It can be hard to boost gamer performance using just one method or something that just doesn’t work for you, as not everything will. However, as an eSports competitor or even a competitive online player at home, you can gain something of an advantage by using some tried and tested techniques that help improve the body and mind for better relaxation speeds and even injury prevention. From using aim trainers to physical reaction drills, here are some suggestions.
Play Tactical Board Games
Almost all video games owe their heritage to classic games such as chess. By understanding the core concepts and strategies behind these kinds of tactical board games, you can learn to adapt to changing situations and come up with solutions on the fly. Other games, such as Sudoku, will also help sharpen your critical thinking skills, which can improve your ability to predict enemy moves ahead of time, giving you a massive tactical in-game advantage.
Boost Gamer Performance with Aim Trainers
Aim trainers are popular among FPS fans, and over 40 million players use Aimlabs. These are designed to help optimize gameplay and present an advantage during competitive play through practice. You may be on the fence, so consider some of the best reasons to try an aim trainer:
Try Neurofeedback Systems
Neurofeedback is when you get data based on your brain waves. It sounds complex, but it is relatively simple. With the right data, you can essentially rewire your brain for improved performance that pushes your mind for a competitive edge. Using neurofeedback methods such as operant conditioning, you can expect improvements in peak performance. This includes longer attention spans, a better working memory, and much lower performance anxiety.
Complete Challenging Memory Puzzles
The brain is an organ, but it acts like a muscle. Because of this, it needs a workout just like your biceps and abs! If you don’t use your brain to its fullest capabilities, it doesn’t work at an optimal level. However, you don’t need to worry because you can easily work out your brain every day. Something like a memory puzzle where you must remember sequences forces the brain to process information faster and adapt to changing scenarios, and it has a long-term impact.
Use Your Other Hand to Boost Gamer Performance
From Counter-Strike 2 to Gran Turismo 7, there are hundreds of titles with a competitive scene. We know that puzzle games can help you become a better eSports player to gain an edge. But have you considered something more out of the box, such as using your non-dominant hand?
Dual hand coordination
Some games benefit from dual-hand coordination, such as RTS games and MMOs. When you can use your non-dominant hand, it makes it easier to hit off-hand hotkeys for faster play.
Preventing injuries
If you become proficient in using your non-dominant hand, it makes it easier to switch to avoid an injury. Injuries like carpal tunnel are common for gamers, and this can help relieve the issue.
New neural wiring
Known as neuroplasticity, the connections in your brain can be strengthened for finer motor control. This can result in much better speed and accuracy when using off-hand peripherals.
Although it is a novel concept and one that most gamers won’t even think about, you often need the other hand during competitive play to reach hotkeys. Training your non-dominant hand can boost your gaming performance significantly as you become more confident using it in games.
Practice Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques
Taking a break is one of the best things you can do when you are losing your edge. But what do you actually do when stepping away? One of the best ways to remove anxiety and refresh your mind is by practicing a breathing exercise. Daily meditation has been shown to reduce performance anxiety and allow clearer focus. However, inhaling, holding, and exhaling your breath for four seconds is a quick and easy breathing method you can do anywhere.
Give the 20-20-20 Rule a Try.
A long session can take its toll on your body and mind. For example, hands can become cramped, brain fog can creep in, and your eyes can become strained. The symptoms of strained eyes include eyelid twitching, redness and dryness, and blurred vision. To combat this, you can try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain so you can maintain your edge during intense gaming sessions.
Boost Gamer Performance with Physical Reaction Drills
The majority of eSports players are in their 20s. However, some are older. If you are getting long in the tooth, you will need to get up and away from the screen more. But while doing so, you can use physical reaction drills, such as dropping and catching tennis balls, to improve the muscles:
Take a Nap Between Sessions
As an eSports player or a gaming enthusiast at home, gaming can go on for ten hours or more. When you play for this long, it can be taxing on your body and mind, and you will need to rest. Although you won’t want to, resting will reset your focus and help relax your body for better comfort. A power nap for between 20 and 30 minutes is all it takes (in most cases) to get your groove back and get ready to power through another couple of hours of intense combat.
Summary
Playing tactical board games such as chess is a classic brain training method that can boost gamer performance on a mental level. Physically, you can also use your non-dominant hand to train for better reactions, and taking a nap between sessions will help reset your mind and body.
