was doing an outstanding job. I'm really happy about work now. I was overthinking the last post I made.
I've lost a few pounds and now I'm starting to get back into hobbies as the weather gets better.
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On 3/3/2022 at 1:26 PM, TheNewMe2.0 said:
2 years +
Been two years since I quit gaming. Thankful that I've been clean this long. My life has a changed a lot. I'm focusing on doing nofap now. No porn masturbation or orgasm. It's going well I'm at day 35 there. So that's no substances, games and no PMO for my sobriety hat trick. Haha.
I've made a lot of progress although it was slow and steady going for a long time. Then a catalyst occurred and I had a big life growth spurt. Now it's back to slow steady progress but the spurt has maintained.
Three years ago till now I went from: jobless, gaming 4-8 hours a day, almost no exercise or spiritual practice and eating mostly microwaveable food to maximize time on the video games. 😞
Currently I am working as a counselor at a job that both pays and treats me better than I've ever experienced. I'm moving towards my LPC license this year. I'm involved in weight lifting, yoga and martial arts clubs. I have friends! And I'm dating 2+ girls at the moment hoping to make one of them my girlfriend and live that nice settled life if all goes well. 🙂
I've also progressed in my anime drawing, poetry writing and singing. Gained 10 lbs of muscle, improved my style and haircut. Become much better at managing my stress levels and being kind in relationships regardless of how stressed I am.
I'm starting to take space ❤️ for myself when I need it. Last night I said goodnight and turned my phone to airplane mode at 7pm to just sit around and do wahtever in my room. Read, meditate yoga.
I'm learning to not take cold showers because it makes me too cold for like days after sometimes. But I'm doing the wim hof method breathing and that's helping. I got up to a 4 minute breath hold one time. I think if I do a lot of WHM I'll be able to handle the cold shower aftermath. BEing in the shower is no problem but afterwards I be cold 😕
Love that breathing tho
I put away my second pillow so that it like doesn't rub againt my area at night and cause temptation for PMO relapse.
yep.
May everyone on here get off the games and stay off. Or whatevers best for you.
Great job! Glad to hear from you.
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On 2/25/2022 at 9:14 AM, WildRiftQuitter said:
Hi, thanks for the reply
I see that your a long term quitter and would like to hear some advice from you on how to make the most out of my detox and get over gamming
I'm still on the beginning of my journey and I feel lost thinking about the future and my cravings are so intense that they exhaust my mind
Thanks by advance
I'll give a longer response today when I have more time but if you go to the celebrations part of the forum I wrote a piece about being 500 days free and wrote a huge article about it. You might find some answers there before I respond.
For myself
in Daily Journals
Posted
Congrats on 60 days!