Queue times, though highly varying depending on rating, have consistently plagued League of Legends players since the game’s inception. Even though Riot has done quite a bit of work in terms of improving server stability and the matchmaking algorithm, queue times will inevitably still exist. A lot of players choose to pass this time by playing other games; Hearthstone, Super Meat Boy, Osu, and Stardew come to mind as some of the popular choices throughout the years. While playing these games can be a great way to pass short periods of time, it may be a better idea to be doing something more productive. Here’s a list of 4 of activities to do in during these break times that can improve your performance, your enjoyment of League of Legends, and bolster your long-term health.
Hand Exercises
I’m sure many of you have seen this man rubbing his hands and wrists, and it’s not a bad idea. Even though the debate over the causes of Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are constantly evolving, there’s at least some correlation between extended repetitive action engaging the hand and wrist and CTS. In other cases, general inflammation in the area can occur as a result of overexertion and lack of dynamic stretching. If you want your wrists to be pain free a decade from now, it might be a good idea to exercise them. At the very least, you’ll get your blood flowing better before your game.
Drink Water
Your body needs water to function. If you can keep yourself properly hydrated, your brain will be clearer during games and generally be able to process information more quickly. This is actually further supplemented by any physical activity. Maybe if more League of Legends players were properly hydrated, they wouldn’t be so damn thirsty all the time.
Work Out
I don’t recommend going all the way to the gym during your queue times, but you can definitely break just a little sweat. Hopefully most of your queue times won’t necessarily reach 7 minutes, but if you count in the space in champion select and loading screen, you could probably get this workout done in between your games. As mentioned above, physical activity prepares your brain for mental activity. Also, given that April just rounded the corner, it’s probably time to get your beach-body back into shape.
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Research the Game
If you’d prefer not to move your body at all while gaming, but still want to improve your League of Legends performance, I’d definitely suggest actively learning about the game itself. You may want to get a better understanding of cooldown timers in that last Fiora vs Poppy match-up you just played, or perhaps you’re going to want to memorize build paths and jungle paths of pro players.
One of my colleagues recommended watching montages, but after watching countless Yasuo montages on Youtube, being inspired, and then failing miserably, I have gathered enough anecdotal evidence to refute that for myself.
I’m not saying playing games in between queues is a bad thing to be doing. After all, the majority of us are playing video games for our own enjoyment, and these mini-games definitely add to it. Additionally, games like Osu can help out your mechanical accuracy (though I personally believe this is heavily overstated). What’s most important is that you are taking care of your body, especially if you’re totally immersed in the game.
