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GAMING ONLINE - Gaming expert reveals strategies to maintain concentration and mental sharpness throughout long sessions
Key Findings:
- Expert explains how to stay sharp and on point during long gaming sessions
- Dunking your face in water and turning up the tunes are just two of the strategies recommended
- Expert explains the mental and physical challenges involved in competing in Esports
Ever since the first gaming consoles came out, gamers have been having all-day (and sometimes all-weekend) gaming sessions with friends. According to Guinness World Records, the longest video gaming marathon ever clocks in at a massive 138 hours and 34 seconds - nearly five days!
“What’s even more impressive is that marathon was on the game Just Dance 2015, played by dancing along to set moves tracked by a motion sensor like the Wii remote,” says Wai-Fai Cou of U4GM, an online marketplace for video gaming extras. “If you want to marathon games like Carrie Swidecki, the record-holder, these are for you!”
Dunk Your Face
One of the best ways to feel more awake is to splash some cold water on your face. This works better when the water is colder, and icy water works best.
“Put a bowl of water in the refrigerator or prepare some ice cubes beforehand so you can keep yourself cool,” Wai-Fai suggests. “Dunking your whole face into the water for a few seconds will shock you awake.”
Move Around
A little bit of physical activity is a great way to prevent sleepiness. Get up and walk around your room, do a few laps up and down the stairs, or, for best results, go outside and walk around for a few minutes. The movement combined with the fresh air will do wonders.
“If there’s no time for a break, move around in your seat instead,” Wai-Fai advises. “Move your shoulders, tap your feet, and bounce up and down. This will help keep you awake and keep parts of your body from going numb.”
Rest Your Eyes
Whenever there’s a break in the game, take a moment to rest your eyes. This is great for when there’s a loading screen or when someone’s picking out a character.
“If you take longer breaks in your gaming marathon, take advantage of that time to take a quick nap,” Wai-Fai advises. “10-20 minutes is the best length of time for a power nap.”
Have A Chat
One sure way to engage your brain is to chat with your friends. Whether it’s about the game or about what you did during the week, talking will help you stay awake and enhance your experience as you bond with your friends.
Turn Up The Lights
Increased light signals to your brain that it’s daytime and it should be awake. If it’s beginning to get dark, turn on as many lights as you can to combat that sleepy feeling.
“The best light for keeping you awake is daylight, so if you can move your set-up so that daylight is shining on your face for at least some part of the day, that will help you stay sharp,” Wai-Fai says.
Reduce Sugar
Most people think keeping up their energy with sugar will help them stay awake, but sugar actually causes a high and then a steep crash, which will make it even harder to stay alert. Avoid the sugary snacks and drinks, and instead pre-prepare something healthy and filling to easily heat up during a quick break or between games.
“It’s even better if you can find some easy finger food you can eat while gaming,” Wai-Fai says.
Play Some Tunes
If it won’t disturb other players or block out important sounds, turn some background music on. Lively, upbeat music will make you focus and stay alert for longer. “I have a gaming playlist with loads of upbeat tracks, and I think having a soundtrack actually makes me play better,” Wai-Fai says.
Wai-Fai Cou from U4GM commented:
“Mental and physical stamina while gaming are becoming more crucial as the popularity of competitive gaming, known as Esports, grows,” Wai-Fai says. “Professional gamers often endure marathon gaming sessions, and repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic back and neck pain, are common. Therefore, physical conditioning is a key aspect of a professional gamer’s regimen.
“Competitive gaming also demands high concentration levels, quick decision-making, and psychological resilience. The mental pressure to perform consistently at high-stakes tournaments can be overwhelming and cognitive fatigue is a real challenge. Techniques borrowed from traditional sports, like visualization, stress management practices, and cognitive behavioral techniques, are increasingly being adapted to meet the needs of esports athletes.
“The fans can also be harsh as often as they’re supportive, so mental health support for players is a must to help them cope with criticism. Many professional teams now include psychologists and life coaches as part of their staff.”
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