Friday, August 24, 2012

When Games Become Work



It's been too long since I've written here, but I am ba-ack.  God has gotten me through serious surgery and a move.  In fact, I'm still unpacking and putting away.  

Have you ever felt like you


will never be able to find a


place for everything?  That's how I have been feeling for the past year.  Clutter is ugly, distressing and fatiguing.   However, I am taking baby steps and getting my new home in shape.  Now, enough of talking about chores and on to my topic for the day  -- when games become work.


Me, my computer and my dog.  
Since it isn't easy to sit on the floor, my dog has gotten spoiled.
Being part of the computer generation is a great boon for people with invisible illnesses.  We find understanding and support; we are able to connect with friends quickly; and we can play computer games.  Uh-huh!  Did you know that was where I was going?  Many computer games are like hobbies, because you can arrange the pictures they provide however you want.  It is the computer generation equal to having an electric train and building a set for it.   However, like any hobby, this can take up too much time;  moreover, it can be a big energy drain if I  begin to get obsessive about it. 

Energy drain, the bane of the chronically fatigued, is something we have to guard against.  In my own life, I have been taking gradual steps to increase my energy and learn my limits.  I have discovered one of my limits in playing games.   When the game becomes work, I have to step away for a while.  How long depends on my  work schedule.  With limited energy, I have to make a decision about what really needs to be done each day. Now, that I am able to accomplish more and I am sitting less, I have to choose my activities carefully.

Sometimes, I have to let my games go for a while: then, I close my eyes and lean back in my chair, I watch television, or I just read.  Balancing my playtime is just as important as balancing my work.  May your playtime be fun and your work be satisfying.  

Until next time, 

Deborah

2 comments:

  1. Me, too, Debby! I've had to do that with YoVille, Frontierville/Pioneer Trail, Cafe World and sometimes with the Sims Social game now. I've replaced them with Bingo and Words with Friends that I can do in short spurts and feel like I've used my brain but not used up all my energy. I remember playing games for hours and enjoying all the little coins that popped up when I cleaned a sink or cleared a crop...because it was much easier than getting on my achy hands and knees and doing the real thing! lol :)

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    1. The quick game I am particularly enjoying is the one with the monkey by Zynga. Why is it so much fun to pop bubbles? I have to admit to having spent too much time the last couple of days on my blogs: I'm still learning how to work all the templates and settings. If I had to design them, there would be no blog.

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It is always lovely hearing from you.
Deborah