The Importance of Playing Fun Games in Adult Years

No, I'm not just saying sports, not all are athletic like me, and I'm not saying computer games either (although I play video games as well). What I mean are games that incorporate fun and physical activity at the same time.

It's Christmas Party season in this time of the year and in a party there are always parlor games involved. Even better if there are prizes in store surely you would get a lot of participants. Last week we invited a group of managers for a small get- together. Majority of the attendees are in the age ranging from 30 to 65 years. With the hectic and busy demands of work and family life, these managers seem to have little or no time at all for play. So we encourage these group of people to play and eventually we got a happy reaction from them. They were all smiling and laughing at the same time. Some even jumped for joy and excitement.

So why play still play parlor and other physical fun games in our adult years?

There are many reasons why playing physical games are important. Here are the following:

Keeps the body healthy by promoting exercise.

A lot of people don't like to exercise, especially if it's routine-based. But if you incorporate it with fun and exciting dynamics then a lot of people might participate. Physical relays are good examples of a fun game which includes running and other body movements. For a lot of people who work, when the amount of exercise is limited, some are stressed already with the pressures of the job, others may not have time because they are already physically worn out, fun interactive games can liven people up.

Keeps the mind sharp.

Some physical games have puzzles or require problem solving. By promoting critical thinking, these games are fun in a way that you can outwit your opponents and be mentally alert. Some people have jobs who are routine-based and are not that mentally challenging. People love challenges especially it involves the mind. So if a game is a combination of a puzzle and relay at the same time, it is twice the fun.

Promotes friendship and keeps you sociable.

You can gain new friends or even strengthen friendship and work relations if you play games. You get to interact with your team mates and opponents, you get to know the people around you more, establish networking. Parlor games are light so it doesn't need to be that competitive.

Promotes sportsmanship.

If done correctly and with clear and proper rules, it encourages good behavior on how we treat our opponents, friends, team mates or co-workers. Respect is emphasized and we value fair treatment. Such games give importance on how we interact with others and how we respond when we lose. Since these games are light and does not require heavy mechanics and such, we easily forget and laugh off our mistakes and losses.

Promotes well-being.

We feel good to be able to socialize, laugh and feel lighthearted. The sense of belonging, the ability to share what we know and learn, the need to care for others and help out especially if we see our teammates struggling is one way of keeping our hearts and mind open.

It would be a great idea if an office or company would incorporate play for the workers for a certain time of the month. Call it bonding and just a way to loosen up after a hard day's work. Bosses could even set the rules and give incentives. Point system for rewards at the end of the work year can be motivating for the employees. For people who are freelance and work at home, organize a game night with friends or relatives. Prizes may not be much but it can be a way to promote healthy mind, body, heart and soul.

Participating in the smiles, laughter and happy faces through playing games is one way to co-exist well and live longer.

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