Esports Mastery - Episode 6: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Esports with Lachlan Parker

Key wellness strategies, self-care techniques, and productivity tips

• Use meditation for focus and performance reset

  • Set the game aside and take a “holistic” pause.
  • Use reflection to assess: Did I do everything I could? What could I do differently next time?
  • Treat reflection time as a key mental skill for sustained focus.

• Combat “tilt” by stepping away and refocusing on controllables

  • When tilted, take a short break (“a step away for a couple of minutes”).
  • Reflect: Is my current performance below my capability? What can I control?
  • Remember teammates/opponents may disrupt your focus, but you can only manage your own behavior.
  • Shift attention back to what you can do rather than reacting to external negativity (flaming/trolling).

• Support mental health through access to help

  • Organizations should provide pathways for players to talk to someone when stressed/anxious or dealing with team conflict.
  • Example approach: reach out for external mental health professionals/health practitioners to support players’ wellbeing and maximize potential.

• Recognize and address burnout early

  • Burnout can look like a slump: poor decision-making, not thinking clearly, and reduced teamwork.
  • First step: recognize it — “what I’m doing right now isn’t what I’m capable of.”
  • Second step: take time to reflect and involve support—especially because teammates may be going through similar issues.
  • Talking about it can be “meditative” and help recovery.

• Prepare mentally for international tournaments

  • Expect mistakes (players and coaches will make them); embrace that reality.
  • Plan around controllable factors:
    • Time zone adjustment / jet lag
    • Nutrition needs
    • What’s set up at the event
  • Maintain perspective: treat it as an exciting, rare opportunity.
  • Respect teammates’ effort and stay engaged with fun and excitement, not just results.

• Top 3 health & wellbeing tips (as given by Lan)

  • Embrace the ceiling-raising potential of health and wellbeing:
    • Address sleep, exercise, and other external “performance pillars” to improve outcomes.
  • Set up your environment for success:
    • Prioritize ergonomics (chair/desk/setup) to reduce long-term injury risk.
  • Always have fun:
    • Stay open, enjoy the journey, and remember you’re playing games by nature.

Presenters / sources

• Lan “LBP” Parker (Chiefs Rocket League head coach)
• Lisa (Bond University; host)
• Brendan (Chiefs Esports club; co-host)
• Bond University Esports Hub / Chiefs Esports club (program/organization context)