EPT![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/3844693.jpg)
1. Clean Desk Area
Clearing up your desk area is important because having a clear desk not only makes it easier to use your computer, mouse, and keyboard but it also provides a more “friendly” stress free environment. I know that when I go into my gaming room it is my stress free zone. When things are cluttered and unorganized around my desk it tends to make me feel uncomfortable which can carry over into game play and makes my stress free safe haven not so safe and stress free.
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/2566851.gif)
2. Keep Beverages Ready
Nothing worse than getting ready to play a game or in the middle of a game and then you have to get up because you need a drink! It helps if you have a giant water bottle or mug that will keep you hydrated until you take your break to re-fill!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/5771288.gif)
3. Be Temperature Ready
With the seasons and the temp changing it is easy to get cold or warm quickly! Make sure to have a blanket within reaching distance or in your gaming room for those times where you might get chilly unexpectedly! Also if you tend to get warm in the summer time make sure you have a fan ready to go! I have a little desk fan for when the ceiling fan can't get the job done. Also, if you sweat a lot during the warmer months please do your household a favor and have BO spray at your desk no one wants to smell that..seriously!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/612190.jpg?111)
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/3484880.gif)
4. Keep Games Updated
Pumped up?! READY TO GAME!! Well guess what you can't play because you haven't updated your game in a month and it is going to take 10 hours for these updates to finish! If you have the urge to play a game make sure that you update or install the game the night before! This way you can work out any issues you may have and also you can install the updates while you are sleeping so it doesn't slow down your inet at a crucial point during the day!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/306424.png)
5. Alert Friends
It's no fun playing a team game by yourself! Whether it be death matching or a single player game it is still fun to chat with friends in mumble while you are trying to play! Invite your friends to chat or to play so you aren't stuck fighting evil killing machines or bad guys by yourself!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/1722385.jpg)
6. Check Equipment
It is a horrible feeling when you get ready to play a game only to find out your mouse or keyboard suddenly decided to break. Make sure that everything is working properly before you start playing. (Mouse, Keyboard, Audio, etc.) It is also a good idea if you upgrade your mouse or keyboard to keep your old working one around for times when something like this may happen!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/2544794.jpg)
7. Phone Check
I notice that one thing I do now is if I have to make a phone call to a family member or a non-gamer friend (a mutant) I try to make those calls before I start playing. Otherwise the non-gamers will call when you are in the middle of the most important part of your game. All you want to do is get off the phone but they continue to talk about things of no significance. No , I don't care if you won a million dollars and want to give me a share of it. I am trying to kill some fucking things right now! Call me about it tomorrow morning when I am bored at work!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/4195840.jpg)
8. Make Playlists
It is important to have a playlist that you can listen to while gaming! I change my playlist every couple days removing songs that I have listened to too much, adding new songs I have heard, and creating new playlists for special events like "Throwback Thursday" or "Friday Fright Night" ! Music helps you enjoy your environment more and it is a mood changer! If you are having a bad day make sure you have good tunes on your playlist! It will uplift your spirits and help you enjoy your gaming session!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/5870535.jpeg?208)
9. Planned Animal Time
For all you pet owners that receive the puppy dog face or an annoyance of a hungry animal it is important that before, during, and after your gaming session you give your animal some love. If you have a dog make sure you take it for a walk before you start playing, when you have a break, and before you go to sleep. During breaks you can play fetch to give them the attention they deserve! If you have a cat make sure they are well fed and pet them when you can! There is nothing more annoying than to hear meow every 5 seconds because the cat knows you are the source of their food!
![[image loading]](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/4/8934298/2571283.jpg)
10. Planned Break Time
It is important to take breaks throughout the day if you are gaming for a number of hours! Getting out of your chair every hour and getting some fresh air will help you fight off fatigue. If you remain in your chair throughout the day you will get tired and less focused faster than if you were to take a break every hour or 2. Make sure you take time to eat food, give your eyes a rest for a bit, and relax!
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/343/MSL_br/MSL_winter_2010/Group_Stage/flash_ssak_1.jpg)
