Posted on Aug. 24, 2022

Play, generally, adds joy to the life, but specifically board game playing brings some unique health and life improving benefits to a person’s life. It’s not an activity that should be enjoyed once in a while when you get bored, for the best results it has to be a regular mission.

1. Board game playing increases brain function

This activity is a wonderful exercise for brain. Because playing stimulates brain areas that are responsible for complex thought and memory formation for both – kids and adults, it assists in practicing essential cognitive skills, such as problem solving and decision making. Board game playing also reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and for elderly people helps to keep mind sharp. There are many benefits for young ones, as well. Board games are known to be good for kids’ mental growth, also for making teens more intelligent.

2. It brings laughter and decreases stress

Laughter it’s like a “side effect” of board game playing, and it is one of the vital ingredients for creativity and enjoyable learning experience. Also, laughing and having a good time in general helps to decrease stress, so that explains why studies have found that game board playing has the ability to reduce stress (according to an online survey by RealNetworks, Inc., 53 percent people play for the stress relief).

3. Board game playing creates more happiness

Playing board games triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Perceived as a positive emotion, “happy hormones” has the power to improve conscious and unconscious mind functions, leaving person feeling cheerful, compassionate and ultimately content.

4. It brings people closer and strengthens relationships

Does anyone play board game alone? No. Obviously. Board game playing foundation is – cooperation. It blooms when it’s “handled” by teamwork. It brings strangers, old friends, co-workers together… It doesn’t truly matter if either it’s about making new connections, exploring hobby with same “crime partners” in the adored game, or having pleasant evening with loved ones – board game playing is the perfect way to spend time in a nice company and strengthen bonds with other human-beings.

5. It reminds what it’s like to live in a real world (kind of)

One of the most amazing benefits of board games playing is that such traditional plays pull people out of the digital world. Board games engage in activities that do not involve staring at a smartphone, tablet or computer screen. (And we need more of that, nowadays!)

6. Playing board game lowers blood pressure

Along with reducing stress, laughing and increasing “happy hormones”, board games can be effective when maintaining blood pressure. It is believed that the release of endorphins provokes muscles to relax and blood starts to circulate much more easily, which likely lowers blood pressure. (High blood pressure is associated with higher risk of artery damage, heart disease and even stroke.)

7. It teaches how to set goals and be patient

Winning takes strategy and patience. And in happy environment these things are learned in a stress-free, adventurous way that, undoubtedly, is beneficial for teens, and as well for the adults.

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 personality in non-intrusive or arrogant way, which can be very beneficial for the “quiet types”. Board games are amazing tool for shy children and timid adults. Playing pushes them to develop a stronger senses of creativity and individuality that lead to a greater self-esteem and fulfilling feeling of being included and “noticed”.

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