Extremely Heavy Mac User
I use my 2021 M1 Pro 16 MacBook a ton. I typically use it for colour grading, photo editing, and for studies. Though I also run many demanding programs such as Autodesk Fusion360 and even SolidWorks via Parallels. And of course, I play a lot of games on it, typically Battlefield 4, Ghost of Tsushima, Monster Hunter World, and a heavily modded X-plane 12.
Your Mac is a tool, so just use it. Third party programs like CrossOver, Steam, etc. aren't going to deliberately degrade performance, ruin your battery, or take over your laptop. If you're worried about heat, keep your laptop cool like by adjusting your fans manually. Get yourself a fast and reliable external drive if you are seriously worried about using too much of your storage. Battery apps like Al Dente can help reduce battery degradation by capping the charge percentage. Addtionally, batteries are so much easier to replace on MacBooks now.
There's no stopping your Mac wearing out over time, but that doesn't mean it's going to disintigrate within the next week if you put software like CrossOver, Steam, or Whiskey on it. Don't be afraid to use it, but don't be ridiculous.