Today’s generation is the generation of video games.
We know it perfectly.
And yet, who like us has a few more years, knows that the dear old board games were able to give emotions in the company that we still associate with wonderful memories today .Those who follow us know that we strive to find board games that are pleasant even for modern times, and suitable for generations with very little patience today.
But this year we have created something new. (And, in our own small way, we are proud of it).
1) Memory and cognitive skills
Board games have a training effect on the brain: according to some studies, in fact, they help develop essential cognitive skills, such as problem solving and decision making.
It is above all the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex that are stimulated during a board game. These areas of the brain are responsible for more complex reasoning, which allow you to create the “strategy” during the game.
At the same time, another important cognitive ability is stimulated: memory. In fact, just like muscle training, the board game (as well as the puzzles, puzzles and quizzes) strongly stimulates and trains the hippocampus, i.e. the part of the brain of the temporal lobe that deals with the storage of memories!
2) Reduction of stress
It is one of the biggest differences between board game and video game. The board game is able to relax, and 53% of people according to a study by Real Networks Inc. say they are able to alleviate stress with a single game of a board game.
Video games (it is clear, not all) often create a competition between the player and the opponents, which often leads to even increased stress and moodiness.
3) Development of empathy
One of the most obvious, but no less important, effects is having fun while playing. This effect causes the production of endorphins, chemicals that cause the feeling of happiness. Great News For Everyone Disappointed By Destiny 2’s Corridors Of Time: It Was Inspired By Cube. In addition, sharing laughter and fun among the people who participate promotes empathy, feeling and trust with other participants.
4) Social relationships
Sitting in the family without interruption may seem like an impossible thing nowadays. Each of us has different commitments and programs which pushes them in opposite directions. However playing with our children, or with friends, is a perfect way to spend time together and build learning skills at the same time. There are several studies that show how board games played with family or friends are enormously able to strengthen the social bond between the members of the game.
5) Control of impulsivity
Board games are able to practice not responding to non-target stimuli. For all those who have problems managing the impulsivity of actions, a board game pushes you to reflect on your actions, forcing you to maintain self-control over the actions performed. (Dye, Green, & Beveller, 2009)
6) Contrast to depression
In 2016, a study was conducted by the University of East Carolina to monitor actual changes in brain activity experienced by casual gamers. The results are astounding: after only 20 minutes of play, the players simultaneously showed greater heart rate variability ( linked to reduced stress and greater resilience ) and less left frontal alpha waves (linked to an improvement in mood , which the players they confirmed in a written survey). Participants who spent their 20 minutes simply browsing the Internet saw no improvement in mood or heart rate.
7) Improve concentration and attention level
Research by Coventry and Toronto University has shown that similarly to reading a book, the focus on the rules and strategies that must be addressed in playing a board game helps to increase concentration levels.
A recent study, conducted at the Max Planck Institute in Berlin, highlighted how the game increases planning, memory, attention and reasoning skills.
This is because the board games for several people train the neural networks that are the bonds between the cells, and stimulate the neurons to make contact with each other, increasing important “reserves” of the brain.
Piran is the bestselling author of the Zobuz, TheHearus and other well known Blogs. Her books have sold hundred of copies and are published in different languages.
