How do you take a proper break from gaming?

Step away from every screen, not just the game, then give your body and attention something real to do: loosen the shoulders, neck and jaw, slow the breath, and check in on how you are feeling before you go back. This Burst sequences that into a short reset, inspired by Take This's screen-break guidance.

How long should a gaming break be?

For a quick reset in a long session, a few minutes away from the screen each hour helps; this Burst runs about an hour when you want a fuller reset rather than a quick pause. Take what you need, the point is that the break is real and screen-free.

What should I do on a gaming break instead of scrolling?

Move away from all screens and do something physical and grounding: a slow neck-and-shoulder stretch, a few rounds of steady breathing, and an honest check-in on whether you want to keep playing or call it. Anything that is not another screen is the point.

AFK: Step Away From the Screen

Quality: Exceptional· 100%Effort: Manageable· 058m

Inspired by Take This

Can you remember what it feels like to properly clock off?

Give your mind and your body a break before you go back to the screen. A one-hour reset of stretching, breathwork, and a self-reflecting check-in, inspired by Take This, the mental health organisation for gaming communities.

The runsheet

AFK
10 min
Break
Step away from ALL screens: the game, the phone, the second monitor. Take This is direct about this. The whole point of the break is that nothing is trying to lure you in or sell you anything.
Bearmore’s thoughts on doing break before stretching
This works well because any calm from a break can help you approach stretching with more patience and body awareness.
2
Neck, shoulders, and jaw stretches
Stretching
Take This names this body-check triad: are your shoulders tense, are you holding your breath, are you clenching your jaw? Work through each one slowly, rolling the neck, opening the chest, letting the jaw relax.
12 min activitySetup 4 min · Reset 4 min · 20 min all-in
Bearmore’s thoughts on doing stretching before breath work
This can help because body awareness and any relaxation can enhance more complex breathing practices.
3
Ten minutes of breathing
Breath work
After stretching it’s time to work on some conscious breathing to help promote relaxation. A simple box breathing or slow exhale session is enough. The 'When Gaming Isn't Fun' guide flags holding your breath but not realising you have been, as one of three key stress signals; this helps to break that tension.
10 min activitySetup 1 min · Reset 1 min · 12 min all-in
Bearmore’s thoughts on doing breath work before self-guided inquiry
This can help because a calm, clearer state can help you approach inquiry with less anxiety and more openness.
4
Ten minutes of inquiry
Self-guided inquiry
Take This frames this as 'Think Before You Click': check your state before you re-engage. Ask yourself what you're actually feeling (frustrated, flat, scattered, fine) and whether you want to return to the session or call it a day.
10 min activitySetup 3 min · Reset 3 min · 16 min all-in
Time well spent.
58m spent doing something good for yourself.

The breakdown

Burst evaluation

QualityExceptional· 100%

Sequencing100%

Logistics100%

DifficultyManageable· 0

Total activity48m / 60mGentle

Physical activity22m / 29mGentle

Mental focus10m / 29mGentle

Introspection10m / 29mGentle

Creativity0m / 59mGentle

+ 3 more conditionsHow we assess →

Wellbeing focus

The relative wellbeing focus of this Burst.

HighEmotional

MedPhysical

HighSelf

LowSocial

LowIntellectual

About this Burst

Take This is a US 501(c)(3) mental health non-profit working to decrease stigma and increase support for mental health in the game enthusiast community and games industry. It combines clinical best practice with a love of all things gamer, providing resources, training and support for gamers, developers, streamers and creators. Best known for its staffed AFK Quiet Rooms at gaming conventions.

A reset Anytime Brands Clear my head Desk-bound days Gamers & streamers Quick (under an hour)Under 2 hours

Common questions

AFK: Step Away From the Screen58m · free in the app58m · free in the app