Chess & Wellbeing (Image courtesy of pxhere.com)
There are plenty of benefits from regularly playing chess. Whether you’re old or young, amateur or professional, chess can improve your overall state of well-being, says board game lover GEORGE HARROLDS.
A game of military strategy waged on a 64 square chequered board, chess is played by millions of people worldwide. Believed to stem from a 7th century game played by Maharajahs, chess reached Europe in the 9th century.
Since the Age of Enlightenment, the game has been thought of as a means of self-improvement. Benjamin Franklin claimed playing chess provided ‘several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life.’ It is the reason chess is taught in schools, and regular tournaments are held around the world.
Chess Can Improve Your Memory
A poor memory can be annoying and frustrating. With its focus on tactics and evolving strategy, chess offers great benefits for both short term and long term memory. Over time, this memory improvement can leave you feeling better mentally and in a much better mood.
Chess Can Help You Relax
If you frequently find yourself unable to relax, playing chess is the perfect way to wind down. Chess is a low-key game that allows you to be quiet and reflective, which in turn allows you to achieve a more relaxed mental state. Lowered stress levels are key to better mental well-being.
Chess Can Direct Your Focus
In today’s modern world, where so many digital devices offer instant gratification, it can be hard to focus, contributing to negative mental well-being. The game’s emphasis on foresight and reflection improves the ability to focus by giving you something to focus on.
Chess Can Help You to Socialize
Socializing is important for your mental well-being; even if you aren’t the most extroverted individual, regularly socializing can help maintain a happier mood and improve mental well-being. Chess is a great for interacting with other people in an unpressured, low key way.
Chess Is Simply Fun
There’s no reason to overlook one of the best ways that chess can improve your well-being: it’s simply fun to play! Chess lets you practise different strategies trying to beat your opponent, and whether you are playing with friends or family, the game lets you spend time with the ones you love.
Final Thoughts
There are many different chess sets to choose from, whether you are a first-time player or a long-time chess fan. It’s a game that will help improve your mental well-being over time, so don’t overlook chess!
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Please note: this is NOT a paid for article.
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