Playing video games is a fun way to spend your spare time with many benefits, but it can also be damaging to your health. Spending hours in front of a screen each day leaves you with less creativity, physical activity, and social interaction. With these three things down, you are more likely to develop health issues! Learn the sides of gaming that you should consider before diving in and what steps can be taken in order to maintain good health.
1. Take care of your eyesight
One of the first things to consider is how gaming can impact your eyesight. Many gamers experience eyestrain and fatigue, which can be damaging in the long run. To prevent any damage, take a break every 20 minutes or so to look away from the screen and focus on something far away. This will help your eyes to relax. Additionally, make sure to adjust the brightness of your screen so it is not too bright or too dark. You can set up your game room to have adjustable light fixtures to help you ensure that you are playing in a conducive space for your eye health.
2. Maintain proper posture
It is also important to maintain good posture when gaming. This will help you avoid any long-term back or neck pain. When sitting in front of a screen, your eyes should be level with the top of the screen and your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle. You may also want to consider using a gaming chair that is designed to help you maintain good posture. If you are already feeling body pains from bad posture, consider consulting with your doctor or a professional chiropractor for some advice.
3. Get up and move around
It can be easy to lose track of time when gaming, but it is important to get up and move around every once in a while. Gaming can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which has many negative consequences on health. Keeping yourself active will help prevent issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome and obesity. Take a break every hour or so to walk around and stretch. If possible, try to get in some form of physical activity each day. This can be as simple as going for a walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
4. Stay hydrated
Another important factor to consider is how gaming can impact your hydration levels. Many gamers forget to drink water and become dehydrated as a result. When playing games, take a break every hour or so to drink some water. You can also keep a water bottle nearby to make it easier to remember. Additionally, make sure that you are eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of fluids. This will help your body stay hydrated and function properly.
5. Get enough sleep
It is also important to get enough sleep when gaming. Most gamers need around 8-10 hours of sleep each night. If you are not getting enough sleep, you may start to experience problems such as fatigue and irritability. To make sure that you are getting enough sleep, try to establish a regular bedtime and stick to it as closely as possible. Additionally, avoid using electronics before bedtime. The blue light from screens can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
6. Stay social
One of the best things about gaming is that it can help you connect with others. When gaming online, make sure to take breaks to talk to your fellow gamers. This will help keep you engaged and prevent you from feeling isolated. You can also meet up with friends in person to play games. This will help you stay social and connected with others. It is also important to come back to reality and socialize with family and friends in real life. Make sure that you are not gaming to escape your life but only to help make it more enjoyable and interesting.
7. Take care of your mental health
Gaming can also be a fun way to relieve stress and anxiety. However, it is important to keep in mind that too much gaming can also be harmful to mental health. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed from gaming, or feel like you are getting addicted to the digital gaming space, take a break and talk to someone about it. There is no shame in admitting that you need help. There are many resources available to help you maintain your mental health, such as therapy, medication, and self-help groups.
The way your brain functions can have a huge impact on how you play games and whether or not you are successful. You should take care of yourself by maintaining good posture, getting proper sleep, staying hydrated, and socializing with friends and family in real life as well as online.
