Online bridge games should be exciting, not stressful.

Stress is something that happens to most of us every day, and stress about different things is not uncommon when you sit down for a game.

The term “stress” can refer to what you are experience mentally, or what an online game does to you on a physical level. Just because bridge players aren’t running in this sport, doesn’t mean there’s no physical energy being spent.

Let’s talk specifically about physical stress and strain for a moment.

How could online bridge possibly be taxing on the body?

Well, now would be a good time to talk about it.

Here’s what you should know about physical stress during online bridge games (& how to reduce it).

1. Stretch… often

Online bridge isn’t a running sport – and I’m mostly glad for this, thanks to the fact that this very fact allows me to participate in the first place.

An online game can still tense up your body. Basically, an hour of online bridge is equivalent to sitting still for an hour’s flight or desk job.

Stretch, and stretch often.

It keeps blood flowing, prevents the possibility of blood clots, and oxygenates when you stretch.

Almost every health resource out there says, somewhere, stretch. It’s a good idea, for good reason.

2. Check vital signs

Even if you are not used to being chronically ill and watching your health all the time just in case something explodes, it’s a good idea to check your vital signs – and especially during bridge.

Online bridge is an exciting endeavour.

Blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate are all things that might be affected by the game (or affected during).

Check, or you’re taking a risk with your game and your health.

3. Stretch… other parts

The first tip in this article is meant to apply to stretching the body. Do what you can, and don’t strain yourself doing it. Slow, deliberate stretching exercises are good.

What about the rest of the body?

Believe it or not, some body parts are actively involved in the playing of online bridge.

The neck, the wrists, the finger joints, and the elbows are just some that I could mention.

Play without stretching these parts, and your bridge game will hurt more.

Always stretch, even the small bits like your fingers and wrists. It makes all the difference.

4. Eat something

If you would like to guarantee a better online bridge game and reduce as much as possible stress, eat something before you play. It can be a snack, a shake, or a meal if your digestive system is lucky enough to allow for it.

The body always needs fuel.

Why play a bridge game with an empty tank?

Eat something.

You’ll almost always feel better.

5. Apply heat or cold

One of the first pieces of advice you’ll hear from doctors, physical therapists, medics, and nurses is to apply heat or cold to an appropriate stressed area or injury.

It reduces inflammation and pain. Coming from someone who has successfully typed for years without arthritis, the application of heat and cold really does reduce strain.

Online bridge play can be heavy on the wrists, and especially heavy with existing conditions and heavier tablets.

Use a holder or stand, and remember that heat or cold can often help when you’re feeling any strain, discomfort, or pain.