ITV’s This Morning resident doctor, Dr Zoe Williams, is sharing insights into the lesser-known benefits of playing board games, especially during the festive season when families gather to celebrate. While board games have long been associated with fun and laughter, Dr Zoe points out that they offer far more than mere entertainment; they foster meaningful connections, reduce stress, and provide cognitive stimulation, bringing numerous wellness benefits for people of all ages.
As the way we consume media has evolved, families have become more fragmented in their daily lives,” Dr Zoe explains. Where we once gathered around the television for a holiday movie, board games are now helping us reconnect across generations. They’re a perfect way to break the ice, maintain positive energy, and enjoy shared experiences, especially during the holiday season.”
Bringing Families Together and Reducing Screen Time
With screens playing such a dominant role in today’s world, Dr Zoe emphasizes that board games provide a refreshing alternative, encouraging families to connect face-to-face. “Human connection is invaluable,” she says. Gathering around a table for some friendly competition creates shared experiences that strengthen bonds and remind us of the joy of being together.
Aside from creating these connections, games also reduce screen time, offering a break from digital devices and a chance to focus on the present. This practice of ‘here-and-now’ mindfulness, Dr Zoe highlights, can be beneficial for mental well-being and reducing daily stress.
Cognitive Benefits for All Ages
Board games are known for their capacity to enhance memory, improve logical thinking, and even boost spatial awareness. Dr Zoe notes that various gameplay mechanics can support these cognitive skills, making board games beneficial for players young and old. “Engaging in strategic games challenges our minds and keeps our cognitive functions sharp,” she says. “It’s a playful way to keep our brains active.”
Key Wellness Benefits of Board Games
Dr Zoe shares some specific health benefits that board games can offer:
- Mindfulness and De-Stressing: Games require players to stay focused on the current moment, offering an informal mindfulness practice that encourages relaxation.
- Laughter and Joy: The saying “laughter is the best medicine” holds true in group gaming sessions. Laughing together has long-lasting effects, reducing stress and boosting mood.
- Confidence Boost: Completing a game, even without winning, can provide a sense of accomplishment, giving a dopamine boost that elevates mood and confidence.
Top Family Game Picks by Ravensburger
To encourage families to embrace these benefits, Ravensburger has curated a list of engaging games perfect for a range of ages and interests:
Best Game for Family Fun: Mycelia
A visually enchanting game that introduces younger players to deck-building mechanics, Mycelia allows players to clear dewdrops from their game cards to win. This award-winning game promises magical fun, whether played solo or with others (Ages 9+, RRP £27.99).
Best Game for Giggles: Oh My Pigeons
This lighthearted party game invites players to gather pigeons on a park bench, using strategic moves to outwit opponents. With quirky twists like flicking away opponents’ pigeons, it guarantees laughter for everyone around the table (Ages 8+, RRP £18.99).
Best Game for Kids: Garden Heist
Perfect for younger players, Garden Heist turns hide-and-seek into a tabletop adventure where raccoons try to outwit a gardener. With an interactive playset, kids enjoy this whimsical race to the trash bin (Ages 6+, RRP £24.99).
Best Game for Disney Fans: Disney Lorcana Gateway
In this Disney-themed game, players summon beloved characters to collect magical story stars. It comes with everything needed to jump into the world of trading card games, making it accessible to beginners and fun for seasoned players alike (Ages 8+, RRP £22.99).
Best Game for a Big Crowd: That’s Not a Hat 2
This fast-paced card game involves remembering face-down items as they’re passed around, challenging players’ memory and bluffing skills. Perfect for larger groups, it’s ideal for keeping everyone entertained (Ages 8+, RRP £7.99).
Best Game for Teamwork: Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney)
In this cooperative game, players become Disney or Pixar characters, working together to defeat darkness and save the realm. This team-based gameplay encourages collaboration, making it perfect for families and friends (Ages 8+, RRP £29.99).
A New Tradition for the Holidays
As families gather this festive season, Dr Zoe encourages them to consider swapping screen time for game time, saying, “In a world that often keeps us separate, board games bring us together in laughter, learning, and friendly competition. They’re more than just games they’re a reminder of the importance of being present and connected.”
This holiday season, make time to gather around the table, put down the screens, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a board game.
