The Surprising Mental Benefits of Playing Card Games
Card games have been around for years and have evolved with time. Now you can enjoy a social game of Go Fish or even go online and play a first-person card game like Texas Hold’em. Despite being a great way to spend your lunch break or get through the super boring zoom meeting, these card games have a few surprising mental benefits for those who take part.
Here are a few ways you may benefit from getting involved in that competitive Uno league.
Learning a New Skill
Despite feeling slightly trivial most of the time, spending time playing a game of cards isn’t a waste of time. You’re doing something you enjoy, which is reason enough to play.
Card games appear easy to understand and can be reasonably straightforward, but they take a lifetime to master. You can read the instructions a million times, but you’ll never learn the formula to winning the game. Every game is different; therefore, it never gets boring. Players never stop improving since no two games will ever be the same.
If you choose to pick up playing cards, you’ll never stop learning, growing or developing this newfound skill.
Mental Health Boost
Looking after your mental health is essential, but what has that got to do with playing cards?
This low-stake leisure activity is usually filled with banter and laughter that is bound to leave you feeling better than you did before. No matter whether it is over the phone or in person, your mental health matters and a game of cards can promote a healthier mindset which will make you feel happier.
Teaches You Patience, Concentration and Discipline
Card games require those involved to stay focused until the end. Most of the time, you’ll get caught up in the game and forget about your surroundings, acting as a perfect distraction from the stresses and worries of reality.
At the same time, these games require you to be patient and avoid making rash decisions that could lose you the game. Nobody plays to lose, so concentration is vital when playing against your opponent. You need to zone in on the game and work out every choice, the risks involved and which moves you should be making.
Unwind After a Busy Day
We're all enslaved by the monotonous routine of waking up, eating, going to work and sleeping. We frequently reach the end of the day and wonder where the time has gone. You may lose track of time and neglect to take care of yourself as a result of stress.
Playing cards won’t make all your worries go away, but they’ll help you ignore the negative thoughts crowding your mind and instead focus that energy on strategising your next move. A game of cards will force you to press pause, grounding you after a busy and stressful day.
Keep Your Mind Sharp
Card games are a brilliant way to get your brain working, no matter your age. Whether you’re seven or 70, this form of mental gymnastics is incredibly beneficial for your brain.
Our minds change as we grow older. Cognitive and social engagement are required to stave off age-related cognitive deficits. Mental exertion is important for maintaining a healthy brain, and because cards are based on planning and problem-solving, you'll be able to engage the necessary cognitive abilities while also improving your memory.
Refreshes Your Math Skills and Logical Thinking
Playing cards can help improve your maths and strategic thinking skills and reduce the risk of dementia and improve your motor skills. Playing cards challenges your mind no matter your age and requires you to employ some logical thinking which is always healthy for you.
Fights Loneliness and Forces You To Engage Socially
In an ongoing pandemic, many of us have faced loneliness and social isolation. Card games are a great form of social engagement that will both stimulate your brain and have you talking to others. Even if it’s online, it connects you with others and reminds you that you are not alone in whatever you are going through.
Joining a game encourages you to work on your teamwork skills and will have you taking part in a bit of friendly competition, distracting you from the fact that you have to learn how to converse freely again after not seeing anyone for a long time.
Card games have been and always will be timeless. They are a perfect way to interact with others while taking some much-needed time for yourself. No matter the game, it will require you to focus and strategise, forcing your brain to do a bit of healthy exercise.
