Sitting for long hours is bad for your health
As a gamer myself, I always look for ways to stay healthy despite spending long hours on the weekends playing games. Sure it's fun spending 8+ hours grinding gear out in an MMO or simply enjoying a good night with your best friends. But it's not healthy and that's for sure. So here are 5 tips for any gamer looking to stay healthy.
5-minute breaks
Sitting down at your computer chair or couch for several hours can be detrimental to your health. If you don't move after sitting down for a few hours you will develop blood clots. So, if you're going to be doing a long gaming session it's advised that you take 5-minute breaks after at least two hours. But don't just step away from your game and lay down or sit somewhere else make sure you walk for those 5 minutes.
Take a tip from nature
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There are many things we can learn from nature. One of which is stretching. Take for example your lovable pooch or adorable cat. Sure they may be laying about half the day but when they get up one of the first things they do is stretch. It helps them stay flexible and it feels good to do it.
So make sure you do a good amount of stretching. It doesn't have to be grand or anything just stretches your legs, arms, back, and neck. Try to make it a habit of doing it before and after you finish gaming.
Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated has many benefits to the body. One of which is very important to hardcore gamers and that's concentration. Sure soda can provide a boost of energy when you're getting tired but after that small boost, you get tired. Not only that but drinking loads of sugar whether it's soda or juice can be detrimental to your health.
Furthermore, drinking water and staying hydrated can help keep you awake during long sessions. So next time you reach for a soda in the fridge, grab a glass of water instead.
Keep the lights on
I know quite a few people who watch TV or browse the Internet on their tablet with the light off. I used to do the exact same thing but I would end up with dry eyes quite often. After a while, my eyesight started to get a little bad so I looked for ways to prevent further damage to my eyes. One of which was keeping the lights on during the night and I must say it really helped. Not only has my vision stopped from degrading rapidly as before but my concentration during gaming has improved. So next time you game, keep the lights on.
Personally, I use a lamp beside my computer. Oh and another thing, use a slightly warm yellow if you can. They don't hurt your vision and can almost replicate daylight.
Catch some Z's
Before you marathon a game make sure you get enough sleep. I suggest 10 hours of sleep before the day you do your marathon that way you can stay awake for a bit longer. Also, consider taking a 15-minute nap 16 hours in. Just try not to fall asleep.
Well, I that's all and I hope this is helpful to some. Oh and if you have some important advice then please feel free to share.
Thank s for the tips :) I usually sit down for 2 hours straight by playing rubiks cube, I should have a 5 minute break also haha :)
One big tip I stress to all gamers is your eyes and the lack of depth looking at one screen. We naturally are constantly adjusting our eyes to different focus points and its important for us to do eye exercises to keep the blood flowing. Great article, as a part time gamer myself its good to be reminded :)
When I was younger, I used to do pushups every time I got killed in a first person shooter lol! Regardless of what physical activity you fit into your prolonged gaming schedule, you will notice the benefits. Especially if you're like me and already suffer from something like back pain. Great post!
Back pain can suck. I used to have issues with my back a few years ago but luckily it was because of my chair. It was my fault, really. I spent all of my budget on a Gaming PC but I cheaped out on the chair and desk. Wasn't the brightest idea and I payed for it. Luckily after a few months I had enough and got a real computer chair. Wasn't cheap but since then I haven't had any issues with my back.
Once I got back to the gym and focused on my back a bit more, it cleared up. A good chair is a great idea to begin with though. It makes all the difference.
Deadlifts definitely fixed my posture from sitting on PC
These are things every gamer should know! Thanks for posting them!
Great post ! Would you mind if I included it in todays "best of gaming"?