Video games really can be a man’s best friend. They can take the edge off after a long day at work. They can be an escape on a rainy day. They can even give you a sense of accomplishment as you level up or defeat a boss that you’ve had a hard time taking down. In many ways, video games help us become more persistent and help us build strategy when it comes to accomplishing a goal.

A Humble Confession About Video Games

It’s no secret that we, at conFITdent, are huge fans of video games and all of our staffers are big-time gamers. Still there many cases where guys everywhere take gaming a little bit too far. And we’re not talking about having gamer rage or throwing your controller at your flat screen. Rather we are talking about if at some point the reward you get for gaming is really worth it.

For many reasons, including some of the ones that we just mentioned, we highly recommend that every guy spends some time playing video games – it’s good for you. They’ll help you improve and also keep you sane at the same time. We question, though, if it will be much more productive of you to put the controller down for a little while and do something that may have longer-lasting results.

Be a Craftsman

Build something whether building a new shelf set for your DVD collection or building a bird house or bat house for your backyard or even a super suit to fight crime. Put your hands to work and build something constructive. This will give you a sense of mastery and will also help other parts of your brain develop while making you more skillful at a craft.

Learn a New Language

This will be very similar to gaming with things like Rosetta Stone or some free apps that you can download in the app store, but by spending 30 minutes to 60 minutes each day to learn a new language will result in you being competent in that language within two weeks. Heck, how awesome would it be when you can impress the whole dinner table as you order your dinner in native Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, or whatever language you choose to learn. Learning a new language can improve your career, relationships, and socializing skills. In fact, whenever somebody learns that you know multiple languages, there is a very impressing factor there that will instantly make you more attractive and entertaining.

Practice an Instrument in Real Life and Not in Video Games

Nowadays you can get a starter instrument on Amazon for 20 to 30 bucks. Whether it be the ukulele, a keyboard, or guitar, you name it – it only takes a few dollars to get an instrument and there are endless free videos on YouTube to learn songs. It’s also pretty cool because you don’t have to learn the notes as though you’re in some music school. Rather, you can YouTube the tutorial for some awesome songs that are on the radio now. Again, this is something that will result in you being more attractive and entertaining. No, Guitar Hero doesn’t count.

Exercise Without Video Games

This one is a no-brainer. Stop playing video games 20 minutes early or pause the game every five-minute and do some push ups, squats, and/or jumping jacks. Always remember: a thirty minute workout is better than a zero minute workout. No, Wii fit does not count.

Learn to Cook

No, we’re not talking about Easy Mac, Ramen Noodles, or just grilling steak. Rather, take some time to learn how to cook something impressive. There are a lot of dishes out there (Shrimp Scampi) that seem much harder to cook than they actually are. Learn to seduce women and win your friends over if you are a good chef.

We are all for video games and play them all the time. We just noticed that by monitoring our playing time and using your time more productively would turn you into a much more crafty and skilled person. So get busy!