May 23, 2024
We all love playing our favorite games, but let’s face it, sometimes those gaming sessions can leave us feeling like couch potatoes. Here are some tips to help you stay active and healthy and make gaming compatible with your work or hobby.
Schedule smart
Just like you schedule your gaming sessions, carve out time for your workouts. Make it easy for yourself. Find a routine that works: go to the gym after your stream, get up a little early before your scrims and get in a quick swimming session, or even incorporate quick workouts during breaks.
Consistency is vital, so make exercise a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
I’m an indie game dev and avid gamer, so I spend most of my day glued to a chair in front of two screens. Adding exercise to my routine wasn’t easy. I tried going to the gym and swimming, but they didn’t fit my needs. Then, I discovered CrossFit.
It’s said that CrossFit is a brutal and very injurious sport, but I guess it depends on the level at which you train or if you do it well or poorly. For me, it’s wonderful because during that whole hour, my head is completely focused on the exercise, and I don’t think about anything else. So, now, every weekday morning, I spend an hour at my nearest CrossFit gym. It works wonders for my mental and physical health and refreshes me for the afternoon work session.
Set goals
Whether leveling up in the gym or mastering a new game, set specific fitness and gaming goals to keep you motivated and on track. Break your goals down into smaller, achievable milestones and celebrate your progress along the way. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve will keep you focused and determined and give you a big boost of morale once you achieve your goals.
Find balance
While prioritizing your health is important, remember to enjoy your gaming guilt-free. This is not all or nothing – you don’t need to train daily to be healthy. Just aim for a certain amount of movement each week. And if you miss a day or lack motivation, don’t beat yourself up. Rest and self-care are essential parts of the equation, too.
Fuel your body
Eating well is important for both gaming performance and staying healthy—snack on nutritious stuff like fruits and nuts to keep your energy up during gaming sessions and workouts. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay focused and energized.
But don’t stress too much about food. Remember, it’s all about balance! Aim for a balanced, healthy diet, but if it’s Saturday and you’re craving a cheesy pizza, EAT THE PIZZA!
Don’t forget recovery
Rest and recovery are just as important as exercise and gameplay. Ensure you get enough sleep each night to allow your body to repair and recharge. Incorporate rest days into your workout routine to prevent burnout and reduce the risk of injury. Your body will thank you, and you’ll come back stronger and ready for whatever is thrown at you.
Finding the right balance between gaming and exercise is challenging, but with the right approach, you’ll find the routine that works best for you. Once you get to that point, you’ll see how worthwhile it is and how much better you’ll feel in your day-to-day life.