3 Tips to Increase Your Comfort While Gaming
It’s easy to lose track of time and spend hours in front of your console or PC playing games, but gamers should be smart about staying comfortable and healthy.
Many people don’t realize the risks involved in something as innocuous as gaming for too long in the same position, but issues like repetitive stress injuries and eye strain can be painful and time-consuming to resolve.
If you want to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses, it’s a much smarter idea to protect yourself and your body along the way.
There are a variety of different products and habits that can help you stay on track. Keep reading for three tips to help increase your comfort when you’re gaming.
1. Think about what you wear.
A good place to start is evaluating your wardrobe when you’re gaming. Clothing that’s too tight, uncomfortable, or that applies pressure in the wrong place can be problematic, especially during longer gaming sessions.
Think about dressing for a gaming session that you expect to last for a long period of time the way you would dress if you were going for a workout at the gym. Prioritize breathability and comfort.
Making sure you have good circulation is also important. If you wear socks, stick with a comfortable pair that isn’t too tight.
The best socks for gaming will have enough compression to be supportive without being overly restrictive.
The climate in your home is also a factor. Cold extremities can be an issue, so it might be worth picking up a pair of socks made out of merino wool or another fabric that retains heat well rather than the lighter polyester that might work better with sneakers for a jog.
2. Invest in a comfortable gaming chair.
The best chairs for gaming are designed for extended use and offer ergonomics to help protect your back during long gaming sessions.
The lumbar support should be a priority in a gaming chair, which is why lumbar cushions are a good option.
You should also make sure you can sit with good posture. There are different styles when it comes to picking a headrest, and the best option depends on what provides you with proper neck support.
A comfortable chair is a great way to prevent you from waking up after a late night of playing games with a sore back.
The price of a quality gaming chair can vary, depending on what features you need.
While paying three or four-digit prices for a chair can seem expensive, it’s worth investing in something you’re going to use on a regular basis.
Ultimately, the best chair for you is the chair that helps you maintain good posture while supporting parts of your body that gaming can place under stress.
It’s a good idea to look at options designed to be gaming chairs, rather than a typical office chair.
3. Take breaks regularly.
It’s essential that you take regular breaks when you’re gaming for an extended period of time.
Walking around will help get your blood flowing, and staying in the same position for too long can result in muscle cramps and discomfort.
You should also be careful to avoid repetitive stress injuries that can result from frequent gaming.
These can often happen in the wrist and fingers, due to the pressure and movement required to play.
You can also develop blisters easily, which are simpler to treat but can often restrict you from certain activities until they’ve healed.
While gaming is always a lot of fun, it’s important to take care of yourself and your body when you play.
Common issues like repetitive stress injuries and eye strain can result in being unable to enjoy any of your games for a longer period of time, so it’s worth ensuring that you stay healthy.
For professional gamers or people who have to play frequently because of their careers, it’s even more important that you’re proactive about your comfort and health.
Although it can be tough to remember to take a break, especially when you’re in the middle of a competitive match, keep in mind that you’re doing the right thing to make sure you can still enjoy your hobby on a regular basis, for a long time going forward.
