Many passionate gamers forget that gaming should feel like an entertaining quest and not a grind. If you have a tendency to lose track of time, skip your meal, or experience blinding rage at a screen, this guide is definitely for you. Holistic self-care is something everyone can use, and it can be a game-changer for gamers in terms of health and well-being.
Why Self-Care Matters for Gamers (and everyone else, tbh)
Gamers can often get completely lost and invested in the game and overlook absolutely everything around them. However, overlooking some basic self-care ends up with numerous unpleasant physical and mental issues that, if unaddressed, can turn into full-fledged health problems.
Some of the typical issues gamers face include:
- Eye fatigue and migraines caused by prolonged screen time;
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and various repetitive strain injuries resulting from extended use of a mouse and keyboard;
- Bad posture, and back and hip discomfort from sitting for long periods without moving;
- Sleep disruptions caused by late-night gaming and blue light exposure;
- Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, exhaustion from gaming dependency, and social seclusion.
Integrating self-care methods such as massage therapy, essential oils therapy, simple exercise, walks, being outside in nature, etc., can aid in preventing and addressing these problems. In other words, by doing very simple things, it is possible to pursue your gaming interests without compromising your health.
One of the important things gamers often overlook is the so-called digital hygiene. To prevent fatigue, overstimulation, exhaustion, and emotional disengagement, pay attention to your activity and interactions with platforms like Twitch, Discord, and social media platforms. They consume quite a lot of mental and emotional energy.
Even a very brief technology detox and help reboot your concentration levels. Players at the best $1 deposit casinos at CasinosHunter know this very well – interacting with technology can be tiring, and you need time to refresh your perception.
Balance Your Schedule
A key component of self-care is to manage your gaming time alongside other obligations and activities. Competitive gamers or just passionate gamers tend to form a strong habit for gaming, and it overshadows everything else. However, most people still tend to have jobs, studies, family, friends, and interests outside the gaming world, and just general basic physiological rest and “maintenance”.
Sticking to a balanced schedule can assist in preventing stress, burnout, and a feeling of isolation. Moreover, returning to your favorite game refreshed and relaxed, you will be surprised how creative, efficient, and resourceful you will be in the game.
It makes sense to develop a routine that suits you specifically, and not someone generally average. Make your routine sensible, flexible, and adaptable, and allow yourself breaks and rewards. Try to follow the routines that help you stay in the so-called flow state, when you are productive, efficient, but at the same time flexible and enjoying.
Non-gaming activities like walks, sports, drawing, etc., can also be very relaxing and pleasant (we promise!).
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your physical well-being can greatly influence your gaming abilities and efficiency, which also eventually means your satisfaction with the game. If you ignore your body, you are likely to soon face exhaustion, discomfort, or health issues. Therefore, it’s important to care for your body by sticking to a few quite obvious suggestions:
- Pay attention to a nutritious and balanced diet that supplies you with enough energy.
- Stay well-hydrated and avoid too much caffeine, alcohol, or sugary drinks.
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Make sure you get enough sleep.
Additionally, take into account ergonomic gaming arrangements. Invest in a quality chair, headphones, keyboard, etc. These things will serve you for a long time, so they are totally worth investing in.
The Invisible: Manage Your Emotions
People play games for entertainment and positive emotions, but efficiency in the game and also the mere ability to enjoy the game emotionally depend on our emotional well-being. When we are exhausted, even our favorite games do not bring us the same joy.
Games can provide enjoyment, thrill, and challenge, but they can also cause frustration, anger, anxiety, or sadness. These emotions, interestingly enough, are caused by something “unreal” – a game on the screen, nothing that actually influences real life unless you are a professional gamer. And yet, the emotions themselves are real and valid, and should be handled properly.
For gamers, it is crucial to be aware of the concept of the “tilt” in competitive gaming, when emotions quickly escalate after an error or defeat. Noticing and identifying the tilt properly, gamers can take a break, calm down, and avoid aggression in the group or negative self-talk. If tilts happen often, some emotional regulation practices can be used.
It is also important to talk to family, friends, and the community about physical and emotional well-being, and support well-being practices and initiatives.
Have Fun!
The point of all this self-care routine is to be able to enjoy gaming instead of being drained by it. Gaming is meant to be fun and fulfilling, not emotionally destructive. It is important to remind yourself why you are playing the games you are playing, and give yourself time and space when you stop enjoying them.
It also makes sense to explore different games, genres, and modes, to add flexibility and excitement, and not get stuck in one pattern. Take advantage of the huge gaming community and play alongside your friends, or meet new people who share your interests.