Video games can take up hours of your time, which means that you will be doing things between those hours whether it's within the game or in real life. You might be doing things that are considered bad practices, and here are some you should definitely avoid.
1. Snacking
You can try sneaking in a sandwich while you're in-game so you won't starve while you play, but snacking on junk food is a good way to end up with an unhealthy lifestyle. You won't even notice how much you consume since most of your attention is in the game. This can also ruin your appetite when you do eat a proper meal.
2. Bad Posture
Since everything else around you becomes less important once you start your game, you could forget things like your posture. When you play for hours at a time, bad posture can lead to body aches, especially with your back, neck, and even wrist. If you play a lot, it would be good to invest in a chair that would support your back and neck.
3. Forgetting Hydration
Even if you barely move or break a sweat when you're seated and busy playing, your body still needs proper hydration every now and then. You can have a glass or bottle of water by your side during your gaming sessions if having to get up is what's stopping you from drinking. Bathroom breaks are a small price to pay for your overall health.
4. Excessive Gaming
Avid gamers tend to spend upwards of 10 hours on gaming sessions sometimes, and while that warrants bragging rights within the community, it's not a very good practice since it will lead to eye strain and many other problems in the long run. If you insist on playing a game for hours, you can at least take 20-minute breaks periodically and stretch before diving back in.
5. Spending Money on Microtransactions
Some in-game purchases are okay especially if they might be able to help you with your gameplay, but there are some items that you can easily live without like cosmetics. Some players don't even notice how much they've spent since there are items that have low costs, but that can build up over time and you'll find that you've spent way too much.
6. Playing When Tilted
In case you don't know, tilt in gaming means that you keep losing after several tries and the frustration just adds to the discouragement. Tilt is your mind's way of telling you that you need a break and that you should pick the game back up after a good night's sleep. Don't force it thinking that you will win if you keep trying, because it's more likely that you won't.
7. Ignoring Your Social Life
Even if you do play with friends online, others would argue that it isn't considered socializing. Remember that video games are just one aspect and that there are others around you that you need to catch up with, whether it's your friends or your family. Your games can wait for you but the people in your life won't always be available if you do decide to hang out.
