Speaking as a lifelong gamer who loves reading and storytelling, please don’t be too hard on yourself. Both hobbies enrich in unique ways, and your idea to explore shorter games is a good strategy.
I love this video because you can't manufacture this kind of authenticity, thank you for sharing all this with us. 2024 was a terrible reading year for me too, measly 15 books and yeah games on my kindle took over, they were easier in times of stress ( i also have a toddler) and now I'm looking back eager to read more, at least pick the book up and see how it goes versus thinking "yeah I will read, but LATER" haha :) Also had a fun experience last night, an e-book I wanted was on sale on Amazon, I've seen it around for a while but the price convinced me to get it, I did and then I started reading it out of curiosity, I feel like i never read a book the moment I buy it, sometimes it takes me a while to get to it, and 15 pages later just reading at my kitchen counter I smiled and knew that this is my current read and it felt nice, the want to read right then and there versus "i should read". Sorry for long comment but your content always resonates with me and makes me want to talk! Hope you have a great 2025 :)
You are in the trenches with a toddler. I'm sorry last year was a rough reading year. Your experience with your ebook is really what keeps me hooked on reading. I love that feeling of getting sucked into a book
You show a lot of insight into yourself, your motivators, and behaviour. And a very authentic video (but yours are anyway--this was even more so). You should give us an update end of this year to let us know how it went, what you did, what changed. Also, I understand obsessive behaviour (as you may have noticed over on discord) :) My reading slacked off when I got hooked on Sudoku. I spent hours doing them, and hours watching videos on tips and tricks so I could do even harder ones. I'm still doing them but putting less time into them because now I'm obsessed that bird jigsaw puzzle my friend gave me. While waiting for water to boil, I'll work on the puzzle. Waiting for toast, work on the puzzle. Cooking food and in-between stirring, work on the puzzle (it's right on the kitchen counter so easy to access when in the kitchen). Fortunately I don't have a booktube channel so there's no downside to reading less. But, now that I'm thinking of it, I'm going to grab my kobo and start reading (no more youtube for tonight).
This is so relatable in many ways! I’m an avid reader who also enjoys playing video games , has a full time job, family, etc. Just last year I realized because I had spent a lot of time playing video games I had read the least in over ten years. There is nothing wrong with video games of course but I enjoy reading more so I’m trying to be more mindful of that this year. Also like you people are always commenting on how I read so much (typically 140+ books) and my response lately has been that it’s my main hobby. The truth of the matter is that we all make time for the things we really want to do. And there is nothing wrong with not reading either so if people become defensive that’s not my problem. But it’s nice to see that I’m not alone in having this time consuming hobby!
I fully comprehend your feeling. As I wrote before in a other video you have my full support in your decisions on how you handle the channel. The important thing in the end is that you have satisfaction on posting your analisys about your readings! That said, again, you have my support. I love your analisys and recommendations and will always supporting you and the channel!😊🇧🇷
I think recognising how hobbies make you feel at the end of the day is important. I find that games are fun but they leave me feeling unfulfilled. It is definitely a more effortless fun, as you describe.
I went through something similar when I picked up knitting again two years ago. Suddenly, I found myself knitting every free minute of the day, instead of reading and it took me these past two years to get some kind of balance between knitting, reading and video games - now I just follow my mood (when I have a good book, that'll usually pull me towards reading) - and I get about 1 1/2 hours of reading before bed every day anyway :) For your channel, I find the variation of video topics quite refreshing and will definitely stick around to hear more from you! Enjoy your hobbies and greetings from Germany!
The “effortfull” note really struck me. Nearly a decade ago when I was playing board games at a club every week, it was easy to go to work, leave straight to the club, and finally get home - a travel triangle if you like. But when I changed to working from home, suddenly having to leave the house became much harder. It was like starting your evening with 📺 where it was much easier to go downwards. I was already in the 📉 phase because I was home and comfy. I really like these chatty videos! It adds a little extra flavour perhaps. I hadn’t noticed any of what you described at the end there, despite being a regular viewer. I usually only unsubscribe when it’s very clear the channel is done as the videos stop appearing. Fun fact, I discovered BookTube 4y ago when someone I had clearly subscribed to on YT years before suddenly re-emerged (for a few episodes only). I didn’t understand at the time why they were appearing in my feed, but after watching to work out what was going on, The Algorithm fed me more, and suddenly I was all in when I discovered there was a whole World of BookTube here that I had had NO idea about! Oh, and of my first three new BookTube subscriptions, only one remains active after 4y.
i really appreciate you talking about this! gaming & reading are my two biggest hobbies and i often struggle combining them in a balanced way. the effortful vs effortless sounds like a great tip🎮📚
This is so relatable, I was literally just writing about trying to balance my gaming/reading habits. I employed the method you describe when I was in grad school, I would force myself to do translation work first, then writing, then reading, on the idea that mental fatigue accumulates over the day. Some good short narrative games if you haven't played them are To The Moon, Sleeper Citizen, and the classic Undertale. I also love Hardship Breaker when I need to put on some music and absolutely turn the higher thinking off, though it does have a bit of a frame narrative.
Yes this! I’ve now pick a day each week as my video game day as I will always default to it as well. Reading definitely helps me reset as well. That and using social media less 😂
It's an interesting topic. I don't really enjoy video games anymore but there is always the little voice in my head telling me I could be doing more productive things when reading. I guess it makes sense that it's kind of a self care type thing and a small luxury that I shouldn't deny myself. You have the added pressure of doing book reviews but hopefully that doesn't take too much of your time. Thanks Rachel
I started watching your channel last year & you're my favorite BookTuber now. You like the same sort of books I enjoy reading. I also love gaming, too. Hope you get back into your reading groove.
Absolutely relatable. I was doing really good with my reads later, until Baldur’s Gate 3. I spend so many hours on it solo and with friends. I don’t regret it per se; it got me into playing D&D, and now (currently) DM’ing 3 games. But I definitely would have liked to read more. Now I get reading time in while on the treadmill, listening to something while rowing… which water horror is amazing for that lol I also got one of the page turner clip things for my Kindle and that helps a lot just not having the pain in my hands from holding it or a book.
Some very honest assessments of your struggle to find your balance between competing interests like gaming. The tip to prioritise hobbies by the energy/mental effort demands is a great one that I'm goung to implement properly. I often find I struggle to make enough time for everything I want to do per day and often reading can get squeezed out as by the time I've done other things I don't have the focus reading needs by the end of the day. Its not like when I was a teenager and could read non stop till 2am most nights.
I have a similar problem - but it comes and goes with Diablo seasons haha. If a season of Diablo IV is really interesting, I play that in the morning instead of reading. Similarly, I was very interested in Diablo II Ressurrected for a while, so that took my mornings away. When I am really into playing a game, it will take over the evening and weekend reading time too. Luckily, I can only take so much screen time so reading still happens!
Poor thing! I got exhausted mentally just watching this so I can’t imagine the struggle you’ve been facing with it. I will be honest…addictive personalities don’t do well with moderation or establishing certain rules. Video gaming by nature is addicting. It’s no different than TV, social media, or drugs. So my advice to you would be to cut out gaming completely and see how that affects you. Doesn’t have to be permanent but it will give you a better sense of what type of influence(positive or negative) it’s having on you. All that said, I love your channel and I will always support you :)
Thanks. You're right that I'm an all or nothing personality. I've had some luck so far this year with moderation so it's the question if I can keep it up
Very relatable, for me I struggle with finding a balance between reading and gaming as well. I love long games like Persona 5, Final Fantasy, and similar titles but also enjoy reading books. Being able to do either at a satisfying pace is do able for me but both at the same time has been challenging while balancing the rest of my life. I have been working on a backlog system of working through books and games one at a time to keep from feeling as if time is slipping away without a sense of progress. Hope it works and am happy that you are finding a system that works with your habits. As you have mentioned this is all different from person to person so no wrong choices here. Everyone has to investigate and find what strikes the right balance for them.
Yeah for me it's trying to figure out how to pace long games that I'm enjoying but also wanting to experience the next story... all while reading books
when i was in grad school doing my phd, i used video games as a way to procrastinate from my work/school life. this created a vicious cycle in which the more time i spent gaming, the more that i would get behind on my research, ultimately creating more stress in my life. this meant by the time i finished grad school my mental health was abysmal. post grad school, i've found a much better work life balance doing more things for me and stuff that i enjoy as opposed to feeling compelled check off tasks on a list. so, yeah, i can definitely relate to this video.
Im a gamer and a reader, I would suggest shorter games and since you like story-driven games, there are some fantastic short indie games. I think having some different goals / expectations around games could help, they are a long medium overall so if you are used to reading let’s say 100 books a year, that’s only about 5-7 games. I’ve beat all of the persona games and to balance them with other hobbies, they have taken me months to beat. I hope you continue gaming and have fun with it, I’m probably in the minority but would actually like to know what you are playing and if you like it.
Hi Rachel! Thanks for sharing, Reading is my comfort. It relaxes me and takes me away from the negativity of life (it’s not that bad) it’s a great escape. Plus, I learn a lot. Take Care ! On repeat, you have a great channel!
I totally relate! I have an addictive personality too. I gave up gaming so I can read more. I fell off from reading during the holidays and felt anxious and miserable too. I’m back to reading now and couldn’t be more happier 😊📖📚
I'm here to watch your videos, not caring what book genre you are talking about, etc. Also I have unsubscribed to other booktubers because they felt like they weren't giving honest reviews, just talking positive. I switched from media to crafting because I needed a physical way of working through my stress. And now I want to do all the different crafts because when ine thing works it's natural to want other options that work to alleviate stress too. So I watch UA-cam while knitting instead of social media or television. The ads here are more to my liking instead of what mass commercials streaming services do. Not sure about why you didn't grow the channel, since I am one of your new subscribers 🤔 You are one of the few people that influence me to stop knitting alto put a book on hold or add to my list. 😂 You are doing a great job! 🧡
I thought this video was interesting. You have some good points. I definitely feel like watching tv is somehow more passive than reading. I also agree that reading has a way if sucking me in and letting me leave my real life troubles behind in a way that tv can't.
My goal last year was to read a book per week. I figured it was doable without sacrificing retention of what was read. Ended up reading 58 novellas/novels. Worked out well.
My goal of this year is fighting inertia and that has involved doing something for atleast 20-30 minutes and then deciding if I want to pivot or not. But you are so right that habit forming is how reading slowly came to be my main hobby as well
I find that video games give me stress. 😂 Reading has always been relaxing and quite beneficial to my mental health as well. There’s points in my life where reading may have even saved my life.
Reader and casual gamer. I feel ya. I've haven't played some games just because they may take too much time (and I probably would love them) I did have a fun time with Hogwarts Legacy and Horizon: Zero Dawn. Definitely recommend those for great stories and gameplay if you find time later. It's ok to take a break every now and then and do something else. It's also fine to discuss other stuff with your subs be it music, games, anime or movies. May not be everybody's thing but some of us do have crossover hobbies. I've read The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (liked it) and The Spirit Bares it's Teeth by Andrew Joseph White (which I felt was ok till the end) so far this year. I just started Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix. Going to see Glassjaw and Poison the Well in concert soon too.
The last half of 2024 found me getting back into reading, and what I discovered for myself was not only did I miss reading but that reading at night before bed gives me the mental break between the end of the day and going to sleep that I need in order to sleep well. So I've decided to read during the week at night and play my video games just on the weekend.
I absolutely advocate for slowing down. You said that you experienced this with your video game, but I feel like this with reading, too. I enjoy books more when I take my time with them and really absorb the story.
I don't want to divert you from reading but an oldie but a goodie video game (my favorite) is Portal 2. It has a bit of a story but it's really about solving puzzles. I found it to be a good brain exercise and it's also pretty funny.
🖤 I played the game with my bf the one Beign Human ! It was so good 😊…. Last May I decided to dedicate to play Horizon for a whole month and take a break from reading. I’m not a big gamer it was a new skill for me to get used to 🎮. Other than that I still need to get some more reading done during my work days . I get so tired afterwards that I just want to watch tv.
I'm a huge gamer and I devote most of my free time to gaming. The issue I have is that I consider reading to be a 'better' use of my time. Games are great, games are art, but reading is nourishment for the mind and soul. But I always play games first and just fit reading in here and there.
Most people are spending spare minutes in their day on social media so I think as long as your spending your time doing something YOU enjoy that’s all that matters 😊
Ahh, obsessive/perfectionist personalities and gaming. Hard life 😂 Good thing you caught yourself and are re-balancing. Good luck ! I get it though, it's difficult to balance out hobbies, especially really time consuming ones. That's why I've been gaming way less since I've started working, because I like playing RPGs and those are usually very long and I like doing as much as possible.
Nope, I get it. Even when I'm reading I tend to go down one rabbit hole to the detriment of all others... I'm either reading all fantasy... or all horror... or all sci fi... or all business... or all tech. And for video games, it's almost all I'm doing or I'm not touching it. Didn't stream almost any video games (other than a charity stream) for a 6 month period on my Twitch channel because all I was doing was reading or watching BookTube videos for the last half year while I focused on my UA-cam channel :D And we won't discuss the large chunks of time I wasn't reading anything because I was hooked on Fortnite or Rocket League or whatever. :P We'll still be here for your next video ;)
I’ve gotten reliant on audiobooks because it allows me to multitask (cook/clean etc) nothing inherently wrong with them but I do notice reading is a little more….difficult lately. Hard to focus/concentrate and stay with the story. My goal for this year is to read more physical books this year
I enjoy stories, medium isn't really the deterrent for me. I read books, play video games and watch shows/movies. I could relate to getting obsessive about things, I too have stretches of lot of video games played or books read lol. Feel free to share any experiences you have related to books or otherwise. :)
I have experiences like this. Video games erode my attentions pan. Naval Ravikant says to beware of quick dopamine rushes that modern culture offers. I find I can reset in about a week if I correct this.
OMG Detroit Become Human is on my wishlist, i can't wait to play. I relate to this SO much. Ive learned that for me, i can only read OR game, but i find i don't have enough time for both! 😢 it's totally a pendulum! Since you like anime and manga, have you played Doki Doki Literature Club? It's SO good for a horror lover, but be sure to go in COLD, no spoilers! Totally worth the time and it's a short game! Highly recommended!
I always want to play more computer games but it's such a time consuming habit that I never feel like I have time to do it alongside everything else in my life! I always think I could try just doing an hour or two a week but then most of the games I want to play take 100+ hours to get through so then I think about how it's going to take at least a year to get through a game and then I lose all motivation to play 😅
I installed Subnauitca Below Zero on the 15th of this month. By the 20th I had already played over 24 hours XD Im the opposite. I spend way more time gaming than I read. But thats fine for me
I just feel batter after reading for one hour vs. playing a video game for an hour. It’s like eating a home cooked meal or a bag of potato chips. Both taste good but only one feels satisfying. But that’s just my personal experience.
Friends have told me that I always do everything BIG. I respond that I don’t do things halfway. I’m either all in or out. I prefer to think of it as a good quality in life, but I’m lucky that I don’t have an addictive brain. I reach a point in any activity where I WANT to switch to something different. It’s called ADHD, lol. Good for you that you realize you need to practice moderation. 😺✌️
Reading is like talking a vacation from life’s stressors by focusing on someone else’s problems. Video games get out adrenaline pumping and energize us. Television and movies can do either or both. I choose them carefully. 😉
Reading over 300 books a year isn't reading; If your speed reading so fast that you cant remember anything about the book a month later, you didnt read it. Sorry.
True! Though I read only one book last month and barely remember it because it was too similar to others I have read before. Need more unique books. Sigh.
@@TheShadesofOrange I keep thinking there will be an interesting twist somewhere so I keep reading. Especially if it's a book that was recommended. Working in a library system for 7 years I heard a lot of titles were great, but I think some people like reading the same plot over and over.
Speaking as a lifelong gamer who loves reading and storytelling, please don’t be too hard on yourself. Both hobbies enrich in unique ways, and your idea to explore shorter games is a good strategy.
Thanks. Yeah I didn't want to villianize games in this video because they definitely have their place.
I love this video because you can't manufacture this kind of authenticity, thank you for sharing all this with us. 2024 was a terrible reading year for me too, measly 15 books and yeah games on my kindle took over, they were easier in times of stress ( i also have a toddler) and now I'm looking back eager to read more, at least pick the book up and see how it goes versus thinking "yeah I will read, but LATER" haha :)
Also had a fun experience last night, an e-book I wanted was on sale on Amazon, I've seen it around for a while but the price convinced me to get it, I did and then I started reading it out of curiosity, I feel like i never read a book the moment I buy it, sometimes it takes me a while to get to it, and 15 pages later just reading at my kitchen counter I smiled and knew that this is my current read and it felt nice, the want to read right then and there versus "i should read".
Sorry for long comment but your content always resonates with me and makes me want to talk! Hope you have a great 2025 :)
You are in the trenches with a toddler. I'm sorry last year was a rough reading year. Your experience with your ebook is really what keeps me hooked on reading. I love that feeling of getting sucked into a book
You show a lot of insight into yourself, your motivators, and behaviour. And a very authentic video (but yours are anyway--this was even more so). You should give us an update end of this year to let us know how it went, what you did, what changed.
Also, I understand obsessive behaviour (as you may have noticed over on discord) :) My reading slacked off when I got hooked on Sudoku. I spent hours doing them, and hours watching videos on tips and tricks so I could do even harder ones. I'm still doing them but putting less time into them because now I'm obsessed that bird jigsaw puzzle my friend gave me. While waiting for water to boil, I'll work on the puzzle. Waiting for toast, work on the puzzle. Cooking food and in-between stirring, work on the puzzle (it's right on the kitchen counter so easy to access when in the kitchen).
Fortunately I don't have a booktube channel so there's no downside to reading less. But, now that I'm thinking of it, I'm going to grab my kobo and start reading (no more youtube for tonight).
This is so relatable in many ways! I’m an avid reader who also enjoys playing video games , has a full time job, family, etc. Just last year I realized because I had spent a lot of time playing video games I had read the least in over ten years. There is nothing wrong with video games of course but I enjoy reading more so I’m trying to be more mindful of that this year. Also like you people are always commenting on how I read so much (typically 140+ books) and my response lately has been that it’s my main hobby. The truth of the matter is that we all make time for the things we really want to do. And there is nothing wrong with not reading either so if people become defensive that’s not my problem. But it’s nice to see that I’m not alone in having this time consuming hobby!
It's hard when time is limited. I just struggle see time always having to be pulled from other hobby time
I fully comprehend your feeling. As I wrote before in a other video you have my full support in your decisions on how you handle the channel. The important thing in the end is that you have satisfaction on posting your analisys about your readings! That said, again, you have my support. I love your analisys and recommendations and will always supporting you and the channel!😊🇧🇷
Thanks
I think recognising how hobbies make you feel at the end of the day is important. I find that games are fun but they leave me feeling unfulfilled. It is definitely a more effortless fun, as you describe.
I went through something similar when I picked up knitting again two years ago. Suddenly, I found myself knitting every free minute of the day, instead of reading and it took me these past two years to get some kind of balance between knitting, reading and video games - now I just follow my mood (when I have a good book, that'll usually pull me towards reading) - and I get about 1 1/2 hours of reading before bed every day anyway :) For your channel, I find the variation of video topics quite refreshing and will definitely stick around to hear more from you! Enjoy your hobbies and greetings from Germany!
Just goes to show that it happen with an hobby
The “effortfull” note really struck me. Nearly a decade ago when I was playing board games at a club every week, it was easy to go to work, leave straight to the club, and finally get home - a travel triangle if you like. But when I changed to working from home, suddenly having to leave the house became much harder. It was like starting your evening with 📺 where it was much easier to go downwards. I was already in the 📉 phase because I was home and comfy.
I really like these chatty videos! It adds a little extra flavour perhaps. I hadn’t noticed any of what you described at the end there, despite being a regular viewer. I usually only unsubscribe when it’s very clear the channel is done as the videos stop appearing.
Fun fact, I discovered BookTube 4y ago when someone I had clearly subscribed to on YT years before suddenly re-emerged (for a few episodes only). I didn’t understand at the time why they were appearing in my feed, but after watching to work out what was going on, The Algorithm fed me more, and suddenly I was all in when I discovered there was a whole World of BookTube here that I had had NO idea about! Oh, and of my first three new BookTube subscriptions, only one remains active after 4y.
As someone who usually works from home right now, I can relate. Energy always seems to have that downward trajectory
i really appreciate you talking about this! gaming & reading are my two biggest hobbies and i often struggle combining them in a balanced way. the effortful vs effortless sounds like a great tip🎮📚
This is so relatable, I was literally just writing about trying to balance my gaming/reading habits. I employed the method you describe when I was in grad school, I would force myself to do translation work first, then writing, then reading, on the idea that mental fatigue accumulates over the day.
Some good short narrative games if you haven't played them are To The Moon, Sleeper Citizen, and the classic Undertale. I also love Hardship Breaker when I need to put on some music and absolutely turn the higher thinking off, though it does have a bit of a frame narrative.
I appreciate your recs. I've had my eye on many of those
Yes this! I’ve now pick a day each week as my video game day as I will always default to it as well. Reading definitely helps me reset as well. That and using social media less 😂
It's an interesting topic. I don't really enjoy video games anymore but there is always the little voice in my head telling me I could be doing more productive things when reading. I guess it makes sense that it's kind of a self care type thing and a small luxury that I shouldn't deny myself. You have the added pressure of doing book reviews but hopefully that doesn't take too much of your time. Thanks Rachel
Thanks
I started watching your channel last year & you're my favorite BookTuber now. You like the same sort of books I enjoy reading. I also love gaming, too. Hope you get back into your reading groove.
Oh thank you
Absolutely relatable. I was doing really good with my reads later, until Baldur’s Gate 3. I spend so many hours on it solo and with friends.
I don’t regret it per se; it got me into playing D&D, and now (currently) DM’ing 3 games. But I definitely would have liked to read more. Now I get reading time in while on the treadmill, listening to something while rowing… which water horror is amazing for that lol
I also got one of the page turner clip things for my Kindle and that helps a lot just not having the pain in my hands from holding it or a book.
I feel you. It can be enjoyable time but it's still hard to see that time pulled from another good hobby
Some very honest assessments of your struggle to find your balance between competing interests like gaming. The tip to prioritise hobbies by the energy/mental effort demands is a great one that I'm goung to implement properly. I often find I struggle to make enough time for everything I want to do per day and often reading can get squeezed out as by the time I've done other things I don't have the focus reading needs by the end of the day. Its not like when I was a teenager and could read non stop till 2am most nights.
Yes energy management definitely becomes more important as we get older
I love it when you talk about these things ❤ very happy for you that you've worked out what you need to do to get back to your happy place 😊
I have a similar problem - but it comes and goes with Diablo seasons haha. If a season of Diablo IV is really interesting, I play that in the morning instead of reading. Similarly, I was very interested in Diablo II Ressurrected for a while, so that took my mornings away. When I am really into playing a game, it will take over the evening and weekend reading time too. Luckily, I can only take so much screen time so reading still happens!
Diablo is so good
❤ big hugs to you
Poor thing! I got exhausted mentally just watching this so I can’t imagine the struggle you’ve been facing with it. I will be honest…addictive personalities don’t do well with moderation or establishing certain rules. Video gaming by nature is addicting. It’s no different than TV, social media, or drugs. So my advice to you would be to cut out gaming completely and see how that affects you. Doesn’t have to be permanent but it will give you a better sense of what type of influence(positive or negative) it’s having on you. All that said, I love your channel and I will always support you :)
Thanks. You're right that I'm an all or nothing personality. I've had some luck so far this year with moderation so it's the question if I can keep it up
Very relatable, for me I struggle with finding a balance between reading and gaming as well. I love long games like Persona 5, Final Fantasy, and similar titles but also enjoy reading books. Being able to do either at a satisfying pace is do able for me but both at the same time has been challenging while balancing the rest of my life. I have been working on a backlog system of working through books and games one at a time to keep from feeling as if time is slipping away without a sense of progress. Hope it works and am happy that you are finding a system that works with your habits. As you have mentioned this is all different from person to person so no wrong choices here. Everyone has to investigate and find what strikes the right balance for them.
Yeah for me it's trying to figure out how to pace long games that I'm enjoying but also wanting to experience the next story... all while reading books
when i was in grad school doing my phd, i used video games as a way to procrastinate from my work/school life. this created a vicious cycle in which the more time i spent gaming, the more that i would get behind on my research, ultimately creating more stress in my life. this meant by the time i finished grad school my mental health was abysmal. post grad school, i've found a much better work life balance doing more things for me and stuff that i enjoy as opposed to feeling compelled check off tasks on a list. so, yeah, i can definitely relate to this video.
Im a gamer and a reader, I would suggest shorter games and since you like story-driven games, there are some fantastic short indie games. I think having some different goals / expectations around games could help, they are a long medium overall so if you are used to reading let’s say 100 books a year, that’s only about 5-7 games. I’ve beat all of the persona games and to balance them with other hobbies, they have taken me months to beat. I hope you continue gaming and have fun with it, I’m probably in the minority but would actually like to know what you are playing and if you like it.
Hi Rachel!
Thanks for sharing, Reading is my comfort.
It relaxes me and takes me away from the negativity of life (it’s not that bad) it’s a great escape. Plus, I learn a lot.
Take Care ! On repeat, you have a great channel!
Thanks
I totally relate! I have an addictive personality too. I gave up gaming so I can read more. I fell off from reading during the holidays and felt anxious and miserable too. I’m back to reading now and couldn’t be more happier 😊📖📚
Sorry you had the same experience
Your my favorite reviewer!!! Love your channel. What ever you choose to do is cool, I will follow. Stay awesome!
I'm here to watch your videos, not caring what book genre you are talking about, etc. Also I have unsubscribed to other booktubers because they felt like they weren't giving honest reviews, just talking positive. I switched from media to crafting because I needed a physical way of working through my stress. And now I want to do all the different crafts because when ine thing works it's natural to want other options that work to alleviate stress too.
So I watch UA-cam while knitting instead of social media or television. The ads here are more to my liking instead of what mass commercials streaming services do. Not sure about why you didn't grow the channel, since I am one of your new subscribers 🤔 You are one of the few people that influence me to stop knitting alto put a book on hold or add to my list. 😂 You are doing a great job! 🧡
Thanks. Love that your crafting
I thought this video was interesting. You have some good points. I definitely feel like watching tv is somehow more passive than reading. I also agree that reading has a way if sucking me in and letting me leave my real life troubles behind in a way that tv can't.
My goal last year was to read a book per week. I figured it was doable without sacrificing retention of what was read. Ended up reading 58 novellas/novels. Worked out well.
My goal of this year is fighting inertia and that has involved doing something for atleast 20-30 minutes and then deciding if I want to pivot or not. But you are so right that habit forming is how reading slowly came to be my main hobby as well
Love your goal
I find that video games give me stress. 😂 Reading has always been relaxing and quite beneficial to my mental health as well. There’s points in my life where reading may have even saved my life.
Reader and casual gamer. I feel ya. I've haven't played some games just because they may take too much time (and I probably would love them)
I did have a fun time with Hogwarts Legacy and Horizon: Zero Dawn. Definitely recommend those for great stories and gameplay if you find time later.
It's ok to take a break every now and then and do something else. It's also fine to discuss other stuff with your subs be it music, games, anime or movies. May not be everybody's thing but some of us do have crossover hobbies.
I've read The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (liked it) and The Spirit Bares it's Teeth by Andrew Joseph White (which I felt was ok till the end) so far this year. I just started Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix.
Going to see Glassjaw and Poison the Well in concert soon too.
That sounds like a very balanced perspective
The last half of 2024 found me getting back into reading, and what I discovered for myself was not only did I miss reading but that reading at night before bed gives me the mental break between the end of the day and going to sleep that I need in order to sleep well. So I've decided to read during the week at night and play my video games just on the weekend.
The mental benefits of reading are so underrated
It can be so hard to find that balance!
Agreed
I absolutely advocate for slowing down. You said that you experienced this with your video game, but I feel like this with reading, too. I enjoy books more when I take my time with them and really absorb the story.
Yes I feel like I need to practice moderation with all my hobbies
I don't want to divert you from reading but an oldie but a goodie video game (my favorite) is Portal 2. It has a bit of a story but it's really about solving puzzles. I found it to be a good brain exercise and it's also pretty funny.
Loved Portal 1 & 2. Played them long time ago
🖤 I played the game with my bf the one Beign Human ! It was so good 😊…. Last May I decided to dedicate to play Horizon for a whole month and take a break from reading. I’m not a big gamer it was a new skill for me to get used to 🎮. Other than that I still need to get some more reading done during my work days . I get so tired afterwards that I just want to watch tv.
Love that you also played Detriot
I'm a huge gamer and I devote most of my free time to gaming. The issue I have is that I consider reading to be a 'better' use of my time. Games are great, games are art, but reading is nourishment for the mind and soul. But I always play games first and just fit reading in here and there.
When I'm anxious I can't read at all. My ability to focus completely vanishes.
Same here
Most people are spending spare minutes in their day on social media so I think as long as your spending your time doing something YOU enjoy that’s all that matters 😊
Yeah these days I'm happy to stay off social media
Reading a book per week is good for me.
Last video game I played? Pac Man in a bar many years ago. Never had any real use for them but to each his own.⚛️❤
Ahh, obsessive/perfectionist personalities and gaming. Hard life 😂 Good thing you caught yourself and are re-balancing. Good luck !
I get it though, it's difficult to balance out hobbies, especially really time consuming ones. That's why I've been gaming way less since I've started working, because I like playing RPGs and those are usually very long and I like doing as much as possible.
Nope, I get it. Even when I'm reading I tend to go down one rabbit hole to the detriment of all others... I'm either reading all fantasy... or all horror... or all sci fi... or all business... or all tech. And for video games, it's almost all I'm doing or I'm not touching it. Didn't stream almost any video games (other than a charity stream) for a 6 month period on my Twitch channel because all I was doing was reading or watching BookTube videos for the last half year while I focused on my UA-cam channel :D And we won't discuss the large chunks of time I wasn't reading anything because I was hooked on Fortnite or Rocket League or whatever. :P We'll still be here for your next video ;)
It's so hard to balance hobby time!
I’ve gotten reliant on audiobooks because it allows me to multitask (cook/clean etc) nothing inherently wrong with them but I do notice reading is a little more….difficult lately. Hard to focus/concentrate and stay with the story. My goal for this year is to read more physical books this year
Yeah I really try to only listen to audiobooks when I can focus
Please take the time to enjoy your life and your family!
I enjoy stories, medium isn't really the deterrent for me. I read books, play video games and watch shows/movies. I could relate to getting obsessive about things, I too have stretches of lot of video games played or books read lol. Feel free to share any experiences you have related to books or otherwise. :)
I love videogames but I don't get time to play as much like when I was younger.
I have experiences like this. Video games erode my attentions pan. Naval Ravikant says to beware of quick dopamine rushes that modern culture offers. I find I can reset in about a week if I correct this.
OMG Detroit Become Human is on my wishlist, i can't wait to play. I relate to this SO much. Ive learned that for me, i can only read OR game, but i find i don't have enough time for both! 😢 it's totally a pendulum!
Since you like anime and manga, have you played Doki Doki Literature Club? It's SO good for a horror lover, but be sure to go in COLD, no spoilers! Totally worth the time and it's a short game! Highly recommended!
It's so good!
I have played Doki. It was spoiled for me which diminished the experience
I always want to play more computer games but it's such a time consuming habit that I never feel like I have time to do it alongside everything else in my life! I always think I could try just doing an hour or two a week but then most of the games I want to play take 100+ hours to get through so then I think about how it's going to take at least a year to get through a game and then I lose all motivation to play 😅
I've started searching out short games which makes me feel accomplished without a big commitment
I installed Subnauitca Below Zero on the 15th of this month. By the 20th I had already played over 24 hours XD Im the opposite. I spend way more time gaming than I read. But thats fine for me
I just feel batter after reading for one hour vs. playing a video game for an hour. It’s like eating a home cooked meal or a bag of potato chips. Both taste good but only one feels satisfying. But that’s just my personal experience.
Yeah, but sometimes I still like the potato chips
Friends have told me that I always do everything BIG.
I respond that I don’t do things halfway. I’m either all in or out.
I prefer to think of it as a good quality in life, but I’m lucky that I don’t have an addictive brain. I reach a point in any activity where I WANT to switch to something different. It’s called ADHD, lol.
Good for you that you realize you need to practice moderation.
😺✌️
Reading is like talking a vacation from life’s stressors by focusing on someone else’s problems.
Video games get out adrenaline pumping and energize us.
Television and movies can do either or both. I choose them carefully. 😉
Yeah I really need to learn moderation with all my hobbies
Hey there
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Not sure why you’d pick a shorter game, it’s not a race it’s a journey ;) the video game efficiency police won’t find you ❤
I want to experience multiple games this year without needing to play a ton of hours
Reading over 300 books a year isn't reading; If your speed reading so fast that you cant remember anything about the book a month later, you didnt read it. Sorry.
True! Though I read only one book last month and barely remember it because it was too similar to others I have read before. Need more unique books. Sigh.
I just should put down the forgettable books because just okay books don't leave an impact on me.
@@TheShadesofOrange I keep thinking there will be an interesting twist somewhere so I keep reading. Especially if it's a book that was recommended. Working in a library system for 7 years I heard a lot of titles were great, but I think some people like reading the same plot over and over.
highly highly recommend the game tinykin!!!