How To Stay Healthy As A Gamer: Tips From Sameer Barik, A 24-Year Gaming Veteran

Hey fellow gamers! I’m Sameer Barik, and I’ve been passionate about gaming since 2001-over 24 years now. From competing in college tournaments (I was the runner-up in Counter-Strike 2017) to diving deep into epic story-driven games like The Witcher 3, God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and competitive shooters like Call of Duty Warzone and Halo, gaming has been a huge part of my life.

But as much as I love gaming, I’ve learned the hard way how important it is to take care of your health while indulging in those long, immersive sessions. Here’s my personal guide on how to maintain your health as a gamer without sacrificing your passion.

1. Protect your eyes like a pro

Your eyes are your ultimate gaming asset. Imagine trying to land that perfect headshot with blurry vision – no thanks!

• Eat green veggies and fish: Foods rich in omega-3s and antioxidants help maintain eye health. Think of it as leveling up your vision stats in real life.
• Eye exercises: Once a day, I focus on a single dot for a few minutes to reduce eye fatigue. It’s like a mini-cooldown for your eyes.
• Cold water wash: Splashing cold water on my eyes twice daily refreshes and soothes them, just like a quick respawn.
• Proper lighting: Keep your room lights on to match the brightness and contrast of your screen. This reduces glare and eye strain, so you don’t end up with “screen burn.”
• Blue light glasses: I highly recommend wearing blue lens glasses to filter harmful screen light. They’re like armor for your eyes!

2. Nail your posture for comfort and longevity

Ever noticed how your neck or back hurts after a marathon gaming session? That’s your body telling you to adjust!

• Screen and eye alignment: Your monitor should be at eye level to avoid stiff necks. Think of it as setting your HUD perfectly.
• Ergonomic chair: Invest in a gaming chair that supports your back and neck. It’s a game-changer-literally.
• Adjust your setup: Find a sitting posture that feels comfortable and natural. Don’t slouch! Your avatar isn’t the only one who needs good posture.
  

3. Move and stretch regularly

Sitting for hours can stiffen your body and reduce circulation, which is the opposite of what you want when trying to stay sharp.

• Mid-session stretch: Get up and stretch every hour. Your body will thank you, and your reaction times might just get a boost.
• Stay active when not gaming: Walk around, do light exercises, or simply move your body to stay healthy. Bonus: it’s a great way to refresh your mind for the next session.
  

4. Listen to your body and take breaks

Gaming is awesome, but burnout is real.

• If you feel tired or sore, reduce your playtime. Remember, even the best players need to recharge.
• Keep hydrated with water or zero-sugar drinks. Avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages during gaming- your body needs clean fuel.
• Have healthy snacks nearby to fuel your body without junk calories. Think nuts, fruits, or protein bars instead of chips.
• Take timely breaks to refresh your mind and body. Use this time to check your surroundings or chat with your squad.
  

5. Balance gaming with social life and rest

Gaming is social, too! Whether you’re teaming up online or sharing clips on social media, connection matters.

• Don’t forget to socialize with friends and family, in-game or offline. It keeps your mental health in check.
• Prioritize 6-8 hours of sleep to recharge. Even the best gamers can’t perform on zero sleep.
• Practise breathing and relaxation exercises to stay calm and focused during intense matches.
  

6. Create a routine that works for you

Balancing a 9-5 job and gaming can be tough. Here’s my approach:

• Whenever possible, I start my day with a walk for fresh air. It’s like a warm-up before the main event.
• I schedule gaming sessions after work, usually an hour or two, so I don’t burn out.
• This routine helps me optimize both my professional and gaming life. Trust me, discipline is a power-up for your passion.
  

Bonus tips: Gear up for health and performance

• Use a wrist cushion or ergonomic mouse pad to avoid strain during those long sessions.
• Add extra cushioning on your desk to reduce wrist fatigue.
• When not gaming, keep your body active with other hobbies.
• Consider using apps or devices that remind you to take breaks and stretch.
  

Game smart, live strong!

Gaming is an incredible hobby that can bring joy, challenge, and community. But to enjoy it long-term, you’ve got to treat your body with respect. Follow these tips, and you’ll not only play better but feel better too.

Keep gaming smart, stay healthy, and see you in the game!

Stay tuned to the Activ Living Community. Keep up to date with the latest health tips and trends through expert videos, podcasts, articles, and much more on nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and lifestyle conditions like Asthma, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Diabetes. Activ Living ke saath sahi sehat ki shuruat ABHI karo.

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