Games and puzzles can keep your mind engaged and healthy

Something special happens when you and your family or friends get down to play a board game. As you disconnect your brain from the demands of everyday life for the next few minutes, you can truly appreciate the benefits of board games.

Playing board games is fun, and there has been a recent boom in their popularity. For many individuals, playing board games is a way to reconnect with their history. The following are only a handful of the numerous advantages:

Mental Board game benefits: 

• We stay sociable by playing board games: It's beneficial to have social connections with other people, whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. During the epidemic, many of us first-hand experienced the loss of this. It was difficult to stay in our own worlds and not see or connect with family and friends. Board games grew in popularity throughout this time, with the industry as a whole increased by more than 20%.
• We may play board games to relieve tension and even depression. Board games do not miraculously heal serious issues such as extreme stress, anxiety, or depression. However, we adore the cases that show how gaming may boost a person's mood by releasing good endorphins.
• Memory and cognitive skills: Playing a board game allows them to develop important cognitive abilities such as problem-solving. Even in old age, board games can help the brain remember and establish cognitive associations.

• When you play board games, you learn how to establish objectives and be patient: Winning requires patience and planning. These concepts are learnt in a stress-free, rigorous, yet enjoyable setting.
• Playing board games boosts your creativity and self-esteem: Playing board games is a great way to connect and open up; it also allows you to show off your creative side in non-intrusive ways, which may be useful for shy people. s. Playing allows you to build better sensations of self-awareness.

Benefits of a jigsaw puzzle:

Jigsaw puzzles work both the left and right sides of the brain at the same time. Your left brain is logical and functions in a sequential manner, whereas your right brain is intuitive and creative. Both sides of your brain are engaged when you're working on a jigsaw puzzle.

• Short-term memory is improved by jigsaw puzzles: Puzzles strengthen connections between brain cells, boost mental speed, and are particularly helpful at improving short-term memory.
• Greater Attention to Detail: It is critical to pay attention to details when completing a problem, especially if the components are quite similar. You must train your eyes to look for subtle changes in colour or shape that will aid in the completion of the image. The capacity to capture little details can be beneficial in a variety of situations.

• Increased productivity: It is easier to focus when you are happier and less worried. Your productivity soars as your concentration improves. Consider taking a brief pause to tackle a puzzle and reset your brain if you're having difficulties keeping focused on your academics or work.
• Collaboration and teamwork are improved: Another reason to include puzzles in your office is that they encourage coworker collaboration. Researchers from Yale University discovered that allowing employees to puzzle together in the workplace improved their connections as well as their capacity to cooperate and function as a team.

References: 

https://www.underdoggames.com/a/blog/benefits-of-board-games

https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-board-games/

https://buckslib.org/benefits-of-playing-board-games/#:~:text=Playing%20board%20games%20increases%20brain%20function.&text=Playing%20stimulates%20brain%20areas%20that,strategic%20thinking%2C%20and%20problem%20solving.

https://www.cronicaspuzzleras.com/en/10-surprising-benefits-of-doing-jigsaw-puzzles/