I never thought I’d be a gamer. It always seemed like such a waste of time to me, especially when there are so many other things I could be doing with my time. But then I had a baby, and everything changed. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard. I love my daughter more than anything in the world, but some days I just need a break. And that’s where gaming comes in. It started with just a few minutes here and there, when she was napping or playing quietly on her own. But pretty soon, it turned into hours, and then even whole days. And you know what? I don’t feel guilty about it anymore. In this blog post, I’m going to explore how mama needs mana gaming lifestyle irl things have become such an important part of my life and how it helps me cope with the stresses of motherhood.
Mama needs mana: how I learned to stop worrying and love gaming
I’ve never been a “gamer.” I grew up playing sports and didn’t really get into video games until I was an adult. Even then, it was just the occasional game of Mario Party or Wii bowling with friends. But when my son was born, everything changed.
Suddenly, I had this tiny human being who needed me for everything. And as any parent knows, taking care of a baby is a full-time job. There were nights when I would be up until 3am feedings, only to be up again at 6am for the next one. I was exhausted all the time, and my social life completely disappeared.
But one day, when my son was about six months old, I saw him watching me play Wii bowling. And it hit me: maybe gaming could be a way for us to connect.
So, I started doing some research and found that there are actually a ton of great games out there for parents and kids to play together. We bought a Nintendo Switch and started playing Super Mario Odyssey and Splatoon 2 together. And you know what? It was awesome!
Not only did gaming give us something to bond over, but it also gave me a much-needed break from the never-ending cycle of feedings and diaper changes. Don’t get me wrong – I love my son more than anything in the world. But sometimes mama needs mana gaming lifestyle irl things too, ya know?
So, if you’re a parent who’s looking for a way to connect with your kids, I highly recommend giving gaming a try. It might just be the best decision you ever make.
The allure of gaming
Many people are drawn to gaming for its escapist nature. It can be a way to forget about the problems of the real world and enter into a fantastical one where the only limit is your imagination. For some, it can be a form of relaxation or even meditation, providing a much-needed respite from the stresses of everyday life.
Others are attracted to gaming for its competitive element. Whether it’s going head-to-head with friends in an online multiplayer match or rising to the top of the leaderboards, there’s a certain thrill that comes with testing one’s skills against others. And with games now available on a myriad of platforms, there’s always someone out there ready for a challenge.
Finally, many people simply enjoy gaming because it’s fun. With such a wide variety of genres and styles to choose from, there’s bound to be something out there that appeals to everyone. Whether you’re looking for an immersive RPG experience or just want to shoot some aliens in an arcade-style shooter, there’s a game out there for you.
The benefits of gaming
As a lifelong gamer, I can attest to the many benefits that gaming has to offer. From improving problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination to providing a much-needed outlet for stress and anxiety, there are few activities that can match the potential of gaming.
In recent years, the positive effects of gaming have been garnering more and more attention from the scientific community. A growing body of research has shown that gaming can improve cognitive function, reduce stress levels, and even help to treat conditions like depression and ADHD.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your brainpower, relieve some stress, or just have some fun, pick up a controller and start playing!
1. Improves Cognitive Function
One of the most well-established benefits of gaming is its ability to improve cognitive function. A wealth of research has shown that playing video games can increase attention span, memory, and reaction time.
In one study, participants who played action games showed significant improvements in their working memory, while another found that first-person shooter games could help to improve spatial attention.
Not only that, but gaming can also help to increase problem-solving skills. In a 2013 study, participants who played the strategy game StarCraft showed improved performance on tests of problem solving and multitasking.
So if you’re looking for a way to give your brain a workout, gaming is a great option.
2. Reduces Stress Levels
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s no wonder that so many people are feeling stressed out. But luckily, gaming can provide a much-needed outlet for all that pent-up tension.
A number of studies have shown that gaming can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. In one study, participants who played the puzzle game Bejeweled showed reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
The downside of gaming
Since I was a little girl, I have always loved playing video games. They were a way for me to escape reality and enter into another world where I could be anyone I wanted to be. However, as I got older, I began to realise that there was a downside to gaming.
While games can be a fun way to pass the time, they can also be addicting. I have seen firsthand how someone can get so wrapped up in a game that they forget about the real world around them. This can lead to problems in school or work and can even damage relationships.
Another downside of gaming is that it can be expensive. If you’re not careful, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars on games and gaming equipment. And if you want to stay competitive, you may feel pressure to keep up with the latest releases and updates, which can add even more cost.
Finally, gaming can also be isolating. If you spend too much time playing games, you may start to neglect your social life and become withdrawn from the people around you. This is why it’s important to find a balance and make sure that gaming doesn’t take over your life.
How to find a balance with gaming
It can be difficult to find a balance with gaming, especially if you’re a parent or have other responsibilities. Here are a few tips to help you manage your time and keep your gaming habit in check:
1. Set limits on how much time you can spend gaming each day or week. This will help you make sure you’re still making time for other things in your life.
2. Make gaming session goals so you’re not just aimlessly playing for hours on end. Whether it’s beating a certain level, unlocking all the achievements, or simply completing the game, having specific goals will help you stay focused and limit your playtime.
3. Find other things to do during down times in between games or when you’re feeling burnt out from playing too much. This could be anything from reading, going for walks, or spending time with friends and family.
4. Take breaks often to avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed out from gaming. It’s important to give your mind and body a break so you don’t get too wrapped up in the game world.
5. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Gaming should be fun so make sure to set aside some time each week to relax and have fun with it.
Games that are perfect for mamas
There are plenty of games out there that are perfect for mamas. Here are just a few of our favourites:
1. Candy Crush: This popular mobile game is perfect for when you need a quick break from reality. It’s also great for helping to relieve stress.
2. Plants vs. Zombies: Another great option for when you need a break from reality, this game is also perfect for when you want to laugh out loud. The zany humour and adorable plants make it hard to resist.
3. Words With Friends: Perfect for when you need a little mental stimulation, this game can be played with friends or strangers online. You can also play it at your own pace, which is great for busy mamas.
4. Angry Birds: If you’re looking for a more challenging game, Angry Birds is perfect. It’s also great for working out some frustration (just be careful not to hurl your phone across the room in rage).
5. Bejeweled: A classic puzzle game that’s still as addictive as ever, Bejeweled is perfect for those times when you need to take a break and clear your head.
Conclusion
It’s been a long journey, but I’ve finally learned to stop worrying and love gaming. I’m not saying that there aren’t still things about the gaming industry that bother me — there are plenty. But at the end of the day, I’m just happy to be able to enjoy something that I love so much. And who knows? Maybe someday I’ll even be able to make a living off of it. Thanks for reading!