Whatever industry you're in, CBD is making waves. This cannabinoid's ability to reduce stress, improve sleep, fight anxiety, and improve pain symptoms are so far-reaching that they can improve virtually anyone's quality of life, whether in large or small ways.
And the potential of CBD for gaming, both at the amateur and professional levels, is finally starting to get its time in the spotlight.
Here's what you need to know about how CBD and gaming go hand in hand — what professional gamers are doing to harness the powers of CBD to improve cognitive function, deal with the stress of competition, and cope with the physical tolls that gaming can take on the body.
The Challenges of Gaming
Whether amateur or professional, longtime gamers already know that gaming is demanding on both mind and body. For the uninitiated, however, here are a few of the ways that gaming can exact a toll:
- High levels of competition: In order to succeed in competitive gaming, players need to be skilled and dedicated. This can lead to a very high level of competition, with many players vying for the same prizes and recognition. This can be stressful and challenging, as players must constantly work to improve their skills and stay ahead of the competition.
- Pressure to perform: Along with high levels of competition comes a lot of pressure to perform well. Professional players and streamers may feel pressure from their teams, sponsors, or fans to consistently win and perform at a high level. Even casual gamers can experience pressure to perform well for teammates or their own personal best. This pressure can be stressful and can take a toll on a player's mental health.
- Long hours of practice: To stay competitive, players need to put in a lot of hours practicing their game. This can lead to long hours sitting in front of a computer screen, which can be physically and mentally exhausting.
- High risk of burnout: With the pressure to perform and the long hours of practice, many competitive gamers are at risk of burnout. Burnout can lead to decreased motivation, increased stress, and a decline in overall well-being.
- Injuries: Playing video games for long periods of time can also lead to physical injuries, such as eye strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain. These injuries can be painful and can impact a player's ability to compete.
In short, competitive and even casual gaming can lead to stressful competition, pressure to perform, physically taxing conditions, mental burnout, and even lasting physical injury. When it comes to your health and wellbeing, gaming can be serious business indeed.
The good news: CBD can help with many of the most trying aspects of gaming.
CBD and Gaming: What CBD Can Do For You
CBD can benefit gamers in a variety of ways. Here are a few standouts:
CBD for Gaming Stress and Competition Anxiety
One potential way that CBD could be changing the gaming industry is through its potential to reduce anxiety and stress.
Many gamers report high stress and anxiety levels while playing competitive games, which can negatively impact their performance.
CBD may be able to help reduce these feelings and help players stay calm and focused while playing, which could potentially lead tobetter performance, improved mental acuity, and a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Product Recommendations:CBD oils for an all-body relaxing experience; CBN-infused products like this CBD sleep aid to help recover at the end of a taxing gaming session.
CBD for Gaming Aches and Pains
In addition, CBD may be able to help with some of the physical symptoms that can arise from sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time.
Many gamers experience eye strain, neck and back pain, and other physical discomforts due to prolonged gaming sessions.
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be able to help reduce some of these symptoms.
Product recommendations: CBD topicals, especially those advertised for muscle and joint soreness.
CBD for Performance Boosts, Energy, and Mood
Finally, there is also the potential for CBD-infused products to become more prevalent in the gaming industry, such as CBD drinks or snacks marketed towards gamers.
These products could potentially provide a cognitive functioning boost, helping gamers stay focused and energized during long gaming sessions.
Relatively few CBD products are developed specifically with gamers in mind, but that's almost certain to change. Even without the "gamer" label, there's no shortage of energizing and mood-boosting CBD gaming products out there that can take the edge off of long competitive sessions.
Product recommendations:CBD edibles, CBD drinks, and products that combine CBD with stimulants like caffeine.
