Do you consider yourself a hard core poker player? Are 12 hour marathons a walk in the park for you? If you are not taking time to take a break, you could be hurting not only our health, but your poker game as well.
They say a change is as good as a rest, but sometimes you just need a rest. Poker tournaments are structured to include breaks, giving weary players a chance to run to the bathroom and grab a bite to eat before they sit back at the table. Just about everyone takes advantage of those; but have you ever considered taking a non-scheduled break or two?
Poker health advice givers will often borrow from the same playbook as those helping office workers use ergonomics and smart working habits avoid stress, fatigue, repetitive stress disorder, and even depression. If you spend the majority of your work day in front of a computer, for example, you are advised to get up frequently to stretch everything from your gluteus maximus to your eyeballs.
Most workers are reluctant to take this advice, preferring the false sense of productivity from sticking to their workstation like glue. However once they give it a try they notice they are actually more productive after their break, enjoying the sense of refreshment and the resultant renewed focus.
Poker players will feel the same benefit from a break. Many scheduled breaks leave just enough time to hightail it to the bathroom and back, itself an often stressful trip (worrying about getting back before getting blinded off, for example). These players don’t get a chance to take a break to let their mind relax and stretch their legs.
Even an at-the-table break is recommended, especially if it is the only break you will allow yourself. Stand up, raise your arms, do a few torso twists, rub your face, get the blood circulating, and you will be ready to tackle the next hour or so of tough decisions at your poker game.
Take a break, follow this link, and join up at Everest Poker