Game design is a creative and rewarding career, but it can also be stressful and demanding. Long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations can take a toll on your physical and mental health. How can you balance your passion for making games with your well-being? Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while working in game design.
One of the biggest challenges in game design is managing your time and scope. You may have ambitious ideas and visions for your game, but you also need to consider your resources, budget, and schedule. Setting realistic goals can help you avoid burnout, frustration, and disappointment. Break down your game project into manageable milestones and tasks, and prioritize the most important and feasible ones. Use tools like calendars, trackers, and timers to plan and monitor your progress. And don't forget to celebrate your achievements and reward yourself for your hard work.
Goal is important when you wanted to deliver game on time. Here some of the thing I started doing - ?? Break Down Projects: Divide big projects into smaller, manageable tasks for motivation. Sometime adding checkmark on todo even for a simple task feels of some accomplishment. ? Task Prioritization: Focus on critical tasks to prevent stress and last-minute rushes. ??? Schedule Work ahead: When scheduling work please also add breaks and personal time, avoid unnecessary tasks, and commit to achievable deadlines. ?? Progress Tracking: Use a planner or app to track achievements and stay on course. I use notion mostly but also started using Liner recently
Another key to staying healthy while working in game design is to take breaks and rest. Working non-stop can lead to fatigue, boredom, and loss of creativity. Taking breaks can help you refresh your mind, recharge your energy, and regain your focus. You can use breaks to do something fun, relaxing, or stimulating, such as playing a game, reading a book, meditating, or exercising. You can also use breaks to socialize with your colleagues, friends, or family, and get some feedback and support for your game project. And don't forget to get enough sleep, as it is essential for your health, mood, and performance.
In the indie game life, though it may seem unrealistic, prioritize taking breaks. Doing so prevents exhaustion, inspires fresh ideas, and revitalizes your energy levels. ??? Scheduled Breaks: Integrate regular breaks between tasks to maintain productivity and prevent burnout. ?? Prioritize Sleep: Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night to reset and improve focus for better work performance. ?? Allocate Time for Enjoyable Activities: Make room in your schedule for activities you love, whether it's reading, spending time with loved ones.
Your diet can also affect your health and productivity while working in game design. Eating well and staying hydrated can help you maintain your physical and mental health, boost your immune system, and prevent illnesses. Eating well means choosing nutritious and balanced foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and healthy fats. Avoid junk food, processed food, and excessive caffeine, alcohol, or sugar, as they can harm your health and mood. Staying hydrated means drinking enough water and other fluids, such as tea, juice, or milk. Avoid dehydration, as it can cause headaches, fatigue, and confusion.
Here's my 3 top tips for maximum productivity: - No carbohydrates while working as this drains blood from the brain to the digestive system - Drink water consistently to avoid hunger and maintain clarity - Prioritise micronutrients when eating
Burgers and pizza may seem easy and quick to eat, but they aren't sustainable options for long-term plans. Plan your meals: Prepare and plan your meals and snacks ahead to steer clear of unhealthy options when hunger strikes. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay focused and energized. Opt for healthy snacks: Have fruits, nuts, and yogurt at hand for quick, healthy bites, steering clear of unhealthy temptations.
Working in game design often involves sitting for long periods of time, which can cause problems for your posture, muscles, and joints. Exercise and move can help you prevent and relieve these problems, as well as improve your circulation, metabolism, and mood. Exercise and move means doing some physical activity that suits your preferences and abilities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing. You can do exercise and move before, during, or after your work hours, depending on your schedule and convenience. You can also do some simple stretches and movements while sitting at your desk, such as twisting your torso, rolling your shoulders, or bending your knees.
Sitting at our desks for long hours isn't healthy. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Even simple movements or light activity is better than staying completely inactive. So atleaset- Add activities:?Whether it's walking, running, swimming, or dancing, choose activities you find fun to increase your chances of sticking with them. Take the stairs:?Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
As an example, I do these 2 things as religiously as possible to make sure I don't lose my mind or my health: - Play a very active VR game at least for 15 minutes. (Ragnarock, I'm looking at you!) - Take a 30 minute or more brisk walk at the park near my house. The VR keeps my body moving in a very intense state while walking clears my head. Sometimes my best answers to hard questions emerge from those walks. Food for thought...
Working in game design is not only a job, but also a hobby and a passion. Having fun and being creative can help you enjoy your work, express yourself, and improve your skills. Having fun and being creative means doing something that makes you happy, curious, and inspired, such as playing games, watching movies, listening to music, or drawing. You can also have fun and be creative by experimenting with new tools, techniques, and genres, or collaborating with other game designers and developers. And don't forget to have fun and be creative with your game project, as it is your personal and professional expression.
Game design means different things to different people, whether it's a hobby, an art form, or just a job. But at its core, the crucial aspect of game design is making sure it's enjoyable. So, aim to have as much fun as they can druing the process.
Working in game design can be challenging and rewarding, but it can also be lonely and stressful. Seeking help and support can help you cope with the difficulties and challenges that you may face, as well as share your joys and achievements. Seeking help and support means reaching out to someone who can help you, understand you, or motivate you, such as a mentor, a coach, a therapist, or a friend. You can also seek help and support from your colleagues, peers, or community, such as your team, your studio, your network, or your audience. And don't forget to offer help and support to others who may need it, as it can strengthen your relationships and reputation.
With age comes strictness. I truly believe that creative professionals should be flexible. To attain true success, one needs to admit when they are wrong. Seeking guidance should not be viewed as humiliation but rather as a step up towards personal growth. I always love to chat with industry veterans to seek their guidance and it has brought me out of tons of creative blocks.
Crafting games, crafting health. Integrate wellness into your design process – boss battles become workout prompts, level-ups trigger mindful breaks. Swap traditional brainstorming for outdoor sessions, where fresh air fuels creativity. Balance code crunching with yoga poses, making your workspace a zen den. Prioritize mental health pixels, fostering a culture where breaks aren't cheats but power-ups for innovation. Elevate the game of life while designing the game of dreams. And above all! Be Positive and Calm! These will always keep you fit and will keep you energetic with your tasks.