4 Ways Games and Sports Invigorate the Brain

The importance of sports and games on the brain is critical for our physical and mental health. Whether you enjoy playing sports like tennis or golf, playing board games or playing video games, getting your brain and body involved in games and activities is important to your health and happiness. Here are a few of the positive effects that games and activities have on your brain:

Problem Solving Abilities

Problem-solving skills are going to be necessary for your entire life, whether it be learning how to weigh the pros and cons of taking a certain job offer or learning how to manage time conflictions.

Problem-solving skills will always be needed. Of course, life experience will help you solve problems, but actively engaging in games and activities will help boost your brain’s cognitive functions, which will aid you in the problem-solving process.

Keeps Your Body Active

Games and activities keep both your brain and body active. When you engage in sports, whether it be a static sport like archery or pool or a highly dynamic sport like ice hockey or volleyball, you are activating all components of your body. You are using your brain to help you make wise decisions that will give you an advantage in the game, and the exercise your body receives will improve your mood as it boosts your serotonin levels.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills are especially pertinent for adults as they begin thinking about their financial situations, creative projects, or learning how to resolve unfavourable conflicts and disagreements. Sometimes, listening to your gut instinct is important; however, some scenarios call for reflection and thorough consideration. When you play games and partake in activities, you are training your brain to contemplate different options and strategies that put you in a position to succeed. A prime example would be playing board games such as Monopoly, Risk or even a traditional game like chess. These games require you to examine all possible outcomes and cause you to assess risk vs. reward.

Reaction Speeds

Video games, unfortunately, have a somewhat negative perception in society because there is not much physical exertion required to play these games. However, many video games provide hidden value. Most noticeably, video games have enhanced many gamers’ reactions speed. For example, those who play video games on a semi-routine basis may have an easier time analyzing and reacting to situations that may occur while driving, which could prevent car accidents from happening. These skills are also beneficial while walking in public or around your condo, to avoid slipping, falling and accidental collisions.

Games and activities of all sorts are beneficial to your brain. They help keep your brain fresh, invigorated and de-accelerate the ageing process. Your problem-solving skills, physical ability, critical thinking skills, and overall reaction speeds will benefit from engaging in sports, board games or video games!