Building Better Esports Habits

It can be easy to watch esports and think that, because the players are sitting that it isn’t a “real sport”; however, experts have come forward to discuss some of the common injuries associated with esports. The reality is, esports are a sport, and without good habits, they can also cause injuries.

Stretching, drinking water, and eating healthy are all important parts of good esports habits. Read on to learn more must-haves for building better esports habits.

1. Stretching

Yes, esports are a sport that requires stretching. The most common injuries for esports players are musculoskeletal, affecting everything from the spine to the wrists and hands.

Professionals recommend stretching hands and wrists often, and spending money to acquire a chair that puts you in a good posture for playing. You’ll want a chair that allows you to sit with your back straight, feet flat on the floor, and arms level with the desk. You’ll also want to stretch your spine before you begin, as well as every few hours to keep yourself limber.

There are typically specific stretches recommended for esports players. It might be a good idea to speak with your doctor specifically to find out which ones are best for you.

2. Drinking Water

There is a common misconception that esports players drink energy drinks or Mountain Dew while playing in their parents’ basements. But this is not the case at the professional level.

Esports has grown to become a high-grossing sport with the pros able to net millions in a good season. And just like other athletes, esports players have to ensure they remain hydrated by drinking lots of water. While some esports players do have a caffeinated drink before play (just as other athletes may have a coffee or pre-workout mix with caffeine), most report that they just stick to unflavored carbonated water to ensure they don’t increase their need to use the restroom while playing.

3. Eating Healthy

While esports is a real sport, it’s important to note that it is different than endurance or high-intensity sports. Esports players, unlike runners and bikers, don’t need to carbo-load. In fact, most players avoid carbs that could make them sleepy and unfocused.

It might seem silly, but nutrition is often more important to esports players than other athletes because these athletes aren’t burning off what they eat at a massive rate. That being said, most stick to healthy, veggie-focused light diets to ensure they perform their best.  

4. Minimize Distractions

Just like any other sport, your personal life has the ability to encroach on your performance as an esports athlete. While most esports players practice with distractions as they will experience in the arena, it’s also important that they practice compartmentalizing, so that the stress of real life won’t interrupt their focus.

Most professional esports players use meditation and yoga on a regular basis to help clear their minds and maintain their focus. These practices also help them to keep their backs and wrists strong and limber—minimizing the injuries we discussed in item one.

5. Take Breaks from Screens

Practice is critical in esports, just like all other sports, but studies have shown that too much practice can also be damaging in esports.

This is because prolonged gaming can cause eye strain and fatigue, making it difficult for the gamer to remain alert and focused. As such, many gamers spend as much time as possible off screens when they aren’t practicing, often avoiding watching TV and scrolling social media to ensure their eyes remain in top shape for gaming.

So, what do they do when they aren’t gaming? Most esports players report spending time in the gym, sleeping, and hanging out with friends.

It is important to note that most esports careers are short-lived. It’s a demanding and stressful job, and many prefer to return to playing esports for fun instead of playing on the big stage.  

6. Prioritize Sleep

Another really good habit to build is to prioritize sleep. As we’ve already established, esports players don’t drink a lot of caffeine, nor do they have a high-carb diet to maintain their energy. Rather, they replenish their energy the good old-fashioned way—sleep.

Most report sleeping at least seven hours a night, while others report ten or eleven hours of sleep. The reality is, sleep needs vary from person to person, and you’ll need to see what helps you work best. Once you find the amount of sleep that works for you, aim to get that amount of sleep every night.

7. Treat Esports Like a Job

If you are an aspiring esports athlete and you aren’t quite sure how to get there, it’s time to adjust your mindset. Just like any other sport, the esports professional players play as their job. This means they engage in several practice sessions each week, and spend money on things to improve their performance. If you want to join their ranks, you’ll need to do the same.

Most start out by creating a separate gaming space, similar to an office. This way, their body knows when they enter that room, it’s time to focus. They also typically don’t game outside of that room. If you currently play for fun, it’s time to call it quits. They also ensure to schedule regular breaks for eating, stretching, and checking in with their body.

Although most tournaments require travel, esports players work to maintain the same schedule while they are home. They find the routine and diet that works for them, and they simply maintain it when they go on the road—ensuring their body is in the best shape possible to perform.

Overall, becoming an esports professional requires discipline and training, just like any other sport. That being said, if it’s your goal to play esports for a living, you’ll need to start building healthy habits, like the ones mentioned here, early to ensure you have the best chance of success when you do eventually make it to the big stage.