Focus Up! Improving Concentration in the Gaming Industry
Video games are a serious business. All over the world, more and more people are playing video games, to the point that some countries are creating their own national teams. There are also countless YouTubers who talk about video games around the clock, and, of course, there are those who work as video game designers.
The point is that video games continue to rise in popularity, and while they may be fun, many titles require a lot of concentration and focus in order to succeed. As video games evolve, so do their stories, characters, and side quests, so if you don’t have your head in the game, you could miss out on the important details, and if you are paid to play, it could affect your bottom line.
Let’s talk a little more about video games and several methods to improve your concentration.
Be Smart About Gaming
You may not have thought of this before, but one way to improve your concentration while playing and designing video games is to play more video games! That’s right. Recent studies show that both amateur and experienced gamers can experience improved focus and multitasking skills by simply doing what they love.
During the study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers from the U.S. and China wanted to test this theory. The participants (students from the University of Electronic Science and Technology in China) were split into two groups: those who had more than two years of gaming experience and those who had less than six months.
After playing for an hour, all participants sat in front of a computer screen that showed a square in the middle. Then, another square flashed somewhere else on the screen. The goal was to see if the students could focus enough to point out where the other square flashed. The results showed that the more experienced gamers got a better score and were quicker to remember where the flashing square appeared. While this is just one study, it does promote the idea that those who play video games on at least a moderate basis every day have improved concentration.
But as an experienced gamer, you already have this area covered. If you are looking to further improve your focus, you need to be smart about what you do next. You do not want to turn to drugs or opiates, as many have done before because doing so can lead to drug addiction, and while you may have a brief energy burst, you will have bigger problems down the road.
Supplements
So, the next step is to turn to less harmful alternatives. Enter Kratom. It’s a tropical tree in Southeast Asia, and for many years, the leaves have been believed to cure illnesses. It can be taken in the form of a pill, tea, or added as an ingredient in your meals. While the plant was initially meant to fight sickness, many people are also finding that the chemicals in the plant can reduce anxiety and improve concentration and energy.
There are several different strains of Kratom, and they are differentiated by the color of the veins of the leaves. These colors are achieved during the different periods of the maturing process. Those with white veins are known to improve energy and focus. Green veins are said to promote positivity.
Experts recommend that those who are new to the supplement try a moderate-acting variety, which is typically the green color. This brand will combine the best of both worlds by preventing jitters and anxiety while simultaneously putting you at ease and improving your concentration.
If you are not yet ready to try Kratom, you can go to the local drug store and try many other supplements that are known for keeping your mind straight and focused. Many people turn to fish oils, which are rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that are known for improving brain health as well as memory and reaction skills. Another supplement is Ginkgo Biloba, which is also famous for improving focus by increasing blood flow to the brain, especially in older gamers. Finally, don’t forget good old caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that helps you feel more alert.
Natural Methods
Of course, there are also many other natural methods for improving your focus and concentration without supplements, and it basically comes down to having a healthy lifestyle. Start by getting enough sleep.
Doctors recommend 7 to 9 hours per night and having a routine where you go to bed at the same time every evening, even on weekends. When you get the rest you need, you wake up with more energy. Plus, while you sleep, your brain consolidates memories from the previous day, so you wake up feeling less bogged down, and you are able to retain more information.
As a professional gamer, it can be easy to find yourself stuck indoors for days on end, but by getting some fresh air, you can actually reduce stress and feel happier. Many experts have stated that by taking a 10-minute nature walk, you can improve your short-term memory, vision, and even your sense of spirituality. It’s all about getting away from the TV monitor and experiencing a new environment for a bit.
Finally, every morning you should have a routine that includes moderate exercise and a healthy breakfast. Try a diet of foods like fish, eggs, and blueberries instead of resorting to processed food, which will make you more sluggish and tired. Exercise is known to improve mental health and cognitive function, so try to fit some movement in every day. Start small by running for 20 minutes before a big gaming tournament or choose to walk to the coffee shop each day instead of driving.
We have discussed a variety of different methods of improving your concentration and focus during game playing and design. By taking care of yourself and researching different processes and supplements, you will have a better chance at that high score.
