Board games have been around for about 400 years. It’s safe to say that it has seen a meteoric rise in popularity in recent times and is now played by more than 85% of the American population. However, there are very few things on which people agree; one being that board games are just for kids or nerds. With a crunch word whizzle is only a few degrees away from being a geeky pastime. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Board games have evolved into sophisticated distractions with extended social connections and can actually help to improve many aspects of your life, including your brainpower, mental health, physical health and education levels.
They’re a great way to learn social skills and they can also be a fun way to spend time with your family. The benefits don’t stop there though. They can also teach responsible behavior, build lasting friendships, improve overall health and even help you get your kids to do better in school!
Here we look at 5 ways that board games are good for you:
1. They improve your mental effort levels and focus
If you’re tired of technology and sick of the mundane routines of everyday life, then it’s time for a change. Board games give us the chance to reconnect with our surroundings and ourselves through mental stimulation and challenge.
They teach us to focus and learn to solve problems in new and interesting ways. They can also improve our logical thinking and decision making skills as we try to discover solutions to the various problems or obstacles that we will face.
2. They help children do better academically
If you have children you may feel that educational games are the best way for them to learn about important topics like geography, math, hand-eye coordination, social skills and more. Even adults can learn a lot from board games because the rules of each one are different – it’s like learning a whole new skill set! Some games will also help build language and communication skills as players attempt to understand what others are saying.
3. They improve our social abilities
We all know that people who play board games are more socially adept than those who don’t. Board games demand that we sit and interact with others, whether it be strategizing with a partner or playing an enjoyable team sport like Pictionary. And because players have to think ahead to the next turn, it helps us to develop important social skills like prioritizing and flexibility.
But board games are more than just a way to get out and meet new people, they are a fun way to socialize with those we already know. They can bond people together and create lasting friendships that might not have otherwise happened.
4. They improve our memory skills
Playing board games is a great way to help improve your memory and sharpen your mind. This is because you have to recall as much information as possible from the past in order to get the upper hand on an opponent or win the game! Not only does multiplayer gaming require quick thinking, it also helps you remember facts about your opponents that might come in useful when playing against them again down the track.
Playing board games can also improve our concentration and attention to detail, which is a lot more important in today’s world than you might think. You’ll often be required to think about and remember certain aspects of the game that you need to do, and if you regularly play board games you will start to notice this happen more and more.
5. They are great for your health
Playing board games can be one of the most beneficial ways to help improve your physical health as well as your mental health. It works by breaking down the deep-seated barriers between both areas of your life. The more you play, the more you’ll realize that there is no difference between them and you will become a better version of yourself because of it.
Playing board games can help to improve your physical health because it makes you think about how to make the best use of your time in movement, both when playing and when not. This sets a positive example for others to follow as well as builds self-esteem and encourages better personal hygiene habits.
It’s also incredibly flexible so you can play on a daily basis or only when you have time to devote. It’s also a lot of fun and will make you feel very relaxed and calm. So there you have it. Even if getting your kids to play with you is like pulling teeth, there are plenty of board games that are fun for the whole family to enjoy together. So grab the family and get playing today!
