We are all aware of the old saying, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy, all play, and no work make Jack a mere toy”.
This proverb provides a beautiful insight into the work-life balance in our daily lives.
Moreover, the recent threat of CoVID-19 has been wreaking havoc not only in the physical health sector but has also downgraded the mental health quotient largely due to extended lockdown.
Board Games: The weapon to beat lockdown blues
Board Games have been part of human civilization since the early Bronze Age.
The oldest known board game in the history of humankind is known as Senet.
Almost all of the modern board games are based on the four types of classical ones:
- Race Games (e.g. Ludo)
- Space Games (e.g. Noughts and Crosses)
- Chase Games (e.g. Hnefatafl)
- Displacement Games (e.g. Fast Sling Puck)
Board games are a great way to bring friends and family together, a combination of both co-operative as well as competitive gameplay.
However, these board games play a much important role other than that.
The Connection between Board Games And Mental Health
It is no doubt that today’s man is much lonelier than ever and is more susceptible to mental illness.
Board Games are a great way to break the ice amongst such individuals who might not have a common ground to communicate otherwise.
Some other important aspects of playing board games are:
- Heightened Brain Activity: While physical sports have a dual effect on the body and mind, board games also have a deep impact on the brain, which is responsible for cognitive skills like problem-solving, decision making, strategic thinking, etc.
- Help to develop Values: Board games are a great way to develop certain values like patience, honesty, etc. not only in children but also in adults.
- Prompt Responsive Actions: The thought process is greatly enhanced by practicing board games regularly. This in turn increases the promptness in our responses of any kind by helping the brain to process information quickly.
- Stress Reduction and Immune System Enhancement: It is a known fact that excessive stress can be detrimental to our immune system as well. Board games have been proven to fight stress quite effectively thus healing and strengthening our immune system.
- Creativity: Board games have been proven to enhance creativity in many individuals. This in turn also helps to boost up self-confidence. All of these have a great impact on increasing the number of happy and mentally content people on the planet.
What makes board games so popular?
The most important factor in making board games so popular is because they can be played anytime and anywhere.
All you need is some like-minded individuals to set the ball rolling.
Moreover, they do not have any dependency on elements like electricity, network availability, etc.
Board Games engage our blank minds and prevent us from filling them with rubbish thoughts thereby helping us to perceive a positive outlook in life.