Day 13: Rest Day & How to Balance School Work and League

So today was my rest day (yeah my midterm is Friday and it's 2:36 AM, and I have tons of work to do... : /) So I took a break from League. But I'd like to address an important topic that I get asked about a lot (well by friends since I have a small following lol):

*You don't have to use all these techniques, they're just helpful suggestions that have been working for me!

21 WAYS TO GET BUSY AND STAY BUSY

(LANING PHASE, MID GAME, AND END!)

1) Set a game limit. Tell yourself that you'll only play x games today. I usually set the limit to three.

2) Get at least two things done before you play a game. This is a good rule of thumb because you'll be doing the bare minimum to get more done (a 2:1 ratio of work to play) than playing.

3) Play games that will improve your skill rather than leisurely games **. This is optional. I usually do this to maximize benefits gained from playing League. For some, playing an intermediate game to practice skill shots is more fruitful than a PvP game. If you play League to relax, you don't have to follow this.

4) Set up a rewards system. Sometimes people will say "if you finish your homework, play League." I say, if you lose a League game, you have to do your homework as punishment. 

5) Use a League mindset **. I do this-- again, this is optional. I approach work thinking about it in League terms. The more you study, your CS increases. Or, if you finish an assignment, your kill to death ratio increases. If this doesn't work for you because you can't get your mind off League, just focus on the work for ~20 minutes, then you can play.

6) Doing work can actually help your game skills. Believe it or not, doing work will improve your focus. I learn quickly... and it's thanks to my extreme focusing abilities. I am able to work 5-6 hours straight uninterrupted. Though it may seem you aren't distracted during League, work will help you develop the skills to focus on necessary things.

7) Think in the long term. If you do good in school, you'll go to college/grad school. There you'll make money, and you can spend it on League.

8) You only get to go through school once. Don't feed your competitors. League can wait... but your future counts for a lot.

9) Try not to play League during the daytime. If you play League during the day, our most productive hours, you will try to get work done at night, when your mind is probably tired or overwhelmed. Refrain from doing this. You should play at night, but try to play around 8 PM so you can get enough sleep to do work the next day.

10) Tell yourself you can play as much as you want on the weekend. It's probably true, and you know you won't be studying the entire weekend away.

11) Designate a rest day. Every x amount of days, tell yourself to rest. Your finger muscles-- and probably your ass--need it.

12) Don't go straight from playing League to doing work. You might feel disappointed with the lack of stimuli from an assignment, so instead get up and walk around! Your legs will appreciate it...and you probably could use some exercise. (I'll write my schedule and diet down for those of you who want to stay fit even when playing long stretches of League). 

13) Walk away from your computer. I know it's hard, but you can take your phone. Just get away from it. Or turn off your mouse/throw the batteries somewhere. Though this may take some serious willpower. 

14) Use a planner. Then you'll see how deep the shit is you're in. But you can also write in times you want to play League.

15) Get a friend on your case. Your friend will keep you in check, if he or she is a good friend. Or you can ask your gf/bf/S.O. They'll probably do a better job.

16) Make study time fun! I draw little pictures of Nami and Ahri on my school stuff like index cards and what-not. You can also explain concepts to yourself using league champions or league terms.

17) Don't eat while playing League. Well I'm sure if you respect your teammates you won't... but seriously. Snack only when you're studying to build good habits.

18) Make small time-load oriented goals. "I will get x done in x time." This will help you actually get stuff done.

19) Put your computer on spectate while you work (only if you have good willpower). It'll provide the stimuli you're lacking and will give you something to look at. 

20) If all else fails... Tell your parent to watch you or unplug your internet. This sounds like death, but if you're desperate enough...

21) Talk to me. You can leave a comment on my blog, add Kitty Chanel in League and chat with me, or you can Skype me at kittykatcupkake. I'll be there for you... the best I can.