in the rqgg20 stretch goals q&a you did, you said you can never shut off your brain and are just running full speed all the time, and the only thing that can stop that during the day is playing video games.
i have the same issue and my therapist has actually told me to start playing games but i cant figure out which ones to play.
what games help you with that specific problem?
Hey glad to help!
So I prioritise two things when playing to turn off rumination (not for abnegation which is different):
1) Immersion. It’s impossible to be both immersed and ruminating. Brain can’t do it. So more immersive the better. For me that normally means 1st person, non-repetitive, good graphics so… active RPGs with lots of in-game story telling rather than cutscenes.
2) Active. I really struggle with “chill” games. They don’t occupy enough of my brain and so the more attention it needs, the better. VR even more better better.
3) Systematic. So this one is a double edged sword. If its something that allows you to build interlocking systems its perfect. (think factorio or cities skyline etc.) The issue is though, it can trigger the hyperfixation so, it’s only really a good option if I have some safeguards against overplay. (I personally avoid MMORPGs when it comes to this type of play because they are essentially designed to trigger overplay and that leaves me worse off in the long run).
TLDR: Active and immersive system building games
Hope that helps!