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Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by jmarchello on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @08:56AM (#18282927)
Do you play a lot of video games? If so, I would recommend dropping them completely. At lest until your life is where you want it. I spent all HS playing video games and regret loosing so much time of my life. What’s more, they are highly addictive and have severely stunted the progress of many people I know closely. It will probably be hard but you’ll be amazed the difference it makes in your ability to work hard and stay motivated.
Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by asdkhadsj on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @01:47PM (#18285619)
Firstly, I fully support anyone striving to better themselves, even if that means deciding that they're too weak to handle things like video games. (and I use the term "weak" in a none-judgmental manner, fwiw)

But, with that said.. if someone feels the need to cut something from their life entirely, I recommend looking closely at why that thing is such a problem. Be it drinking, recreational drugs, video games, etc. Even something as "harmless" as procrastination, reddit, facebook, etc.

I say this because I feel the root cause is likely to haunt you no matter what you ignore. If there is a gap in your life such that something mildly addictive can take over than there is likely a larger problem at play. In my own life, I've tried to do the same with procrastination - ie, Reddit/etc. I've found that while I can ban Reddit, I'm not inherently stopping the feedback loop, I'm just changing changing what causes that loop.

My 2c? Look at the inputs to your life and cut out any you don't think are useful. Video games may help you relax, they may be useful! Of course, you can choose to use something else for relaxation. The key however, is to use everything your life in proper moderation. Sit down and think about what percentages of your life these components should take and make an effort to balance life, work, sleep and play. Balance is insanely difficult, especially in the face if unhealthy inputs. If work is too hard you may feel the need to drown your sorrows. It's not easy to change careers or jobs, but I simply ask that you identify the root issues in your life, and adjust as best you can.

Your balance will be different than mine, only you can figure that out. Best wishes friend(s), take care of yourself :)

Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by JoeAltmaier on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @08:59AM (#18282949)
They even killed a young man I know. He dropped out, moved into a friend's basement, played video games and drank only beer. Only beer, for months. Liver damage, death.
Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by archenemy on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @12:34PM (#18284876)
videogames damaged a man's liver and KILLED him? nah, i don't think so.
Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by JoeAltmaier on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @05:50PM (#18287833)
Don't be deliberately dense. It was the addiction that killed him, made him ignore his health and diet, ignore his friends and family
Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by SpanishConf on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @10:08AM (#18283477)
Fuck
Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by SpanishConf on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @10:08AM (#18283476)
Yeah, I kinda do sometimes, but not that much. My biggest distraction by far atm (and always) is Youtube though :/
Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by imhoguy on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @05:00PM (#18287436)
LeechBlock does wonders to me. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/leechblock-ng...

Or try to switch to some CS/programming tutorial videos.

Re:Ask HN: In a bad spot right now in life, need advice by tudelo on Tuesday October 23, 2018 @11:06AM (#18283972)
How well did stopping gaming go for you?