Bob played World of Warcraft for three years before realizing it had become an unhealthy addiction and stopped. Rob recognized the negative consequences that his gaming habit was having on his life and decided to switch games.
Gaming has been linked with sleep deprivation, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, depression and aggression - although these side effects can generally be avoided with moderation.
Health Tips
Gaming is an exhilarating hobby, but too much time spent playing can become dangerously addictive if not controlled properly. Gaming addiction has the power to negatively impact social interactions, personal hygiene habits and physical wellbeing; if your gaming has become an obstacle in your life there are solutions.
Long periods of gaming can strain your body with prolonged sitting and repetitive movements, increasing stress. To alleviate some of this pressure, incorporate stretching exercises into your gaming sessions and take regular breaks during gameplay.
Make sure that you are eating healthily and exercising regularly in order to achieve overall wellbeing. Instead of using energy drinks as a source of boosting energy levels, opt for natural options instead. It's also important to get enough sleep and maintain strong social connections; toxic online gaming communities could potentially have detrimental effects on mental wellbeing; in such cases seek assistance from a therapist or counsellor.
Reduce Eye Strain
Many gamers worry that their gaming habits could cause eye strain, with symptoms including red eyes and blurred vision leading to decreased performance or vision loss. Thankfully, gaming does not cause permanent damage; rather, its symptoms stem from muscle fatigue from prolonged screen time.
Eye strain can be prevented through regular screen breaks. While it can be tempting to become immersed in gaming and forget to take regular screen breaks, try making this part of your routine: every 20 minutes look away for at least 20 seconds from something 20 feet away for 20 seconds (follow the "20-20-20 rule).
Adjust the screen settings to reduce glare and enhance visibility, such as increasing font size, decreasing brightness or heightening contrast as needed for optimal viewing experience. Consider purchasing anti-glare sunglasses if necessary.
Gaming Ergonomics
Gamers must consider the potential adverse impacts that long sessions of gaming can have on their health, such as muscle injuries or increased stress and addiction. Therefore, ergonomic practices should be integrated into gaming lifestyle to enhance comfort while decreasing long-term issues.
Gaming ergonomics involves customizing gaming setup to the individual's body and needs while incorporating preventative strategies for wellbeing, such as adjusting chairs to promote good posture and reduce slouching/neck strain; regular physical breaks should also be taken.
These tips can help gamers and esports athletes feel more at ease during gameplay and boost performance by decreasing fatigue and pain. Imagine unleashing stunning combos without fearing hand cramps will limit precision or responding faster to in-game threats using a controller that fits naturally with natural reflexes - ultimately good gaming ergonomics can lead to healthier, happier gamers who experience years of pain-free playback!
Stay Hydrated
Many gamers and esports athletes consume caffeinated beverages, which may have diuretic properties and contribute to dehydration. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake may help mitigate any dehydration risks.
Dehydration compromises cognitive function and reaction time, decreasing gaming performance. In addition, dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue that impact gameplay experience and enjoyment.
Create and maintaining an adequate hydration routine is of utmost importance for gamers who frequently play long sessions, especially those who pre-hydrate prior to gaming, consume water or other fluids while gaming, and ensure regular hydration breaks are taken.
Consider using a hydration tracker or app to monitor fluid intake and foster consistency. Hydration tracking is especially helpful for those playing esports competitions as long gaming sessions and high levels of performance require optimal hydration levels. A general guideline for optimal hydration would be drinking half your bodyweight in ounces each day; adding electrolyte-rich drinks may also aid in reaching optimal hydration.