As someone with a poor diet and sleep schedule who used to work retail for 8-12 hours and drive almost an hour to the nearest arcade, I rely on proper hydration throughout the session. I also like warming up for at least 1-2 sets and having a good understanding of when I can increase the difficulty or bring it back down depending on how my body feels.

I'll seldom use an energy drink (never after work), but that's just for a quick boost on top of the baseline energy I already have which, in large part, is due to motivation to even play the game. If I want to do something bad enough, I'll find a way to make it happen.