Esports is essentially a mental activity that requires thought and concentration, but that’s not all. It also puts a lot of physical strain on the body. In fact, players must use a controller or console to move around. These repetitive movements cause muscle pain and fatigue. Sitting in the same position for many hours also leads to discomfort and muscle injuries. Then there are sprains, tendonitis, lower back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, gamers can relieve these symptoms with CBD. It is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and to help relieve pain, even chronic pain. In addition to oil, gamers can purchase CBD-infused skincare products. These are used to massage sore areas after gaming and will be particularly helpful during competitions that feature multiple events.
What are the risks associated with esports?
Like traditional sports, esports put your entire body at risk of injury. In fact, there are now physical therapists who specialize in this field.
Here are a few problems gamers may encounter.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
It is a musculoskeletal disorder and one of the most common occupational diseases in Europe. This condition is characterized by tingling, decreased strength, and increased sensitivity in the first three fingers of the hand.
These symptoms are caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This condition is very common among video game players. In fact, the joints of the wrist and hand are used for 50 hours a week while using a mouse and keyboard.
Lumbago
Back pain is a common problem in esports. Even when gamers have chairs designed for their profession and long periods of sitting, the usual discomfort or severe back pain—unsurprisingly—disrupts the daily lives of professional gamers.
Tech Neck Syndrome
Considered the new "disease of the century," it's no surprise that "Tech Neck" affects gamers who have their noses glued to the screen. It's a syndrome that results from poor posture while looking at a screen. Pain in the neck, back, jaw, or arms, as well as muscle stiffness and spasms, can then occur throughout the upper body.
Stress and Anxiety
There are many situations that cause stress and anxiety among gamers:
- intensive training schedule,
- tournament series,
- pressure,
- increased concentration for hours,
- very high stakes.
Muscle Soreness
Under extreme mental pressure and competing in a highly competitive environment, gamers finish the game with aches and pains throughout their bodies.
Inevitable Ailments
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, other examples include sleep disorders, digestive problems, and vision loss.
All of this pain symbolizes the extremely competitive environment surrounding esports. Most gamers end up suffering from pain, which takes a toll on their health.
That is why more and more teams are trying to change these habits by bringing in physical therapists and other healthcare professionals. The goal is to provide gamers with a healthier environment by paying attention to their diet, sleep, and physical fitness. The use of CBD is one of the new developments in this growing awareness.
What are the benefits of CBD for gamers?
Along with THC, CBD is one of the main cannabinoid-type active substances found in cannabis. It is therefore a molecule that belongs to the cannabinoid family. Since CBD is derived from a specific cannabis strain, its sale and cultivation are permitted because it contains less than 0.3% THC.
Stressors, emotional disturbances, and physical conditions have a significant impact on the balance of the endocannabinoid system. Known for its positive effects on this system, CBD offers numerous benefits for gamers.
CBD is said to improve concentration and reduce anxiety
Cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects. Instead, it is believed to restore our body's natural processes and eliminate toxins that can affect cognitive function.
For gamers, taking CBD may improve concentration and provide a boost of energy. Cannabidiol may also help improve memory and enhance hand-eye coordination. So, if you’re a video game fan and want to try this substance, you can find it online or in our stores.
CBD also helps reduce anxiety and nervousness. This makes it a great ally for eSports gamers, who often spend hours in front of the computer. For example, it can help calm your nerves during matches with friends or in competitive modes. A few drops under your tongue could ease your nervousness and help you fully enjoy the game.
CBD is said to relieve pain and improve well-being
When you play for several hours a day, it’s not uncommon to experience neck and back pain. This is because you sit for too long in a position that isn’t necessarily comfortable for your body. Due to repetitive movements, inflammation and pain can develop. Cannabidiol can be your ally here, as it may help soothe these symptoms. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can, for example, relieve muscle pain.
Some gamers are more likely to develop heart or vascular disease. Incorporating CBD into your lifestyle could help improve your long-term well-being. In addition to helping you regain a healthy appetite, it could also improve your sleep.
While cannabidiol can be a helpful tool for gamers, we mustn't forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
How Does CBD Affect Gamers' Brains?
To begin with, we don't fully understand how CBD interacts with our brains. Thanks to neuroimaging studies, we know that the brain undergoes significant changes when we consume a CBD product. The most important of these is an increase in brain activity and connectivity patterns during cognitive tasks or at rest.
In particular, it has been found that CBD improves:
- emotional processing (in the fronto-temporal region),
- verbal memory (in the fronto-striatal region),
- reaction inhibition (in the fronto-limbic-striatal system)
- and auditory/visual processing (in the temporo-occipital region).
All of these processes are, to some extent, necessary in the gaming world.
Furthermore, research has shown that CBD is more beneficial than THC in these areas. The results of these studies are consistent with research on the effects of CBD on specific mental health conditions, including anxiety, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It is one of the key components of CBD when it comes to video games. While it may offer short-term benefits (by improving cognitive function), it is likely to be even more helpful when taken long-term (by alleviating other stressors you may encounter).
What are the different ways to consume CBD?
There are many CBD-containing products on the market. However, some are more common than others. CBD can be consumed in the form of oil, herbal teas, food, cosmetics, and even resin.
- Taking CBD in oil form will, of course, be more effective since it is absorbed sublingually, directly through the mucous membranes of the tongue. It is a common product that is easy to find and can be taken as is or mixed into a drink or meal.
- CBD flowers can be brewed as tea, inhaled, used in recipes, or vaporized.
- CBD can also be consumed in the form of honey, chocolate, or prepared meals, which will appeal to a wide range of people.
What is the position of the professional leagues on this issue?
Let's take the example of the ESL (Electronic Sports League), which is one of the largest esports leagues today. The ESL discourages gamers from using CBD during tournaments. This decision is in line with the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Furthermore, due to the lack of physical activity, esports is often taken much less seriously than “traditional” sports like tennis and soccer.
Consequently, in an effort to establish esports as a legitimate sport, ESL now follows WADA’s guidelines on cannabis. However, while WADA’s guidelines permit athletes to use CBD, ESL has gone even further in the realm of esports. When participating in tournaments, professional gamers are not allowed to use CBD for the entire duration of the tournament.
If you're a professional gamer, be sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with your league's rules before using CBD!
As you can see, the rise of CBD in the gaming world is due to the clear correlation between the benefits of this compound and the psychological and physical demands of esports. In this context, taking CBD makes perfect sense.
If you're looking for a high-quality CBD product for your workout, feel free to visit our CBD shop or stop byone of our stores!