Winter is a time of year that is not universally enjoyable, and for some families it is an extremely stressful season. But our awareness about how different seasons can affect our mood is particularly strong in winter months when the cold weather arrives.  

And winter is also the season where families focus on the best ways to stay healthy during the colder months. It’s the time of year that families spend the most time together, at home.

Here at Book of Beasties, mental wellbeing is high on the list of family priorities throughout the year. But it takes some effort to stay focused and on track, especially when faced with so many challenges and what feels like a constant rollercoaster of bad news.

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So how high should a family’s mental wellbeing be on the to-do list when so many priorities are already on the table? What small things can we do to maintain a good mood through the winter months? Or are there other things that just deserve the most attention?

You know how we like to help with practical solutions, so we have two words at the top of our list: Card games!

Yes. Playing card games with your family is an excellent way to deal with all kinds of stress and nurture positive mental wellbeing. Card games have been played by families for hundreds of years. But in recent times, when digital entertainment has become increasingly popular, card games are not always the first choice for family entertainment.

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But card games come with several brilliant benefits to mental wellbeing. And here are the Book of Beasties team/s Top four reasons to get stuck into a game of cards this winter.

Connection

‍Card games are a fantastic way to feel connected with the people around you really quickly. Playing card games with the family is a great way to connect and bond together. Card games are an excellent form of entertainment for all ages from young children to adults. They're easy to learn and don't require any special equipment, travel to a destination or skill level. All you need is for your family to be in the same room and to open the cards.  

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Screen-free time

‍The impact that the use of multiple screens at home has had on family life is huge. Screen time can be ultra-absorbing and heart rates can soar and stay pumping, especially when the screen is used to play games or watch videos. And it is easy to become disconnected, especially when the more games are played… the more incentives there are to play more games. It can be really hard to take a break.  

But a 60-minute digital break that includes face to face conversation is a really quick and simple way to restore balance and reconnect with your environment. And a family card game is a ready-made solution to screen-free family time. And the whole family will feel the benefit of a short digital break, especially if this happens regularly.

Manage stress

Card games are a fun way to engage with other people and have a good time. It's also a good way to relieve stress and improve mental health. Card games can provide a distraction from the things that are causing stress, and the act of focusing on the game can help to reduce anxiety and calm the mind.  

The social aspect of card games can also provide a sense of connection and support, which can further help to reduce stress. And the sense of accomplishment and enjoyment that comes from playing card games can provide a boost to mood, which can help to alleviate stress.

Memory skills

Playing card games is not just a fun activity for the whole family, it can also help you stay healthy both mentally and physically. It improves your memory, motor skills, social skills, and more.

Card games often require players to remember the cards that have been played, as well as the cards in their own hand. This can help to exercise the brain and improve memory function. Additionally, the strategic nature of many card games can also help to improve problem-solving skills and cognitive function. Overall, playing card games can be a fun and effective way to keep the mind sharp and improve memory.

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Did you know that improving memory skills can have a positive impact on mental health? Having a good memory is important for many aspects of daily life, and can make it easier to learn new things, make decisions, and solve problems. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, which can improve overall mental well-being. And the mental exercise that is involved in improving memory can help to keep the mind sharp and engaged. This can provide a sense of mental clarity and improve overall cognitive function, which can also have a positive impact on mental health for children and adults alike.

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To finish…

Playing card games has been shown to have several benefits for mental health. For example, card games can improve memory and cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a sense of social connection. They can also be a fun and engaging form of mental exercise, which can help keep the mind sharp. And playing card games can provide a sense of accomplishment and a boost to self-esteem.

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We hope this encourages you to get out the cards. Playing card games as a family isn’t just about finding an activity that helps with positive mental wellbeing. Above all card games are fun, they encourage fun and unexpected interactions. And the more you play them as a family… the more they become part of a family routine, which in this age where so much focus is on digital entertainment, can only be a good thing.

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Look out for our blog next week when we will be sharing our favourite family card games - all with the festive season in mind.

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