I am sure you all must have had a wonderful time during these holidays, playing a variety of games, whether it’s your favourite board games, exploring virtual adventures or participating in any outdoor recreational activities. Isn’t it wonderful how games can turn our leisure time into unforgettable experiences?

Though, it’s hot these days, many of you cannot resist the urge to play outdoors during the holidays. Despite your mother’s warnings, some of you still sneak out during the daytime to play outside with your friends, ignoring the advice to wait for cooler evening hours.

Most of you already know about the benefits of playing outdoor games on your physical well-being. Like when you play hide and seek or simply run around, your bones and muscles get stronger, your energy level increases, your metabolism improves and you can maintain an overall healthy weight. Moreover, actively participating in physical activities not only boosts our brain power, but also enhances cognitive abilities and improves memory retention.

Isn’t that simply marvellous? Of course, it is. Let’s look into how this all happens.

No doubt, engaging in any form of physical exercise and activities of interest, such as cycling, swimming, skipping, cricket, soccer or any other sport, improves brain function. One of the most immediate effects is a sudden transformation in our mood, leading to the heightened feelings of optimism and happiness. This is because when we play any physical game, our brain releases hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, which not only makes us happy, but also shifts our focus and sharpens our attention significantly. The most exciting aspect is that we can maintain this elevated level of energy and sense of optimism for the next two hours simply by playing any sports of our interest.

Moreover, engaging in physical games or sports has yet another benefit: it significantly enhances our memory and amplifies our retention period. This is because our brain’s prefrontal cortex and hippocampus serve as essential storage hubs for facts and events. When we run and play, these areas generate new cells and strengthen connections, improving our cognitive abilities.

In other words, playing physical games helps us remember the tiniest of details for a longer period. Imagine how sports and games can help you remember everything you’ve learned at school and increase your chances of passing your exams because your memory has sharpened.

So kids before taking any digital devices in your hands and spending the next couple of hours playing video games or scrolling the feed, step back and engage in sports and physical activities at least for 30 minutes a day. You will notice a rejuvenated energy busting through you; you will be more optimistic and active than those who do not engage in physical games.

Keep playing and keep growing!

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 3rd, 2024