Board games offer a variety of benefits. From a relaxing evening to an hour of socializing, I've seen many outstanding benefits that have really improved my life. Here are just a few of them!
1 - Reduces Stress
Pulling out a board game after a long day (or week) of work can be just what you need to reduce stress in your life. Playing a board game with others invites a kickback and relax atmosphere, but in a different way than watching television or movies. While laughing has been proven to be good medicine for the heart, engaging oneself in an hour of board games will not only invite the opportunity for laughter, but will also encourage players to exercise their problem-solving skills. Not only is this healthy, but it has been proven to affect problem-solving in other daily activities. So in addition to relaxing and reducing stress, your body is still engaging in a healthy activity.
2 - Improves Memory
In the 2016 Frontiers in Psychology a study concluded that board games help improve memory, with a focus on spatial ability. Spatial ability is "the capacity to understand, reason and remember the spatial relations among objects or space" (thanks Wikipedia!). An easy way to understand this is with the Rubik's cube. The Rubik's cube involves 3D mental rotation, so the rotation of a 3D object quickly and accurately. Regularly playing board games can have lasting positive effects on memory, including quicker thinking and reactions.
3 - It Feels Good!
Taking us back to the first point, laughter releases endorphins (you know that feeling when you're happy? Yeah, that!). Endorphins bring a positive feeling into the body, and playing board games are a known way to do this. Endorphins reduce pain, improve sleep, and can even help with blood pressure!
So with this said - and a whole bunch of other great benefits that weren't listed here - grab a board game and some friends, sit down, and enjoy the benefits that are sure to come!
What benefits have you seen from playing board games?
What benefits have you seen from playing board games?
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