I hope you find time to play and share the gift of PLAY. Play adds joy to life in a special way. It can bring us peace, thrust us into exhilaration, or usher in a sense of meaningful connection. Its power is truly remarkable.
There are many avenues to play, each with its unique benefits. Playing board games is just one example, offering some distinct health and life-improving rewards. Just think, engaging in board games can significantly contribute to your well-being. Understanding this gives us a compelling reason to consider playing games as a regular life mission.
Here are eight reasons to remind you to take some time and partake in some friendly board game play today:
1. Board game playing enhances brain function.
Playing board games is an excellent brain exercise. It stimulates brain areas responsible for complex thought and memory formation in both children and adults. This activity helps practice essential cognitive skills such as problem-solving and decision-making. Moreover, there is evidence it may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and help elderly individuals maintain sharp minds. There are numerous benefits for young ones too, as board games aid in cognitive development and growth in children. Every age can celebrate an intellectual boost from engaging in board game play!
2. It promotes laughter and reduces stress.
Laughter is a natural result of board game playing and is a vital ingredient for creativity and an enjoyable learning experience. Having a good time and laughing decrease stress levels. Studies have found that playing board games has the ability to reduce stress (based on an online survey by RealNetworks, Inc., where 53 percent of people reported playing for stress relief).
3. Board game play creates more happiness.
Playing board games creates more happiness by triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals. Perceived as a positive emotion, these ‘happy hormones’ have the power to enhance both conscious and unconscious mind functions, leaving a person feeling cheerful, compassionate, and ultimately content.
4. It brings people closer and strengthens relationships. Does anyone play board games alone? In most cases, the answer is no. Engaging in board game play is founded on cooperation, friendly competition, and bonding through a shared experience. It unites strangers, old friends, and co-workers alike. Whether it’s about forging new connections, exploring hobbies with familiar partners in crime, or enjoying a pleasant evening with loved ones, board game playing is the perfect way to spend time in good company and strengthen relationships with other human beings. It allows us to become more intimate with those we care about.
5. It reconnects us to the real world (in a way.) One of the most remarkable benefits of playing board games is its ability to pull people out of the digital realm. Engaging in board games involves activities that don’t revolve around staring at a smartphone, tablet, or computer screen. It encourages us to talk to and connect with the people we are playing with. And in today’s digital age, we certainly need more of that!
6. Playing board games lowers blood pressure. In addition to reducing stress and increasing ‘happy hormones’, board games can be effective in maintaining blood pressure. It’s believed that the release of endorphins prompts muscles to relax, facilitating easier blood circulation, which can likely lower blood pressure. (High blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of artery damage, heart disease, and even stroke.)
7. It teaches how to set goals and cultivate patience. Achieving a win in board games demands strategy, patience, and a dash of chance. In the joyful environment of play, mastering these attributes occurs more effectively, as it is stress-free and adventurous, benefiting not only teens but all of us!
8. Board games enhance creativity and self-confidence
Playing board games is a perfect opportunity to connect and open up, it also helps to display a creative side of personalities in non-intrusive or arrogant ways, which can be very beneficial for the introvert. Board games are amazing tool for shy children and timid adults. Playing pushes them to develop a stronger senses of creativity and individuality that leads to a greater self-esteem and fulfilling feeling of being included and “noticed”.
9. Board games enhance poise and self confidence. Playing board games offers a perfect opportunity to connect and open up. It also helps display the creative side of personalities in non-intrusive or overbearing ways, which can be very beneficial for introverts. Board games serve as an amazing tool for shy children and timid adults, encouraging them to develop a stronger sense of confidence and individuality. This fosters greater self-esteem and a fulfilling sense of inclusion and recognition.