The words “healthy” and “gamer” may seem somewhat contradictory, however, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and still light your opponents up online. The first step to this is having a different perspective. Gaming is a competitive activity, so when you think about it like a sport, you’ll realize that having a sharper mind will allow you to be a better gamer. Healthier habits are the key to a healthier mind. Here’s a few pointers to become the best gamer you can be.

 

       Watch what you eat

 

Gaming is automatically tied to junk food which contains sugars and salts that give the body a very short burst of energy, then cause the person to crash afterwards. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and fatigue, not how you want to feel when you want to perform well at a game. Replacing chips and and chocolate with fruits and nuts is a better strategy when you’re locked into a game for a while. Staying hydrated is a big pointer too. If you don’t love the taste of water, you can always try infusing your water with fruit.

 

     Exercise before you play

 

A brief workout session before you play your game can give your mind more clarity and take any unwanted tension out of your body. If you’re a FIFA fan, kick the ball around a few times. If you’re a fan of fighting games, try a bit of shadow boxing. Stretching your muscles after you finish is a great way to regulate your emotions and be in a comfortable gaming position while you play.

 

                 Take breaks


Staring at a screen for an extended amount of time can take a strain on your eyes. Make sure to mix it up and get some natural light. Call a friend or go for a walk, something to mix up the monotony of just playing your video game. A good method to use is to set an alarm on your phone at hour/ two hour increments and go from there.

 

           Get a good night’s sleep

 

Turning the game off then going straight to sleep isn’t the most ideal method. Your brain is still attuned to the blue screen, so reading, writing or even looking out your windows for a few minutes is a great idea to relax your mind before heading to bed. When you wake up rested and rejuvenated, your more prepared for another day of gaming ahead.