Playing Games: How Having Fun Blocks Memory Loss and Heart Disease

Playing games is a perfect way to while away the day! And when you do, you’ll be improving your health and happiness. It’s true: Research shows that some of your favorite fun games — from board games to gin rummy to video games — deliver total-body benefits. Here’s what they can do for you.

The health benefits of playing games

Ready to game your way healthy? Tap in the feel-good perks of these popular games.

1. Ease allergies with video games

Sounds surprising, but regularly playing video games (like Candy Crush and Solitaire) can keep you from sneezing, wheezing and itching. Research in the Journal of CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation shows that distracting yourself from day-to-day worries with a fun digital game significantly reduces stress.

That’s key, since scientists reporting in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology found that tamping down tension reduces the output of inflammation-triggering compounds when you’re exposed to allergens. As a result, you’re less likely to develop bothersome allergy symptoms.

2. Boost happiness with lawn bowling

Here’s a great reason to head outdoors to play with friends: A review in the journal Social Science & Medicine—Population Health shows that spending at least 20 minutes a day playing games in nature (such as cornhole in your backyard and lawn bowling at the park) makes you cheerier.

Jenny Woo, PhD, founder of MindBrainEmotion.com and creator of the 52 Essential collection of skill-building card games says, “the link between having fun outdoors and an improved mood can be attributed to the calming effects of connecting with nature, a sense of purpose from engaging in social support, increased cognitive and physical activities and a sense of purpose.” The combination of these benefits keeps you smiling all day long.

Also smart: Learn how to play Pictionary. This fast-paced game, where you draw pictures to help teammates guess a word, requires tapping into your creativity. And when you do, you’ll spur lasting joy.

Research in The Journal of Positive Psychology shows that being creative is so fun and rewarding that it not only makes you happier immediately, but it also continues to boost your mood the following day.

3. Ward off colds with bridge

Two women playing card games at a table — andreswd/Getty

Washing your hands and getting a full night’s sleep lower your risk of catching a cold, flu and other virus. What also works? Joining a group that meets to play a classic card game like bridge, or attending community game nights for mahjong or dominoes (which you can find on MeetUp).

According to a study in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, regularly spending time with others improves your immune system’s ability to fend off viral invaders. “Social engagement helps regulate cortisol levels, reduce stress and release endorphins, contributing to better immune functioning,” explains Woo.

Another reason it works? Multiplayer games that require being around people send the message to your immune system that you could be exposed to germs. As a result, it triggers a stronger virus-thwarting response to protect you.

4. Sharpen your memory with jigsaw puzzles

Piecing together jigsaw puzzles on your kitchen table or digitally assembling them in free online puzzle games (such as at Jigsaw Planet) keeps you entertained for hours. And here’s another reason to play: According to the journal Heliyon, puzzling sharpens working memory. That’s the kind needed to juggle lots of information at once (like your shopping list).

Credit goes to “the repetitive nature of finding, remembering and placing puzzle pieces,” says Woo. The more puzzles you do, the better your brain gets at filtering out distractions so you can focus on details you need to recall.

Also smart: Playing trivia games. Research in the journal Motivation Science shows that Trivial Pursuit and other games that test your knowledge tune up your memory. Fun questions (such as “Which band was known as the ‘Fab Four’?”) spark your curiosity. This makes your brain work harder to recall the answers.

5. Make small talk easy with board games

Whether you love Clue, Monopoly or Scrabble, a study in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry shows that playing board games with others makes small talk easier by making you more eloquent when speaking.

Thanks goes to “the competitive and cooperative nature of board games,” Woo states. During these kinds of games, you’re typically either trying to beat an opponent by yourself or work with team members to win, giving you lots to say. All that talking then makes you better at chatting in everyday conversation.

6. Reduce heart disease risk with pickleball

Three women laughing while playing a game of pickleball together — nattrass/Getty

Research in the journal JAMA Network Open shows that regularly enjoying racquet sports (like pickleball, badminton and tennis) lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease. Plus, it reduces the likelihood of other serious health issues, such as cancer and type-2 diabetes.

“Racquet-based sports involve high-intensity intervals that combine aerobic and anaerobic activities,” observes Woo. This unique mix of exercises strengthens the heart and other vital muscles. The result? You’ll lower your blood pressure, tamp down blood sugar and prompt other beneficial changes that keep you healthy.

Also smart: Playing Twister. The stretches you do in this classic game, where you put your hands and feet on colorful circles on a mat without falling over, also help reduce elevated blood pressure.

A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health shows that gently stretching your arms, legs and torso for 30 minutes, five times a week, lowers your BP. Stretching makes arteries more flexible, which improves blood flow.

For more fun ways to improve your overall health:

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