When I was little, I used to play board games with my dad every Friday night. I would go in the basement while he was watching college basketball, pick out a game and ask to play. It was always a bonding time, and I became so much closer with my dad because of it.

There were times that he was in a bad mood, and I would ask to play a game, and he would say “ugh, fine,” but by the end of the game my dad was always in a better mood. We would laugh until our bellies hurt. Ever since smartphones and technology came out, people have been forgetting about real-life activities, like board games, where you can interact with others outside of a phone.

Even if you don’t realize it, board games improve your family dynamic. I have been playing board games with my family for as long as I can remember, and I realized I am closer with my parents and siblings because of it. Getting together at night and having some friendly competition is something that everyone should do.

Mental health is an important current issue in today’s society, and most of it comes from drama on social media. Last summer, I was always checking my phone, waiting for people to text me, and if they didn’t, I would get frustrated. Playing a game took my mind away from my phone, and put me in a better state of mind.

Along with mental health benefits, board games exercise your brain and lower the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s. Working your brain to problem-solve or play your best hand in poker is something that is going to help you in the future without even knowing it.

Some say they don’t have time in their day to play a board game. But in reality, if you look at your phone’s screen time, I am sure it is more than one hour. That’s the screen time that could be used with someone to play a board game.

Board games are educational for kids. They are taught how to take turns, learn patterns and understand how to deal with winning or losing. For older kids and adults, it teaches them to use their brain critically and helps with problem solving.

Now its your turn to play a fun board game with your family.