I recently started to play my favorite video game again.

Only for an hour or two at a time, every other day.

It relaxes me.

My brain needs to focus on the tasks in front of me so intensely that it helps me come down.

It's paradoxical, but it works.

It's the same with great movies at the theater, or hanging out with friends for a relaxed evening.

The key to a beneficial experience for my brain is the quality and time investment.

I only watch movies that are excellent (that's subjective, and requires some critical thinking about the movie industry), and play video games that are so good, they let me forget about reality.

And I rigorously control the time I spend with those activities.

This combination makes sure it's beneficial for me, and not addictive.

Common "online business & creator" advice often tells us to ditch video games, TV, or hanging out with friends in favor of an early bedtime at 9:30 pm.

It's all about keeping the balance.

I've found that a great evening at the movie theater or an hour spent on a favorite video game or a dinner with good friends can be just as relaxing as a walk in nature or reading a good book.

The key question is: Can you exercise self-control and stop once the relaxation ends?

After a long walk in the woods, you eventually need to stop. The same applies to your favorite video game.

Enjoy it for an hour or two, but then it's time to switch gears.

Refocus on your tasks, and enjoy the benefits of momentarily escaping into fictional worlds.

You can tell if something isn't good for you the moment it stresses you out.

When you feel this way, stop what you're doing and reassess whether it's truly necessary for relaxation or if it's becoming an addiction.

This ability to recognize and respond is crucial for finding the right balance.

What is an activity you regularly enjoy, that goes against common advice for a mindful life at inner peace?

Hit reply and let me know.

—Wolfgang

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