Are you struggling to stay committed to your diet? Are you constantly plagued by cravings for sugary snacks, unhealthy fast food, or even cigarettes and alcohol? Well, researchers from Plymouth University in England may have found an unusual yet effective solution for you: playing video games, specifically Tetris, to keep those cravings under control.
Video Games and Willpower
It might sound far-fetched, but there is some substantial backing behind the idea. According to a study conducted at Plymouth University, engaging in visual stimulation by playing a video game can help to distract your mind from unhealthy cravings. This simple act of distraction can reinforce your willpower and prevent you from giving in to temptation.
The researchers suggest using the classic game Tetris as your go-to willpower boosting tool. The reasoning behind this is that cravings usually only last a few minutes, during which an individual visualizes what they want and the reward it will bring. This visualization often results in the person giving in and consuming whatever they are trying to resist.
How Tetris Can Help
As explained by researcher Jackie Andrade, playing Tetris in short bursts can help to prevent this visualization process. She states, “By playing Tetris, just in short bursts, you are preventing your brain from creating those enticing images and without them, the craving fades.” The study found that playing just a few minutes of Tetris could reduce cravings by as much as 24 percent.
Feeling in control is a crucial aspect of staying motivated, and playing Tetris can contribute significantly to a sense of control when trying to manage temptations. Andrade explains, “It is something a person can quickly access, for the most part, whether they are at work or at home and replaces the feeling of stress caused by the craving itself.”
Other Ways to Distract Yourself from Cravings
While the research focuses on Tetris, it’s likely that other video games or activities that require intense focus can have a similar effect on distracting your mind from unhealthy desires. Here are some other options to try when cravings strike:
- Solving puzzles: Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and even jigsaw puzzles can provide a distraction that requires a similar level of focus as Tetris.
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Meditation: Taking a few minutes to quiet your mind and practice mindfulness can help to minimize cravings and improve overall mental well-being.
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Taking a walk: Going for a short walk, even just around the block, can serve as a distracting activity and has the added bonus of promoting physical fitness.
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Reading: Immersing yourself in a good book or interesting article can keep your mind occupied and less focused on cravings.
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Drawing or coloring: Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities, such as drawing or coloring, can help to reduce stress, making it easier for individuals to resist the temptation to indulge in unhealthy choices.
Final Thoughts
While the video game diet might seem like a strange approach to dieting, the principle essentially boils down to finding healthy, alternative activities to replace unhealthy desires. Whether you choose to play Tetris, go for a walk, or engage in some other pastime, the ultimate goal remains the same: to find a neutral or healthy activity that can help to reinforce your willpower and keep cravings at bay. Incorporating such activities into your daily routine can help to make sticking to a diet feel more manageable and ultimately lead to a healthier, happier you.
