The health benefits of board games

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Extract from the article: The creation of new teaching methods has led to the development of numerous board games. Far from being mere leisure activities, these games instil educational values in children and adults alike. A good learning process means acquiring knowledge in

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The creation of new teaching methods has led to the development of numerous board games. Far from being mere leisure activities, these games instil educational values in children and adults alike. A good learning process means acquiring knowledge in a relaxed and entertaining way.

Dame, Ludo, Uno, Monopoly, Sudoku, ‘Adito’ or Awalé, card games, ‘Ampé’, scrabble, chess - from an early age, board games teach the importance of knowing how to work together, respect the rules and accept defeat as part of life, without frustration.For Dieudonné, a secondary school mathematics teacher, board games bring unique benefits in terms of improving a person's life."Board games are above all fun, but they also help to develop attention spans and logical thinking.

By playing, you learn to live together. They bring old friends and work colleagues together, they bring people together and strengthen and build relationships," he explains. Romuald, 25, a student of Lettres Modernes and a keen scrabble player, says that scrabble is a wonderful exercise for the brain. "It's an intellectual game. It helps you think, develops your memory. Scrabble helps to practise essential cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making. It's a great way to have fun while instilling values as necessary as honesty, discipline and respect for others.

Improving concentration

All activities require a certain degree of concentration.Concentration is like a muscle: it develops as you exercise it.A lack of attention affects any activity you intend to carry out.So one of the benefits of playing board games is concentration.This is because the desire to win the game forces you to stay focused.

Teaching respect for the rules

Board games are also based on rules that each player must respect.Another benefit of board games is respect for the rules and for others.Everyone has the same chance of winning.

It's the skill of the players that makes the difference. A recent study concluded that board games can be effective tools for teaching pupils the basic concepts of food, nutrition and health.

Encouraging the development of intellectual skills

Certain games, in particular Scrabble, Checkers and Chess, help to develop the following skills: the ability to analyse a situation, create a strategy to follow, evaluate conditions and resources. These games are a great intellectual stimulant that encourages the imagination. You can spend a constructive and educational afternoon with family and friends.

Encouraging teamwork

Many board games are played in teams.Competition between several groups means that collective decisions have to be made.As a result, trusting your partner is essential to winning.These games can therefore teach you to cooperate and delegate decision-making, even when you disagree.Teamwork is more effective if there is harmony between all team members. This basic principle is a fundamental pillar in the structure of any company or organisation. The skills of each member are combined for the common good.

Learning to manage frustration

In life, it is essential to know how to lose.You have to be able to accept defeat and learn to manage your state of mind in the face of frustration.The same thing happens with board games.

They can help you accept with humility that things won't always be under your control. They are a very valuable resource for improving emotional intelligence.

Guiding decision-making

Making decisions gives us self-confidence and a certain amount of courage. Faced with a choice, many people get stuck or remain in a state of doubt that prevents them from making up their mind. Board games, to a lesser extent, help people to make decisions when in doubt. They force you to take the risk of making a mistake.

William O.