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The unexpected benefits of board games

The unexpected benefits of board games

Board games cross generations and young and old alike love them. In France, according to NPD Group, more than 19 million boxes of board games are sold each year. Monopoly is also celebrating its 86th anniversary this year:a timeless game, whatever the era! But beyond the fashion effect, did you know that these games have real therapeutic benefits?

Let's lift the veil on these family games and their virtues for the health of the whole family! Discover the well-kept secrets of board games!

The benefits of board games and the evolution of their use

Board games:a fun alternative to screens and their harmful effects

Board games play an important role in maintaining and strengthening social ties, whether family or friends. Taking the form of a weekly meeting or resulting from the improvisation of a rainy Sunday, board games facilitate learning for everyone through fun. Likewise, they represent a welcome alternative to screens and their dangers. Isolation, birth of addiction and isolation, all of this is a thing of the past thanks to board games!

A strong enthusiasm for board games since the health crisis

In 2020, France experienced an 11% increase in board game sales according to NPD Group. And the health crisis is not for nothing! During periods of confinement, the French turned massively to board games, especially duo games. The deprivation of leisure activities made inaccessible during confinement has thus forced the French to reinvent themselves by finding a whole new way to entertain themselves.

And it was good for them, because board games have real health benefits!

What are the benefits of board games?

They improve motor skills

Board games can be very beneficial for children. They teach them precision and patience by manipulating small objects.The games improve motor skills, essential for the good development of young children. In this logic, you can offer them the game Doctor Maboul or the Mikado. Hand game, smart game!

They stimulate cognitive functions

Board games are not only beneficial for children! Board games are known to stimulate certain areas of the brain responsible for improving cognitive functions that manage the ability to concentrate, interact, reason quickly, and even acquire knowledge. Strategy games like chess will develop your analysis and memorization skills. Games like puzzles will also improve your logic and spatial thinking.

They create conviviality and promote intergenerational bonds

By definition, a board game is a game that is played by several people, against each other or as a team. It allows you to get together and share a friendly moment with friends or family . The games can be varied:strategy games, general knowledge, mime or role-playing. Why not create a ritual, like one afternoon of play a week with your family? Nothing like it to strengthen intergenerational ties!

Theyreduce stress and the risk of mental disorders

Board games are also famous for making people laugh. Did you know that laughter helps reduce stress? Games help the brain release endorphins, called the happiness hormone, and thus lower your blood pressure . Do you have a little slack? There's nothing like throwing yourself into a frenzied game of Cluedo!

Games also play a significant role in reducing cognitive impairment. They help keep the brain active and stimulate memory. In the case of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, memory capacities can thus be reinforced.

Board games in 2021:a new way to play

Top 8 new games that are a hit in France

Discover without delay the 8 most popular games in 2021 :

  1. Do you love dark humor and ignoring political correctness? Discover the Blanc manger Coco game. Laughter guaranteed for this adult-only party game;
  2. Dobble is the card game that hits this year! Observation and speed are the key words. Play with associations and find the pairs! Children and adults can become the masters of the game from 6 years old!;
  3. Codenames puts you in the shoes of a spy or an agent on a mission. Detect the code name of your informants and unmask the assassin. Play with friends or family, from 12 years old;
  4. With Mito, the king of cheating is you! Take part from 7 years old in this card game where everything is allowed, provided you don't get caught!;
  5. Do you know Concept? Play with words and become the king of the riddle, as a family. From 10 years old;
  6. Totem, a good game for morale! Specially designed for personal development and to strengthen social ties, this card game accessible from 8 years old highlights what your playing partners think of you. Your qualities and your strengths will be revealed in a guaranteed cocktail of emotions!
  7. Are you fond of escape games and puzzles hold no secrets for you? Discover Unlock' Escape Adventures and win the race against the clock:60 minutes, neither more nor less, that's the time allotted to you to escape! Accessible from 10 years old.
  8. There is no age to start playing! Give your young child the My First Memo board game and help them develop their memory and vocabulary with illustrations of animals from around the world. From 2 years old.

The development of home gambling advisors

If you want to discover new board games, the sale of games at home is for you! To do this, why not call on a professional? Companies like Oika Oika are surfing on the ever-increasing popularity of board games and offering to make them rediscover to all families:sharing and conviviality will be there! Create an online account, select the desired criteria and teams of seasoned players take care of the rest!

Source:

https://www.jeuxdecartes.net/histoire-des-cartes/

https://start.lesechos.fr/societe/economie/jeux-de-societe-le-marche-bondi-grace-aux-adultes-qui-cherchent-a-tromper-lennui-1294265

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/jeunesse/parents/accueil-parents/document/nouvelles/article/1398641/10-bienfaits-des-jeux-de-societe

https://www.vindjeu.eu/2019/07/12/ten-good-reasons-to-regularly-play-a-society-games/

https://www.dna.fr/culture-loisirs/2020/12/19/les-jeux-de-societe-stars-de-noel

https://www.oikaoika.fr

https://www.ouest-france.fr/bretagne/loudeac-22600/vendeuse-de-jeux-a-domicile-autour-de-loudeac-elle-s-adapte-et-conseille-les-familles-par- telephone-7069998