The benefits of the game

Several studies prove it. Playing games brings us multitudes of benefits. Shall we have a little game?

The benefits of the game

Playing has been shown to improve our mental health. But most people stop playing in childhood. How to rediscover the benefits of play once the games and toys have been put away?

Several psychologists have noted that playing games, board, cards, video, allowed to have a beneficial effect on our stress levels.

In a study conducted in Zürich, Switzerland and published in 2013adults who demonstrate more playful personality traits are more motivated, creative and spontaneous. There have even been connections between people with more… playful characteristics having lower blood pressure, as demonstrated in 2015.

While people who gamble less find it difficult to relax in their spare time and are often bored when their minds are unoccupied, those who are more inclined to gamble are aware of new opportunities and open to trying more variety. of activities. It’s not me who says it, but another 2021 study.

So with all of these benefits, all of these effects, all of these benefits, why do most adults stop gambling as adults? And how to relearn to play?

play more

René Proyer, professor of psychology at Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, states in a research from 2013 that adults who are playful and often gamble are the ones who are able to manage everyday situations in such a way that they become… fun, and intellectually stimulating.

Whether it’s a game of Candy Crush on your cell phone, a joke with your co-workers, or an evening board game with your buddies, most people are playful. And yet. The benefits of gambling can go unnoticed.

The benefits of play and a playful attitude can carry over into adulthood, says Proyer, adding that in the same way you might practice meditation or sports, a playful attitude and an attraction to play, social, should be seen as a skill that can be developed, harnessed and used.

Observe its benefits

A good starting point is simply to observe. Psychologist René Proyer suggests listing three moments at the end of each day when something spontaneous happened.

It could be a fun interaction with a stranger while you were enjoying your croissant or your coffee on a terrace, or a joke shared with your colleague. This technique, this practice helps us to start feeling confident to play and This will make us more aware of the presence of moments of joy in our daily lives.

Play should be seen as a skill that can be developed, harnessed and used for mindfulness

Rene Proyer

But in his study, the psychologist urges people to not being afraid to have fun in an activity not normally associated with adults. Games for adults, considered as… socially acceptable, like board games for example, often come with a list of rules and require a specific environment to be played.

According to him, these games encourage less creativity and spontaneous playful behavior. And add to that the competition and frustration associated with winning and losing. The psychologist affirms that the more the interaction or the activity is unexpected, the better and the more one develops his playful attitude. Playfulness, as we say in English. Play, yes. But unexpectedly, spontaneously.

It’s personal

Our enjoyment of playing can depend on both our personality and our willingness to be open to new forms of interactions, conversations and experiences. Proyer suggests that if you’re the most playful at home with your partner or family, for example, try using the same conversational techniques with co-workers or friends. And watch the results.

The benefits of such a playful attitude, of… playing, more, often, points to a wide range of social benefits. What motivates us to develop and integrate such an attitude with the people with whom we interact.

At first glance, it might seem that most adults don’t play as often as they would like. Perhaps, as Proyer suggests, because socially acceptable adult games, such as board or role-playing games, aren’t as fun. And those that are, such as party games, delusional, for example, can be considered… embarrassing, for some. Not…serious enough.

I have swimming pool

In his 2017 researchSebastian Deterding, professor of digital creativity at the University of York, argues that for adults to engage in playful activities without guilt, they can be prepared with socially acceptable “excuses”,… “alibis”.