How preparation makes you shine as a gamer
Before diving into this article, ask yourself the following: Are you a disciplined gamer who prepares yourself before entering a game? Or are you more the type who just jumps right into the game, hoping for the best?
The prepared gamer will likely experience great benefits such as increased focus, boosted confidence, reduced anxiety and more resilience to stress,
Yes. That’s all the good stuff.. But maybe you don’t have the inspiration or motivation to create a routine that will help you to prepare before a game?
That’s why this article outlines two methods that can help you prepare for your next game: 1) The short-term: Functional pre-game preparation and 2) The long-term: Physical and cognitive preparation.
Different factors influence the amount of time you need to spend on preparation. It depends on your pre-game routine, the importance of the match and your motivation to prepare.
The short-term: Pre-game routine
One way to prepare for your next game is to have a pre-game routine. You will save both time and effort by implementing a pre-game routine.
Your brain loves repetition and predictability so your actions become highly effective when they meet the habit of consistency. Being consistent about your pre-game routine helps you gain the right mindset and tune in your body and mind for the game. The more consistent you are with your pre-game routine, the more effective you become over time.
Tip 1: Look up demos to fix some of your mistakes
If you have an important match to play, it can be a good idea to look through your recent demos to fix some of your mistakes. Going through your mistakes and finding solutions is what really takes your game to the next level. Stay open to changing things that don’t work.
Some of the most common mistakes to look for are:
- Poor positioning
- Over rotation
- Useless utility use
- Bad crosshair placement
Tip 2: Get energised and remove distractions
You don’t want to be tired and unfocused before you start a new game. Playing multiple games in a row set higher demands to maintain energy and focus. A good way to get energised before a match is to take a short run outside (or another type of exercise) to get your heartbeat up for a few minutes. You can also try to take a cold shower. This will directly pump adrenaline into your system. Adrenaline provides the energy you can utilise in the game.
You can also focus on removing distractions in your surroundings and your mental space. Take a shower, go for a walk outside or clean the room before your game starts.
Tip 3: Warmup your aim
Using an aim training map or playing deathmatch is great for warming up your aim. Aim training helps fire up neurons in your brain that are responsible for the movements and mouse control. Use the aim training to connect eye-hand coordination. It’s important not to overdo the warmup as you risk losing valuable focus in the coming match.
Tip 4: Increase focus and set intentions
Take 30-50 breaths to increase the energy in your body. This will give you more direct focus. You can also do this during the game to connect back with your body. Before the game, it can also be a good idea to set intentions:
- Always do the best you can
- Be supportive of your teammates
- Keep refocusing on the game when you feel distracted.
The long-term: Physical and cognitive preparation
Another way to make sure you are preparing for the next game is to consider the long-term effects of your daily habits and routines. Lifestyle considerations can prepare your mind and body to be in the best shape possible. It builds a strong foundation so you can be ready for an important game at any given time. In addition, it prevents you from getting injured and experiencing burnout.
Let’s look at a few long-term preparation factors.
Tip 5: Get enough sleep
Sleep is the most important factor for being in the best shape possible. Sleep restores the energy you need to have intense focus, fast reactions, and make complex decisions.
Many players do not get the importance of sleep; But when you’re staying up late, you’re probably not getting enough quality sleep. It will affect your mental capacity and ability to perform optimally.
Always make sure you are fully rested before playing an important match. In general, most people need 7-9 hours of good quality sleep to be fully rested.
Things you can do to get better quality sleep:
- Optimise your bedroom environment and conditions (limit blue light in the evening)
- Optimise your sleep schedule
- Build a healthy and relaxing pre-bed routine
- Create healthy sleep habits during the day
Tip 6: Eat well
The food you eat has a crucial impact on your energy and mental state. Your brain consumes a very high amount of energy when gaming. Following healthy eating principles is a great way to give your body and mind what it needs to maximise performance.
Ways to eat more healthy:
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Choose whole grain and healthy fats
- Cut down on added sugar and salt
- Strive to eat at the same time each day
- Drink water throughout the day
- Eat a variety of different foods.
Tip 7: Move your body
Exercise is a great way to impact your brain health. Adding exercise to your daily life can positively influence your gaming performance. Exercise will boost your thinking and memory skills, enhance your concentration and ability to stay focused.
Great ways to exercise:
- Running
- Walking
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Sports
- Lifting weights
WHAT TO REMEMBER FROM THIS ARTICLE?
This article outlines seven tips for ambitious players to be better prepared and in better shape before gaming. This includes preparations for the short- and long-term.
The short-term: Functional pre-game preparation:
Tip 1: Look up demos to fix some of your mistakes
Tip 2: Get energised and remove distractions
Tip 3: Warmup your aim
Tip 4: Increase focus and set intentions
The long-term: Physical and cognitive preparation:
Tip 5: Get enough sleep
Tip 6: Eat well
Tip 7: Move your body
