The Psychological Benefits of Playing Board Games: Insights from Dr Zoe Williams

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As the festive season approaches, gathering around the table for a board game is becoming one of the most cherished ways for families and friends to connect. While the appeal of board games is often rooted in the joy and laughter they bring, the benefits go much deeper, says ITV This Morning’s Dr Zoe Williams. Board games offer a range of psychological and social benefits, making them an ideal way to bring people together, reduce stress, and even improve mental skills.

“Back in the day, the family would gather around the TV to watch a film at Christmastime,” says Dr Zoe. “But times have changed. Today, each family member often has their own screen and entertainment source. Board games offer a fantastic way to bring everyone together, bridging generations and fostering positive energy. And if there are any family tensions, games can serve as a great icebreaker, creating an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.”

In this article, Dr Zoe Williams explores the key psychological benefits of playing board games, and we’ve also included some top recommendations to get you inspired for your next game night.

1. Stress Relief Through Mindful Engagement

Life’s daily stresses can weigh heavily on the mind, and finding an effective way to unwind is essential for mental well-being. According to Dr Zoe, board games are a natural way to enter a mindful, present-focused state, offering a kind of informal meditation.

“When we immerse ourselves in a game, we’re encouraged to focus on the moment, which can help shift our attention away from everyday worries,” Dr Zoe explains.

The simple act of playing a game with others can create a sense of calm and relief, allowing players to switch off from their usual concerns. This stress reduction is a powerful psychological benefit, especially in an era when mental health is increasingly strained by the pressures of digital life.

2. Laughter and Connection: The Best Medicine

They say laughter is the best medicine, and it turns out that laughter during board games can indeed have long-lasting health benefits. When friends and family come together around a game, shared laughter and friendly competition can strengthen social bonds.

“Laughter during games has a positive impact that extends well beyond the game itself,” Dr Zoe says. “It’s a moment to let loose, and that release can boost mood, lower stress levels, and create lasting memories.”

Laughter not only lightens the mood, but it also fosters a sense of connection that is invaluable for emotional health. Studies show that social interaction and humour are key factors in building resilience, which can help individuals manage life’s challenges more effectively.

3. Building Confidence and Achieving a Sense of Accomplishment

One of the unique aspects of board games is that they offer players a clear sense of progress and achievement, even if they don’t end up winning. This accomplishment can boost self-esteem and provide a dopamine release, which is a natural way to feel happy and motivated.

“Completing a game, or even just making strategic decisions along the way, offers a sense of satisfaction,” Dr Zoe notes. “That feeling of accomplishment can improve self-confidence, making players feel more capable and positive.”

Winning isn’t everything in board games – the journey, the effort, and the strategy required are all valuable. Every step of the game can reinforce a player’s sense of self-worth and provide a mood-lifting dopamine boost.

4. Strengthening Human Connections in a Digital World

In an increasingly digital age, genuine face-to-face interaction is becoming rarer. Board games offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with others, strengthening bonds through shared experiences and real-time social interaction.

“With so much of our communication now happening on screens, it’s more important than ever to nurture in-person connections,” says Dr Zoe. “Board games bring people together, allowing families and friends to communicate, laugh, and problem-solve in a meaningful way.”

Playing together around a table allows people to read body language, share laughs, and interact naturally – aspects of communication that digital exchanges often lack. These face-to-face interactions are essential for building trust and empathy, two cornerstones of healthy relationships.

5. Cognitive Benefits: Boosting Memory, Logic, and Other Skills

Board games aren’t just fun – they’re also a great workout for the mind. Different types of games stimulate various cognitive skills, from memory and strategic thinking to spatial awareness and problem-solving.

“Many board games involve mechanics that can improve brain function for players of all ages,” Dr Zoe explains. “For younger players, games can be educational tools that develop memory and logic. For older players, they help to keep cognitive skills sharp.”

By challenging the mind in a relaxed setting, board games provide a way to exercise mental faculties without the pressure of formal learning. They also promote cognitive flexibility, a skill that helps individuals adapt to new situations, think creatively, and solve problems efficiently.

In the Mood to Play? Top Board Game Recommendations for Every Occasion

For those inspired to start their own game night, here are some top picks that bring fun, laughter, and a touch of competition to the table:

Best Game for Family Fun: Mycelia

Mycelia is an enchanting game that introduces younger players to deck-building mechanics within a beautifully illustrated forest setting. Players compete to clear their game cards of dewdrops to win. Whether playing solo or as a group, Mycelia offers magical family fun. Suitable for ages 9 and up. RRP £27.99

Best Game for Giggles: Oh My Pigeons!

This game brings a flock of laughter to the table, as players try to fill their park benches with pigeons while avoiding mischievous “poo flicks” from opponents. It’s a simple yet hilarious game for friends and family. Suitable for 2–5 players, ages 8 and up. RRP £18.99

Best Game for Kids: Garden Heist

In this hide-and-seek style game, players take on roles as raccoons or the gardener, with the goal of sneaking to the rubbish bin paradise undetected. Garden Heist offers interactive and imaginative play for young children. Suitable for ages 6 and up. RRP £24.99

Best Game for Disney Fans: Disney Lorcana Gateway

Perfect for Disney enthusiasts, this entry-level trading card game lets players assemble Disney characters and race to gather magical story stars. The set includes everything needed for two players to dive straight into the world of Disney magic. Suitable for ages 8 and up. RRP £22.99

Best Game for a Big Crowd: That’s Not a Hat 2

In this fast-paced memory game, players ‘gift’ items to one another, but as items are passed around face-down, remembering what’s where becomes a challenge. Ideal for parties and large gatherings. Suitable for 3–8 players, ages 8 and up. RRP £7.99

Best Game for Teamwork: Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney)

This cooperative game lets players become Disney and Pixar heroes as they work together to defeat darkness. With each player’s unique abilities, teamwork is essential to overcome challenges. Suitable for ages 8 and up. RRP £29.99

Rediscovering the Joy and Benefits of Board Games

In today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, board games offer a rare chance to connect meaningfully, unwind, and even give the brain a workout. As Dr Zoe Williams has highlighted, the psychological benefits of board games go far beyond simple entertainment, offering opportunities for stress relief, laughter, mental stimulation, and bonding.

Whether you’re gathering family around the table at Christmas or hosting a game night with friends, board games can create a fun, memorable experience that strengthens relationships and boosts well-being. So, why not bring out a board game this season and rediscover the timeless joy of playing together?

For additional insights or to request a sample of the games, please contact: Charlotte Bird
Ravensburger PR Manager
Charlotte.bird@ravensburger.com