So last week I had an epiphany moment.

"Why dont I try to not play games for a week and only play if my friends are online and are playing something I enjoy"

To my surprise It went pretty well. I only played games once for a few hours which was VRChat and even then I dont really consider it a game persay, more of a social experience that I have been doing regularly in the COVID Times over the past 6 months

Anyhow, My free time spent over the last week that used to be spent on games went to mainly youtube/anime/podcasts. Honestly I dont think these are as predatory as the false sense of achievement that gaming gives to me so I will have to gaming with a more nourishing activity

I started going to bed 2-3 hours earlier than normal, and ensuring I wash my face/brush my teeth everyday. Overall Im feeling much more refreshed than what I used to be like when all I did was play video games.

I think for my circumstance, Im not "Addicted" to playing video games, its just something I do when bored and to pass the time. It doesnt hinder my mental state that I have urges and need to do it as bad as something like fapping and pornography (Which im doing nofap to treat that atm) I just have to moderate it so it doesnt clash with my other priorities/goals in life

I think overall I need to have more of a balanced lifestyle and balance gaming with other hobbies.

Gyms havent opened up yet where I live but they will be in a few months. Im going to dedicate the sense of progression that games give into working out at the gym and seeing progress!