Board games aren't just fun at holiday time, they're good for our mental health, too

There's something fun and nostalgic about playing board games, which offer a welcome break from screens of every kind. Not only are board games a great way to spend some time with friends and family, they keep our minds sharp, can promote relaxation and may create social opportunities, experts say. Board games promote positive mental health in many ways. "From a cognitive perspective, many board games challenge our executive functioning or more advanced brain skills," said Carol Lambdin-Pattavina, OTD, a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. "These skills include working memory, mental flexibility, emotional regulation, organization and more," she said.