Longmont players know it – gaming with a high-speed NextLight fiber connection rocks. And it gets even better when you put self-care at the top of your leaderboard.  

That’s a need that more and more people are discovering as esports grow in popularity. Great gaming events and tournaments are everywhere (including the upcoming Level Up Longmont) with all the excitement and adrenaline that the digital world can provide. But even with the best connection and awesome gear, you still have to take care of the most important component – the player.  

That’s something the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations considered when it put together its GAMERS framework with the reminder to “Play Well. Be Well.” And while this was originally designed for young players, it’s not a bad checklist for gamers of any age to keep in mind.  

So what does GAMERS stand for? Let’s break it down:  

• Growth – Have I accomplished my personal responsibilities for the day before I sit down to play?  
• Activity – Have I made sure to complete any movement or physical activity before playing?  

• Mind – Did I get enough rest, relaxation and sleep, so that my mind is ready for the game?  

• Environment – Is the area where I’m playing safe, comfortable and decluttered? 

• Relationships – Did I take the time to connect to people I care about before starting to play?  

• Sustenance – Am I eating healthy and drinking enough water before I join the game? 

Taking care of those real-world needs can make the virtual world that much better. So give yourself that power-up and then game on.  

And when you do, remember that NextLight connection. After all, we all know fiber is good for you.