Sitting up straight while engrossed in any activity can be a challenge. During moments of extreme focus, the body can tense up and block out signals or pain or discomfort, causing bad posture.
This subtle positioning can be insidious toward the long-term health of our bodies. When it comes to mobile gaming, this issue becomes all too significant.
While the regular gaming experience that a PC or console offers can produce physical problems of its own, mobile gaming presents additional strain on the body and mind that can compromise both mental and physical health.
When using a mobile phone, we tend to put strain on our necks and hands to maintain optimal focus. However, these positions are not natural for bodies to hold for extended periods of time, and can cause nerve pinches, muscle tension, and headaches, especially when maintained for hours at a time.
As mobile games increase in popularity, it’s important for gamers of all kinds to be aware of their posture while playing. Good posture is not only important for avoiding serious health implications, it also comes with benefits that can improve both the experience and performance of gaming.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to ask me in the comment section!
What Does Good Mobile Gaming Posture Look Like?
Before we delve into the many mental and physical health benefits of good posture, let’s discuss what it actually looks like and how you can emulate it with ease.
- Whether sitting or standing, keep your back up straight
- Point your gaze towards the center of your mobile screen
- Rest your elbows on a desk, opposite hand, or bent knees
- Set your mobile device down on a flat surface
- Keep your shoulders low and relaxed
Another useful tip for avid mobile gamers is to decrease the brightness of their device, or switch from blue light to warm light. This can further promote better concentration and prevent retina strain from taking hold.
Whether you are gaming or not, incorporating these posture guidelines into your life will help prevent orthopedic issues from settling in, and provide you with a more comfortable, focused overall experience.
Once you start making a habit out of good posture, you can reap the many benefits it provides. Some people might think that a healthy posture is just for the gym. But numerous studies show that maintaining strong physical alignment throughout the day can produce many favorable results for the body and mind.
These include:
#1 Prevents headaches from setting in
Headaches are a common problem for millions of people, but good posture can provide some relief. The tension held in our muscles while fixated on a mobile device screen can cause nerves to pinch and knots to develop, prohibiting sufficient oxygen to the brain.
By sitting up straight and being more mindful about how you hold your body while gaming, you can prevent tension-induced headaches from developing. Plus, you’ll encourage a healthier flow of oxygen to the brain. Adjusting the brightness of your screen settings will also help in this regard.
#2 Increases your gaming longevity
You can play games on your mobile device for much longer periods of time when you’re in a truly comfortable position. In contrast, the longevity of your gaming endurance may be impaired by poor posture. If you want to enjoy a long-term gaming experience, good posture is a non-negotiable.
So, next time you feel the urge to pick up your mobile and escape to a different world, consider setting up a really cozy spot first. Find a chair you can comfortably sit in for hours without causing any cramps or spasms, or make sure you’re lying on a mattress that offers proper support. Your body will thank you!
#3 Saves you money on doctor’s bills
Poor posture can lead to health issues that range from mild to severe. Everyone could do with saving a couple of bucks here and there. But poor posture could be the reason you have to empty your piggy bank on short notice.
Instead of waiting for your body to develop serious muscular or nervous issues due to bad posture, save your future self some cash by putting in the effort now to strengthen and support it. You can do this by adopting healthy postural habits and committing to better form. You’ll feel better and you’ll save money on doctor’s bills.
#4 Decreases stress and anxiety levels
High stress and anxiety are common mental ailments in today’s world. Even though excessive screen time might convince you that it helps, studies show that it can have a negative impact on mental health. If you can’t minimize your time spent playing mobile games, what you can do is set up your posture in a way that promotes health rather than compromises it.
Simply by sitting more comfortably, you can encourage your body and mind to feel more relaxed. Ultimately reducing stress and alleviating anxiety spikes. Every little step we take towards optimal mental health is worth its weight in gold.
#5 The better your posture, the better your performance
If you’re an avid mobile gamer, chances are you care about performance. Practice makes perfect, but posture and concentration can both make a big difference to how well you execute that next level. Sitting in a position that offers optimal focus and comfortability will enable you to apply all of your energy into achieving your goals, improving your overall performance.
Maintaining healthy posture habits could be the secret weapon for unlocking new heights of gaming performance. But you’ll never know unless you try.
Next time you find yourself hunched over and struggling to prevail, shift your body into a more comfortable position and watch how quickly your moves improve.
Swap Old Habit For New
When it comes down to it, there are only a few things you need to avoid while playing mobile games: tense shoulders, bright screens, hunched neck muscles and a slumping back.
Once those performance-waning habits are tossed out and traded for healthier ones, you can focus 100% of your time and energy on becoming a better, stronger gamer. You’ll also have a few extra bucks to spend on gaming tech after avoiding several trips to the chiropractor.
Have any questions? Comments? Leave them below!
No sample images?🫤