How to be comfortable when streaming on Twitch and YouTube

ADHD sufferer, who also has chronic pain, understandably finds it difficult to sit still. So in my time streaming D&D, I’ve developed some techniques for making it through three hours without aches, pains, or jitters. While everyone has their own needs, I created a guide to make streaming easier for most people.

1. Allow space for the necessities

Play space must always be large enough to accommodate character sheets, dice and secondary devices, if you are using apps. If it doesn’t, I recommend getting a collapsible music stand with a relatively even, flat surface. Even though they are small, I still love them.

2. Kick your feet up, or don’t

An ergonomic, comfortable sitting position starts with a good foot placement. Whatever your preference, your feet form the basis of the rest your position. Make sure that they’re level, hip-distance apart, and ideally, far enough away to keep your hips above your knees. This relationship between the hips and your knees will help prevent any pain.

3. Chair(y) picking

As you can imagine, the posture I’ve just described is easier for certain body types and in certain kinds of chairs. Gaming chairs and office chairs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but here are some of Polygon’s staff picks.

I will say, as a bigger person with hip issues, the bucket seats of gaming chairs tend to be a bit … snug. If you, like me, get achy hips after sitting for hours, I’d recommend a kneeling chair like the Sleekform Alpharetta. Of all the ones I’ve tried, it’s the only one with an adjustable seat angle. Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, no one makes a kneeling chair with a weight limit over 275 lbs, so if you’re large like I am, and longevity is a concern, consider sticking to the Big and Tall section.

4. It’s a real pain in your neck

Anyone who stares down for longer than two hours at a screen or book can experience text neck. I recommend a drastic alternative: Don’t.

You might be feeling a bit called out due to the trend towards external monitor use. Hear me out, though … While top-of-the-line new monitors run as much as $600, for less than $200, you can still find some fairly high-end monitors. Goodwill or eBay have cheaper options, with varying levels of quality and at various price points. If you’re going to stream consistently, I strongly recommend either a monitor and a USB camera or a laptop riser. If money is an absolute non-starter, you can stack boxes or books to create an effective — if precarious — alternative. Not that you need another reason here, but you’d be surprised at the difference camera placement has on your appearance.

Polygon photo by David Jones-Krause

Polygon photo by David Jones-Krause

5. Nothing is better than nothing

The name of the game is need anticipation, and you’re playing against yourself. Water and a snack are a great starting point, but I’m serious when I recommend grabbing Everything. No one wants to get burpy on-mic knowing they’re hours away from the Pepto Bismol fairy’s salvation.

This includes my neurodivergent sibling, who also uses stims. Be comfortable, present and relaxed in your idle hours. Discomfort takes lots of forms, and the goal here is to check off Maslowe’s Hierarchy of Needs like it was a shopping list.

6. Be yourself

Each person has their own unique needs. It is up to you to know what your body needs and how you will make them meet. Other than the camera. Nobody needs to see your insides.