Playing Online Games Comfortably: Hands

One of the most important aspects of enjoying your time playing online games is ensuring that you are comfortable. While this may seem like an obvious point, it’s easy to overlook some basic precautions that can make a big difference. If you’re aiming for a high score and want to stay in the game for longer, then making sure your hands are properly positioned and supported is key.

Protecting Your Hands: Preventing Strain

Your hands are your primary tools when gaming, whether you’re using a mouse or keyboard. Prolonged use without proper positioning can lead to strain on your muscles, increasing the risk of issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. Since you’re probably gearing up for a long gaming session, especially in arcade games or shooters, it’s crucial to prepare your surroundings to reduce stress on your hands.

Mouse Positioning and Wrist Alignment

If you’re playing games that require a mouse, positioning your hand to minimize strain is essential. Avoid angling your wrist too much—keeping it level with the mouse can make a big difference in your comfort. You can achieve this by using a mouse pad with a built-in wrist rest or even a simple solution like placing a paperback book between you and the mouse. This small adjustment helps to keep your wrist level and reduces stress during play.

Following this step will help you avoid unnecessary discomfort and allow you to play for longer without your hand getting sore. However, there are other things you can do to further enhance your gaming experience.

Grip Relaxation: Avoid the “Death Grip”

During intense moments in a game, it’s easy to get caught up in the action. Whether you’re yelling “DIE ALIENS DIE!” or concentrating on an arcade game, it’s natural to start gripping your mouse tighter than necessary. The problem is that this “death grip” puts extra pressure on your fingers and wrist, which can lead to cramping or pain.

Remember, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If you’re squeezing the mouse, it’s pushing back on your fingers with equal force. To avoid cramping, periodically check your grip and make sure it stays relaxed. A looser grip can help extend your gaming sessions and prevent hand discomfort.

Keyboard Games: Keep Your Wrists Straight

While mouse-based games often take the spotlight, the same principles apply to arcade games that rely on the keyboard. Whether you’re racing or navigating an adventure game, keeping your wrists straight and your fingers relaxed is important. There’s no need to rest your wrists on the desk or keyboard—this can build up stress over time.

You don’t need to master perfect typing techniques to enjoy keyboard-based games. However, avoiding wrist strain is essential. Keep your wrists elevated and your fingers ready, and you’ll be better equipped for success.

Avoiding Long Gaming Sessions

These tips may seem minor, but don’t underestimate their importance. Nothing is worse than having your hand cramp up and costing you a win after investing 20 minutes to reach the last level. By following these basic tips and taking breaks to avoid three-hour gaming sessions, you can keep your hands healthy and your gaming experience enjoyable.

Now, go get those high scores—comfortably!