Play with Purpose: How Board Games Support Mental Wellness

Holly Hartman
May 11
2 min read

Let’s be real: the world feels a little... much right now. Between endless scrolling, non-stop news, and adulting stress, we all need a break—and not the kind where you just binge TV with one eye open.

Enter: board games.

That’s right—those little cardboard boxes of joy aren’t just fun. They’re powerful mental wellness tools backed by science. At Good Tabletop Gaming (GTG), we believe that gathering around a game isn’t just play—it’s purposeful.

Board Games vs. Burnout: What the Research Says

Need more than just vibes?

Science agrees: board games do wonders for your mental health.

✅ Reduced Stress & Anxiety:
A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that adults who played tabletop games reported significantly lower stress levels and increased happiness during gameplay (p < 0.001).
Translation: play more games, stress less.

✅ Mood Boosts & Emotional Regulation:
Researchers from James Cook University ran an 8-week study on board games and mental health. Players experienced lower anxiety, higher self-esteem, and stronger emotional coping skills.

✅ Stronger Social Bonds:
A 2022 survey from Texas A&M showed that participation in gaming communities reduced feelings of loneliness and depression, especially in adults under 35. Board games help us connect in ways scrolling never could.

✅ Sharper Brains = Happier Brains:
A massive University of Edinburgh study tracked seniors over 68 years (yes, really) and found that those who played non-digital games had less cognitive decline and stronger memory in their 70s.

So yeah—your weekly game night?

Kinda doing some heavy mental lifting behind the scenes.

Connection Is the Real Win

At GTG, we’ve seen firsthand how a casual game night turns into something bigger:

A new friendship forms over Ticket to Ride
A teen with social anxiety opens up during Codenames
A parent and child finally put the phones down and laugh until they snort over a round of Awkward Family Photos

That’s the magic: it’s not about the win—it’s about the people at the table.

Ready to Roll the Dice on Wellness?

This Mental Health Awareness Month, don’t just talk about self-care—play it.

Join us at Good Tabletop Gaming for inclusive, welcoming events designed to spark connection, reduce stress, and give your brain a much-needed joy break. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or a total newbie, there’s a seat at the table for you.

Because play isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

And it starts with one good game.