7 mental health benefits of card games
When it comes to spending quality time with friends and family, who doesn’t love playing cards? Games like Monopoly Deal and Monopoly Bid have always been top picks for game nights, picnics, and weekend parties.
Although most people view card games as just a pastime, studies indicate that card games can provide many educational, emotional and psychological benefits, ranging from improved math skills to increased feeling of self-esteem.
According to Dr. Wilona Annunciation, MD, consultant psychiatrist and amp; Founder, CATALYSTS, “Playing card games can help us rejuvenate and positively impact our mental health in so many ways!”
Here are seven surprising mental health benefits of card games shared by Dr. Annunciation:
Pump for the ultimate showdown!
Games are fun. There is no way around this. They trigger the release of dopamine hormones, which makes you more optimistic and increases your energy levels. Card games help you develop a positive attitude while giving you the energy to face various challenges. For example, in the Classic Card Game Clue, you are challenged to connect the dots in evidence and case sheets, narrow down your suspect lists, rule out people by conducting investigations, and solve the mystery.
Conversations around a card game?
Card games are a great way to foster relationships. Do you remember all those afternoons playing cards with your siblings, cousins or friends? These indoor games bring out the competitive nature of some people while reflecting the helpful nature of others. Either way, the interactions that take place when you play games are helpful in strengthening relationships and reconnecting with loved ones. Playing a card game can help people break the social ice and motivate them to spend time with their peers. Building interpersonal relationships through games has always carried an organic and spontaneous element, instantly creating a relaxed and comfortable environment. Card games facilitate conversation, encourage teamwork and foster a spirit of friendly competition. Games like Monopoly Deal or even Monopoly Bid – your trading, buying and selling of properties leads to amazing moments of conversations, discussions and even fights!
Memorize details to improve brain function!
Many studies support the fact that engaging in fun learning activities helps you retain learned information better. All sorts of fun and relaxing activities help you recharge while taking on tasks at a faster pace. Concentration and attention, investment in victory and repeated activation of the brain networks involved allow better memorization of concepts so that learning crystallizes.
Improve and boost your observation skills
You have to keep a close eye on your opponents while playing cards in order to predict their next move. To spot patterns and quickly grasp potential options for your next move, you need to be vigilant and alert. These games are definitely a fun way to improve your ability to scrutinize details and take in your surroundings. These games help you spark your creativity by honing your observation skills so that you are always ready and prepared for whatever comes your way. If you’re playing the classic Connect 4 card game, you need to be attentive to identify patterns and figure out your next move.
Reason, Think, Act – Give it, you are all in for victory!
In addition to boosting memory skills and relieving stress, playing cards can improve math, logical reasoning, and critical and strategic thinking skills. Choose any card game like ROOK and see how it challenges you to change your strategies and aim for victory even when the game takes an unexpected turn and the odds are stacked against you!
Interpret, Decide, Strategize – Learn how to make the right choices at the right time!
Card games teach a lot about understanding and using cognitive functions. They help you observe, anticipate, make strategic decisions and learn how to take successful turns that help you win! In the 5 Alive card game, players hold the face value of their cards below 21 in order to stay alive and score a win.
Improve life skills
Playing fairly, celebrating wins, losing gracefully, working as a team, accepting different viewpoints, and engaging in respectful debate are some of the many benefits of card games. Especially when playing card games like Monopoly Deal where you trade and trade – which is great fun and excitement when playing with your friends and family.
So next time you’re looking for ideas to unwind, relax your mind and just enjoy the little things in life – grab some card games and play with your friends and family!
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