3-Weeks In!

[kevlar2109]

My 3-Week Benchmark Report

Hey all,

I felt like I should make a post about hitting the 3-week checkpoint in my game quitting journey. Thus far, I'd say my cravings have been fairly manageable. There were a couple of days within the 3rd week that I definitely wanted to play Madden because I was reading up on some of the latest NFL news. I started watching old games on YouTube for a minute to try and manage and then I got over it. For me, digesting anything football-related can be a trigger because I obviously go into the mode of wanting to play out my own version of these stories in the game.

As for filling my time, one of my hobbies that I wanted to develop anyways (gaming got in the way) is learning the guitar and getting back into music. In the three weeks, I've done something music-related every day, whether it's voice lessons, practicing the guitar, writing songs, or working with my friend to come up with concepts. It's been a lot of fun and something I can track progress for and "level up" in. A few other activities I have done are puzzles, reading, working out, horseback riding, and even fishing. While we went fishing last night, I said to my stepson, "Wow this is so much better than catching Pokemon." On top of that, I just started a new job last week so I'm putting a lot of attention towards that obviously. Using the apps "Coach.me" and "Trello" have been effective for me in terms of time management and task completion, while in a sense replacing the feeling of "leveling up" in a game.

With gaming gone, I noticed that my body/mind has struggled in some ways to adapt. One thing that happened last week is that my eating habits kind of fell apart and I started eating unhealthily for the week. On top of that, I got into a Netflix series and binged almost as if it was taking the place of the gaming. I'm becoming mindful that the addictive spirit can manifest itself in other ways besides gaming.

Finally, the biggest revelation that I have received in this time is that some of the games I was addicted to (Madden, Pokemon) are all rooted in my childhood. These games were escape mechanisms from some of my childhood struggles back then, and so I believe the addiction I had recently was connected to all of those struggles. It's incredibly enlightening when you step away from these things to let the dust settle, and then you realize what is really going on.

Anyways, I just wanted to share my experience and to stay encouraged as I make my way towards 90 days (Aug. 24th will make 90 days for me!).

Stay blessed everyone and let me know your thoughts if you get a moment!

Kevin Ferris

[Amphibian220]

Welcome to game quitters!

You are showing good initiative by trying out so many interesting activities. I took horse riding lessons and can say it was one of the most therapeutic activities for my mind. I’d ride for two hours in the morning and feel charged for the rest of the day.

Are you a football player? If you are such a keen fan then how about joining a team and playing in an amateur football league?

Edited June 17, 2020 by Amphibian220

[kevlar2109]

On 6/17/2020 at 5:34 PM, Amphibian220 said:

Welcome to game quitters!

You are showing good initiative by trying out so many interesting activities. I took horse riding lessons and can say it was one of the most therapeutic activities for my mind. I’d ride for two hours in the morning and feel charged for the rest of the day.

Are you a football player? If you are such a keen fan then how about joining a team and playing in an amateur football league?

That's awesome yeah I definitely enjoyed the horseback riding and we are talking about doing it again. So yeah I played football in high school- that's an idea for sure!