WHY SHOULD ADULTS PLAY BOARD GAMES TO INCREASE SOCIAL SKILLS?

We are used to the idea that playing is mostly suitable for the kids, or it is something mainly done for the fun. Indeed, exploring board games is entertaining, but that’s not the only benefit of board game playing.  For instance, author Stuart Brown in a book “Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul” declares that playing, in general, has been scientifically proved to be good for the brain and even help to improve decision making skills.

Furthermore, particularly board games have even more advantages – they can be used as a tool to develop social, emotional and cognitive assets.

Playing relieves stress

It’s hard to make new friends when we are stressed out and full of anxiety. But gladly, all solutions can be found in the simplest things and concepts. In this case – board games. Playing is a positive emotion, so it triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. “Happy hormones” improve (while playing and in the long run) cognitive and emotional functions that are vital for bonding with new people and creating lasting relationships.

Playing challenges to connect

Board games have a power to force (in a good way, obviously) people to socialize – it's impossible to play a board game at least without a one other person. Board games provide an opportunity to connect with not only like-minded gamers, but also to discover people, who have different tastes in games and other things…Ultimately, developing such playful and curious nature helps to make new friends, break the ice with strangers and even to be more comfortable in stressful social situations.

Playing helps to get to know people

Playing provides an opportunity to explore humans' behaviors. As kids we learn verbal communication, body language, teamwork through games, but as we grow older we stay with pre-made assumptions and get stuck with what we think we know. Board game playing motivates to continue this exploration process and makes us not only wiser regarding other people's reactions, but it also builds strength to be more open-minded.

Playing teaches cooperation with others

Board game playing is far-fetched without a teamwork. Especially, when the rules can be adjusted, modified or completely changed – to work together and follow through with the mutually agreed principals of game is crucial. Playing together smoothly guarantees a great play time and also enriches patience when dealing with others and improves a personal collaborative skills.

Playing helps to “stay in”

Shy and timid people often have a hard time to connect, as well as to continue with the friendships. Board games provide a perfect excuse to keep in touch and let go of the fear that there will be an awkward silence or won’t be anything to talk about in the long run. There are too many games to explore! The ideas and discussions will never run out.