The Best Benefits of Playing Chess

 The game of chess is loved all over the world. From Amsterdam to Zhengzhou, people gather in living rooms, pubs, plazas, and libraries to match wits over the cherished checkered board.

Why is it that people are willing to devote such time to the game? It’s undoubtedly the fact that chess involves an intense intellectual challenge that’s very good for the health of your mind.

Keep reading to learn what we know about the benefits of playing chess.Chess develops the ability to see from someone else’s perspective 

Skilled chess players learn to anticipate an opponent’s next moves. To predict what another person will do next, a player must develop the ability to adopt another person’s perspective and infer what action they are likely to take.

Behavioral scientists call this this ability to see from another viewpoint the “theory of mind.” It’s an ability that is essential to exercising empathy and building healthy social relationships. A 2019 studyTrusted Source found that chess develops this perspective-taking ability in children who practice the game.

Chess improves memory 

It might not be surprising to learn that expert chess players have strong memory skills. After all, the game involves memorizing numerous combinations of moves and their potential outcomes.

It’s also interesting to note that experienced chess players show higher performance related to a particular kind of recollection: auditory memory. This is the ability to remember what you’ve learned through hearing.

In one experiment, researchersTrusted Source compared the recall ability of expert chess players to that of people with no chess-playing experience. They found that the chess players were significantly better at recalling lists of words they’d heard than people who had never played chess.

Skilled chess players also have a better than average ability to remember and quickly recognize visual patterns, which researchersTrusted Source think comes from memorizing complex chess positions.

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Everything You Need to Know About Call of Duty

Call of Duty is one of the most successful game franchises of all time. Players love it for its realism, humor, movie-quality clips, and thriving multiplayer community. But since its first release in 2003, the game has become increasingly violent. Though Common Sense Media recommends the game only for adults or very mature teens, we know lots of younger teens -- and even tweens -- play it.

There are many titles, as well as apps, in the Call of Duty collection. If your kid is interested in the game, find out which version, and read the full Common Sense review.


Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One (2015)
With zombies, sex, salty language, and other mature features, Call of Duty: Black Ops III is actually a bit of a departure from previous COD games, many of which are based on "real" events (such as World War III). This one has lots of modes that give the game a lot of variety (and violence), but there's also an option to turn off the more graphic content.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One (2014)
This gritty, brutal near-future war game has players firing a variety of realistic weapons at human enemies who scream, bleed, collapse to the ground, and die when shot. Cinematic sequences depict atrocities ranging from villains shooting allies to the physical torture and execution of bound prisoners.

Call of Duty: Ghosts, Platforms: Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One (2013)
Set mostly in the near future, Call of Duty: Ghosts starts a new story line in the Call of Duty universe. The game focuses solely on frenetic combat, wherein quick reflexes and teamwork (in online play) reign supreme.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii U, Windows (2012)
Black Ops II has players engaging in graphic combat that involves constant killing using realistic weapons, with blood and gore pouring across the screen during more intense scenes. Players are cast in the role of good guys during most of the campaign, but they also take on the role of the game's villain in a couple of pivotal scenes, giving them opportunity to do evil.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii (2011)
In this extremely violent installment, players spend the vast majority of their time engaged in chaotic firefights, killing hundreds of enemy combatants with a wide variety of realistic weapons ranging from guns to bombs.

Call of Duty: Black Ops, Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Windows (2010)
Set during the Cold War of the 1960s, Black Ops follows the memories of a special-ops soldier under brutal interrogation. The visceral nature of the action combined with its complex Cold War narrative leave little doubt that it was designed for an adult audience.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows (2009)
This modern-day military shooter realistically and graphically shows violence and blood. Much of the game involves traveling to different areas of the world to take down baddies with an assortment of weapons, all played from a first-person perspective.

Call of Duty: World at War, Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Windows, PlayStation 2 (2008)
This campaign takes place through the eyes of an American soldier fighting the Japanese and a Russian battling German forces. Players can kill enemy forces with guns, grenades, rocket launchers, and flamethrowers. Besides seeing lots of blood, players will witness enemies writhing as they are burned alive or losing limbs in explosions.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows (2007)
The bulk of the action in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare takes place in the Middle East. Players step into the combat boots of two soldiers, a British SAS operative and an American Marine, as they battle the terrorists.

Call of Duty 3, Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360 (2006)
Slightly less violent than other COD games, Call of Duty 3 lets players control an infantryman marching through France after the D-day invasion at Normandy. The game features intense battles, with threats that appear out of nowhere and less than perfect cover -- exposing players to sudden, bloody deaths.

Call of Duty: Finest Hour, Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox (2004)
In this violent WWII shooter, players are cast as soldiers fighting with Allied powers against the growing Nazi threat. Archival footage of the war and an authoritative voice-over infuse a degree of gravitas to what is otherwise a relentless exercise in shooting and killing.

Call of Duty Apps

Call of Duty: Strike Team, Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2013)
Violent shooter with flexible gameplay, a bit of strategy. Created especially for mobile players, this game offers straight-ahead COD fun for fans -- but no multiplayer mode.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies, Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2011)
Black Ops Zombies, like the video game, is a march of violence, though the app is less graphic due to visual restrictions of the platform. Its mild offensive language, scenes of horror, and violence make it best for mature players only.

Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies, Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2010)
In this terrifying iPhone version of the console game, you're a soldier trapped in a crumbling World War II bunker surrounded by bloodthirsty Nazi zombies.

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Best Outdoor Games to Keep Kids Entertained All Summer

 

Capture the Flag

Teamwork is the name of the game in this classic outdoor game for kids. Start with at least six players, and divide into two teams. Mark a designated playing space and establish a home base with a “flag” for each team. On “go,” each team tries to run into enemy territory, steal the flag, and make it back safely to their side. However, if you’re tagged by an opposing team member, you’re frozen and can no longer help your team. Keep the space small for younger kids, but for older children, you can add obstacles, hideouts, or play it in the dark. You can also try this glow-in-the-dark version for extra cool effects.

Ghost in the Graveyard

Gather at least five kids, and designate a home base as the safe spot. Choose one person to be the ghost. The ghost hides while the rest stay at the base and count to 30. The kids then spread out and look for the ghost. When someone finds him or her, they yell, “Ghost in the graveyard!” and everyone attempts to run back to base before the ghost tags them. If the ghost tags someone, that person becomes the new ghost. If the ghost doesn’t tag anyone, the last child back to home base is the ghost.

Sardines

This easy outdoor game for kids is like reverse hide-and-seek. Start with a group of four or more children, and pick one kid to be “it.” All the kids count to 30 while the child who is “it” finds a hiding spot. The kids then spread out and look for the hidden child. When they find him or her, they quietly hide with the other kid(s) until all the children are hiding in the same spot or as close as they can without being seen. The last one to find the spot becomes “it” for the next round.

Kick the Can

Pick an open area, preferably paved, like a driveway, and set an empty tin can in the middle. Gather at least four children, and pick one of them to be the “guard” or “it.” The guard counts to 30 while the other children hide. The hidden children’s goal is to kick the can without getting tagged by the guard. The guard’s goal is to protect the can, keeping it from getting kicked, by tagging any kid running toward it. Once tagged, that child is frozen where they stand. The child who kicks the can wins, or the guard wins if he or she tags all the other players out. Looking for more affordable activities? Check out these 22 things you should do at least once before summer’s over.

Hospital Tag

Regular tag is fun, but these tweaks to the rules can take it to the next level. Choose someone to be “it.” That child chases the other kids, trying to tag them. Once a child is tagged, they have to cover the spot where they were tagged with their hand to keep playing. The second time they are tagged they cover that spot with their other hand and keep playing. The third time they are tagged, they have to go to the “hospital,” where they are out for the rest of the game. The child who is “it” wins when all the other players are in the hospital. The first child in the hospital is the next “it.”

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Outdoor Games to Teach Your Kids This Fall and Winter

 
1. HORSE

How to Play It: The first person does anything they want, from spinning around to closing their eyes, before shooting a basketball into the hoop. If they miss, it’s the next person’s turn to make up a crazy shot. If he or she is successful, everyone else has to replicate the shot. Fail and you earn a letter, beginning with H and progressing to HORSE. 

The last person standing without making it to horse wins.
What Makes it Great: It’s horse! It takes a classic activity like shooting hoops or playing catch and leaves tons of room for creativity, which might be why you’ll see pros playing it whenever human-interest stories are produced. It can be played with virtually any number of players and can be adjusted for myriad age groups based on the height of the hoop.

2. Marco Polo

How to Play It: Everyone in the pool! One person closes his or her eyes and counts to 10. That person then says, “Marco.” Everyone then yells “Polo!” The Marco child pursues the fleeing Polos with his or her eyes closed periodically calling out, with the other participants responding. Whomever he or she catches becomes the next Marco, and the game starts anew. No getting out of the pool, you dirty cheaters.
What Makes It Great: Exceedingly simple to organize — and, as it’s all about stealth, kids tend to stay pretty quiet.

3. Johnny on the Pony

How to Play It: One team crouches in a line, with their arms locked around each other’s waists. Essentially forming a wall. The other team jumps on top of the line with the intent of staying on. If everyone makes it to the top, they win if they can shout “Johnny on a pony!” three times before the bottom team can shake them off.
What Makes It Great: This game is pure madness in the best way possible. Also, good practice for future rugby players.

4. Freeze Tag

How to Play It: For children already familiar with tag, this variant involves freezing if the “it” person tags you. The only way to thaw? A non-“it” player must tag you, to his or her peril. If everyone becomes frozen, the “it” person wins.
What Makes It Great: It’s tag, but with teamwork and social skills baked in.

5. Steal the Bacon

How to Play It: Teams are divided evenly and each person is designated a number. Each team stands on opposite sides with a shoe sitting in the middle (doesn’t have to be a shoe, just something easy to hold). When a number is called, the designated players from each team run for the coveted item and try to get it back to their side. If you succeed, you get a point.
What Makes It Great: Direct competition; plus, the designated caller can set up quality rivalries.

6. Arm Wrestling

How to Play It: Two participants put their elbows on a steady surface and grip each other’s hands. Whoever can get the other person’s hand to touch the surface wins. No use of second hand and no lifting elbow off the surface.
What Makes It Great: The ultimate one-on-one battle of strength and endurance. There’s no way to gracefully lose an arm wrestling match. You can also tie in that Sylvester Stallone movie.

7. Kick the Can

How to Play It: One person is charged with protecting a can (or whatever) while other participants attempt to run up and knock it over. The catch? The kickers hide and join the protectors’ team if tagged. The rules can lead to an impasse, but when they don’t it’s a blast.
What Makes It Great: You get to briefly live the life of a hobo during the great depression.

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8 Health Benefits of Playing Video Games

 

The debate has been going on for a long time whether video games are good or bad for us and most people assume that they are bad for both your mental and physical health. Most people deem video games as unsophisticated and time-wasting, you just sit on your couch and stare at the screen. That's what most people think about video games but in reality, video games are known to be very beneficial. Believe it or not, scientific research shows that video games are actually good for you.

Video games have various positive effects on both your mental and physical health. Gaming can help those suffering from various addictions or cravings to decrease their intensity of desires. A person learns various things by playing video games and applying those things in real life. Contrary to popular belief, video games can actually promote and improve health & social activity through various avenues.

Here are some of the Health Benefits of Playing Video Games:

Better Problem-Solving Skills: Playing games can teach you to solve different kinds of problems. When a person starts playing video games, then he encounters different types of problems during the game and to progress further in the game, he has to get a way around those problems and solve them. This can help develop the problem-solving skills of a particular individual, and those people who play strategy-based games show an improvement in their problem-solving skills.

Improves Brain Function: Various recent studies have suggested that playing video games can help improve the function of your brain. Playing video games is known to increase the gray matter of your brain or in simple terms, the size of your brain. This can have profound effects on a person's brain function as playing video games can have impacts on different regions of the brain that are responsible for memory, spatial orientation, information organizations, and fine motor skills. Playing games can exercise your brain and improve your brain function.

Improves Eyesight: Video games are also known to improve your vision as long as you are not sitting in front of the screen for 5-10 hours and sitting two feet away. A study has shown that playing video games can make a person more responsive to different shades of colors.

Good for Mind: Video Games also have a benefit on your mental health and they can boost your mood and help relieve anxiety & stress. According to various studies, the relation between video games & stress has been found and that's why video games have been used for various therapies for over a decade.

Helps you to be Persistent: Video games can also help you to be more persistent. You either win or you keep on trying, games help you to be persistent and it can also help you to be more confident, persistent towards your goals, and learning from your mistakes.

Involve Physical Activity: Nowadays, most video gaming consoles come with technology to get gamers off of their chairs and couch & onto their feet. An example is VR gaming that not only takes gaming to the next level but also involves physical activity to keep the gamers fit. Game developers are now starting to develop such games that are played across physical space, building the game around real-world location and events, to make sure that the gamers are also physically active.

Better Social Skills: Most people think of a video gamer as a stereotypical shy person who is introvert and afraid to develop social relationships, but that is only shown in movies, in reality that is not the case. People who play video games are likely to have good social skills and build better relationships with people around them due to the teamwork, social, and collaborative components of certain video games.

Better Decision-Making: People who play video games are also known to be better at decision-making. This come from the fact that most video games involve the buildup of certain reflexes and making quick & best decision in various situation to get out of them and a person playing such video games will also develop better decision-making skills in real life because the video games are teaching who to take the sensory data in and translate into correct decisions for the given situation.

These are some of many benefits of playing video games and how video games can have beneficial effects on your health. It is a common myth that video games are bad for your health. If you don't exceed the limits and don't overplay the video games than they are definitely good for your health, however, if you keep on playing video games for long hours then they will definitely have a negative impact on your mind and health because excess of anything, be it video games or anything else is not good.

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Outdoor Family Games To Try This Summer

 

Lawn Memory Game

Play a backyard-sized version of memory with these DIY Lawn Memory Cards. This is a fun and an educational backyard family game. Via Studio DIY

Balloon Darts

Balloon Darts are made even cooler with an artsy twist. To make it more exciting, add paint to it! Via Carnival Savers

Sidewalk Checkers

Use sidewalk chalk to create a Giant Checkers Board. This is so much fun! Who doesn’t like a good game of checkers? Via Kids Activities Blog

Outdoor Twister

Outdoor Twister is sure to incite giggles, get the DIY details at Tip Junkie. It’s a fun way to get twisted up and one of my favorite family lawn games.

Frisbee Tik Tak Toe

This simple Frisbee Tic Tac Toe by A Turtle’s Life for Me looks like a blast! Get to moving and see who will win!

Yard Dominos

Giant Dominos  by One Dog Woof on SYTYC  are a great way to practice math skills AND enjoy to great outdoors.

Outdoor Kerplunk

This easy to make Giant Kerplunk from Design Dazzle promises hours of fun. Who doesn’t love Kerplunk?!

Pick Up Sticks

What’s more fun than pick up sticks? Giant Pick-Up Sticks  from I Heart Nap Time!

Giant Jenga

I can’t to make my family a Giant Jenga set like this one from A Beautiful Mess. This has been a popular fun family outdoor game in my home.

Washers

No room for horseshoes? Try playing Washers by ECAB instead! I’ve never played Washers, but I think I’d like to try this.

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Outdoor Games Today’s Kids Probably Don’t Know How to Play

 

1. HOPSCOTCH

Though there's an abundance of colored sidewalk chalk available for sale still today, kids rarely use it to draw a hopscotch grid. Back in the day, we usually had a choice of traditional white or maybe yellow chalk (often palmed from the blackboard ledge when the teacher wasn’t looking) with which to draw the playing field. Part of the fun of the game was the search for the “perfect” throwing stone (at least one flat side was preferred to avoid unnecessary bounce). Hopscotch wasn’t always strictly a kids’ game; Roman soldiers used to play the game in full armor as a military exercise.

2. KICK THE CAN

This game is sort of a hybrid of hide-and-seek and tag, but instead of actually touching the players, “It” must spot them and jump over the can (or bucket or other handy receptacle) while calling them out: “Over the can on Sandy—behind the big evergreen in Kosnik’s front yard!” If properly identified, that person was “out”. However, while It's back was turned, all the hidden players conspired to quietly run over to the can and kick it before being noticed. Much like flashlight tag, kick the can required players to run and hide all over the immediate neighborhood without regard for private property, which may very well have led to the “Hey you kids, get off of my lawn!” trope

3. JUMP ROPE

The advantage to jump rope was that it could either be a solitary activity or played with an unlimited number of people. All that was necessary was a length of rope (or something rope-like; in a pinch, even an electric extension cord would suffice). There were an abundance of skill games that every kid knew, all of which had their own “chant”. For example, “High, low, jolly, pepper” required the jumper to first skip over the rope at a level several inches above the ground, then skip in a crouched position when the rope was lowered, then spin in place while jumping, and lastly trying to keep up while the rope was twirled in double-time. Tripping up meant losing your turn, and it was time for the next player to see how many choruses of the song he or she could get through before stumbling.

4. CHINESE JUMP ROPE

Chinese jump rope did originate in China, and there is jumping involved, but the “rope” is a misnomer. The equipment involved was either an official industrial-strength elastic band sold in drug and toy stores every summer in the 1960s as a “Chinese jump rope” or an extra-long circle of thick rubber bands tied together. The two “ends” held the stretched band in place around their ankles, and the jumper was required to perform a series of prescribed maneuvers inside and outside the band before progressing to the next level.

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Benefits of Indoor Games for Kids

Kids running around the local streets playing hide-and-seek, hop-scotch, and cricket, etc. is something we don’t see quite often in today’s environment, because of busy lifestyles as well as lack of open play areas. For kids, it is crucial to play freely to relax and have some fun; instead, a majority of kids today tend to spend most of their time at home just watching television or playing video games. Indoor play areas and indoor games have proven to be a great outlet for kids. This is because they can be active, have fun, and most importantly perhaps play in a clean, safe, and colorful environment. Most well-designed and modern indoor play areas feature slides, tunnels, ball pools, bridges, adventure zones, trampolines, and other equipment which can keep your kids engaged for several hours. Here are some great benefits of indoor games for your kids.

Physical Fitness

Regularly playing indoor games such as ping pong helps your kids improve their body fitness since these games incorporate a variety of body movements. Also, experts state that regularly engaging in indoor games such as table tennis helps in developing fast-twitch muscles which can ultimately improve your kid’s reflexes.

Encourages Creativity

During the time spent in indoor games, kids usually face several situations and challenges which help them in developing vital skills. For example, interacting with others can help them develop and improve their imagination. Kids also learn to be more curious and expressive. Indoor games also help them learn new things from one another. Also, most well designed and modern indoor play areas also have cafes; therefore, while parents comfortably sip on a cup of tea or coffee and unwind, their children have the freedom to develop and explore their creativity in a safe, healthy and secure environment.

Hand-eye Coordination

Playing indoor games such as table tennis or ping pong needs constant coordination between your hands and eyes. This reason is why playing these indoor games on a regular basis improves hand-eye coordination.

Comfortable and Safe Space

Keep in mind that when your kids are playing sports outside, there is a risk that they will get injured in an accident. Be it vehicular or whatnot. On the other hand, you can rest assured that there will be no cars or bikes that could run your kids over you while they are playing inside. It is great as your kids will be safe inside. Also, there are also no worries about things like snow and rain as your kids are protected and safe inside your building. As a result, they will not fall ill due to diseases, such as hypothermia.

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7 BENEFITS AND 11 IDEAS FOR INDOOR GAMES FOR SENIORS

 

Indoor Games & Their Numerous Health Benefits

 

Dust off the board games that are lying on the top of your cupboard and put them to use. Indoor games can be one of the best ways to keep seniors’ mind healthy and active. It offers a lot more than just entertainment. Playing games, of any kind, grants numerous health and mind benefits. It keeps your mind young, active and entertained at the same time. 

 Please have a look at the amazing health benefits of such activities, and maybe you can try some of the ideas that are given below:

 

1) Creates happiness, reduces stress

While participating in a game, there is always a good amount of laughter. Laughing together and having fun can keep the seniors happy and healthy.

 

2) An opportunity to spend time together/ socialize

While growing up, we often forget that our parents too are growing old. Typically, the family members have different schedules which push us in different directions. But playing games (maybe a card game) even for a short while with your elderly loved ones is a perfect way to spend time together. We may not realize the importance, but for them, its quality time and a priceless gift.

Please have a look at the amazing health benefits of such activities, and maybe you can try some of the ideas that are given below:

 

3) Memory formation and cognitive skills

Board games or any indoor games help us to practice essential cognitive skills and enhance the parts of the brain responsible for complex thought and memory formation. Creative indoor games help the brain retain and build cognitive associations well in old age.

 

4) Keeps the risks for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia at bay

Keeping the mind of seniors’ active and engaged means they are exercising the brain and building it stronger. A stronger brain has lower risks of losing its power and thus reduces the risk of cognitive decline, such as associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

 

5) Lowers blood pressures

Laughter helps in producing endorphins (a chemical that gives the feeling of happiness) and that naturally help muscles to relax and blood to circulate, which will evidently lower blood pressure.

 

6) Improves immune system

Positive feelings and thoughts, like the laughter and enjoyment that always comes with board games or card games, improve immunity by releasing some chemicals that fight stress and boost the immune system.

7) Therapy treatment (coordination and dexterity)

Many board games require the use of fine motor skills to pick up or move pieces, actions that take both coordination and dexterity. Regular practice and activity improve their basic skills, which are important to elderly.

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It’s no secret that physical activity is good for you, but do you know about all the ways that exercise can improve your health? Check it out:

 

1. Improved cardiovascular health. The heart is a muscle, it needs to be worked out! Regular exercise can help improve the overall health of your entire cardiovascular system.
2. Lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A healthier heart means reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.
3. Helps manage weight. Not only does physical activity burn calories, it also improves your metabolism in the long run.
4. Reduced blood pressure. Physical activity keeps your heart and blood vessels healthy, helping to prevent hypertension.
5. Enhanced aerobic fitness. Participating in aerobic activities — such as running, cycling, or swimming — can improve your body’s ability to transport and utilize oxygen in the lungs and blood.
6. Improved muscular strength and endurance. Resistance exercises challenge your muscular system, resulting in bigger, stronger muscles.
7. Improved joint flexibility and range of motion. Improved flexibility reduces risk of injury.
8. Stress relief. Exercise is a great mood-booster and has proven to be an effective method of stress relief.
9. Lowers risk of certain types of cancer. People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop breast, colon, and lung cancer.
10. Control cholesterol. Exercise decreases LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increases HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
11. Ward off osteoporosis. Building dense, strong bones is another benefit of physical activity.
12. Strengthens immune system. Exercising more = getting sick less.
13. Improved sleep. We know just how important sleep is, and exercising can help you capitalize on these benefits.
14. Mental health benefits. Exercise is good for your mental health too, as it can battle feelings of anxiety and depression, sharpen your focus, and improve self-esteem.
15. Prolonged life. When you add all of these benefits together, what do you get? A longer, healthier, more enjoyable life!

Looking for more ways that physical activity can improve your overall health? Check out this article from BuiltLean.com.

Get up and get moving at In sports Centers, Connecticut’s largest indoor sports facility. We host year-round leagues, tournaments, camps, and open play which are perfect.

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10 Great Benefits of Playing Sport

 

Take it from us, sport can be a Game Changer.

Taking part in sport can help us feel fitter, healthier and mentally strong, and that is just the start of it. Sport can also be fun, especially when played as part of a team or with family or friends. 

As we have seen through our Club Game Changers campaign, sport can also develop great leaders and be an opportunity for individuals to shine, whether it is playing for a local grassroots club or at an international level.

If you’re considering signing yourself or family member up for a sport and need some encouragement, then it’s worth keeping in mind the many benefits below.

1. Better Sleep

Fast Company suggests that exercise and sport triggers chemicals in the brain that can make you feel happier and relaxed. Team sports provide a chance to unwind and take part in an activity that improves your fitness. If you play sports outside, you can benefit from fresh air which is said to promote a good night’s sleep.

2. A Strong Heart

Your heart is a muscle and requires frequent exercise to help it keep fit and healthy. A healthy heart can pump blood efficiently around your body. Your heart will improve in performance when it is regularly challenged with exercise. Stronger hearts can improve overall health of the body.

3. New Connections

Sport brings together a mixture of people from different communities, backgrounds, religions and beliefs. Sport can offer a new way to meet others that you may not interact with day to day. As a result, you can make new friends. And who knows, playing a sport might even open new career and business opportunities for you.

4. Improved Lung Function

Regular sport causes more oxygen to be drawn into the body, with carbon monoxide and waste gases expelled. This increases the lung capacity during sport, improving lung function and efficiency.

5. Increased Confidence

By training frequently and working towards seasonal goals, you can build your confidence and abilities. This is especially noticeable through tournaments and matches where you and your team put your skills to the test. Small, incremental achievements throughout the year can build personal confidence over time, giving you the ability to take on new projects and assignments at work with your new-found confidence.

6. Reduces Stress

When you are physically active, your mind gets a chance to unplug from daily stresses and strains of life. Physical exercise reduces the stress hormones in your body and stimulates the release of endorphins. These endorphins may give you more energy and focus for whatever life has.

7. Improve Mental Health

The Public Health Agency report that regular participation in sport and being active can also promote good mental health. This includes improving your mood, enhancing your sense of well-being, reducing anxiety, combating negative emotions and protecting against depression.

8. Sport Builds Leaders

All sport teams need leaders to show the way and help develop new or younger team members. An emergencies study has found a correlation between playing sports and strong leadership qualities. Sports enable people to develop a ‘team mindset’ whether it's winning, losing or training together.

9. Develop Stronger Relationships

Sport enables you to build better relationships with people you may be aware of, but not know personally. Through frequent sport, you can get to know a lot about an individual’s personality, their strengths and weaknesses. Sport with colleagues is a good opportunity to build better relationships and networks that may help you in your job.

10. Sport aids the healthy development of children

Children who play sports develop stronger bones and muscles, leading to a smaller chance of physical injury. Physical exercise before the onset of puberty has been identified by a New Zealand study as a way of reaching peak bone mass, enabling children to become stronger – a great foundation for future growth.

Have you discovered any other benefits of sport?

Tell us what benefits you have experienced through sport using the hashtag #GameChangers and be part of the Club Game Changers' conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

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Gaming

 In the last few decades, gaming industries have tremendously evolved and grown. Some major changes took place such as the arrival of virtual realities, sensor-based gaming, and others. The popularity of online gaming has also skyrocketed which now accounts for over 33 billion US Dollars. 

With these, the online options are also growing for people who are into the video game industry, tech developments, memes, video game news, etc. But contrary to this, the print media of the gaming industry has suffered a lot especially games magazine which now has come near to the top of the death list. But the bright side is that hundreds of gaming blogs, game culture, gaming communities, gaming news, and others are also growing like never before. 

If you are the one who is fascinated by the games or the memes, or the gaming culture then this article is written exclusively for you. It focuses on some of the best gaming blogs which offer sparky analysis and sharp reviews on the regular intervals which you can find useful for being up to date about the industry. So here are some of the best gaming sites or blogs which you can bookmark right away.

In the meantime, if you want to know about some of the best tools for mobile game development then you can read by clicking here.

• IGN

IGN or the short form of Imagine Game Network has launched 21 years ago and is now become the hot favorite gaming site throughout the world. It mainly focuses on video games and entertainment enthusiast markets. 

Many prefer this website as a one-stop destination for gaming, TV shows, comics, movies, and everything which a bored mind can think of. You can read all the latest video game reviews, video game news, gaming tips, facts and so much more all in one place. Moreover, the Guinness Book of World Records has also awarded Imagine Game Network as the most visited video game Website which is just icing on the cake.

• GameSpot

It is another major website for game enthusiasts from all over the world. Some even believe that “What Wikipedia is to knowledge, GameSpot is to video games”. It includes every nook and cranny of the gaming world. Apart from this, GameSpot also allows its users to share their opinions, reviews, and blogs on their forums which is just awesome for all game lovers. This website is also well designed and consists of different sections like PC gaming, Xbox One, PS4, #Ds, Gametech, Deals & so much more.

• Kotaku

It is another trending gaming website among all gamers. They frequently post stories on the games which users often find humorous. Its writers are known for expressing their characters without becoming self-indulgent.

• Polygon

Unlike various other gaming websites which are now popular, Polygon was not started as a magazine but launched directly into the digital space. Since its creation, it has quickly risen to prominence, all thanks to its star-studded sixteen-person staff including former editors-in-chief and major contributors of other competing video-gaming blogs.

Rather than just writing about the games, its creators have chosen to focus more on the people playing the game and making it. And that’s how Polygon was shaped and is continuing to shape today’s gaming industry. It still believes in the culture instead of the products as they consider themselves a “website for the renaissance gamer”.

• USgamer

This gaming website is strictly committed to publishing quality content on gaming news, analysis, reviews, editorials, guides, and opinions. It is so dedicated to its content that it doesn’t just review the game and move on, but revisit the game even after years when its hype is died to see whether the writer’s opinions have changed or not and whether a game can sustain its environment value or not. Moreover, this website has one unique feature which allows you to comment on each paragraph of any article. This makes it very easy for initiating a discussion on any specific point.

• N4G

N4G or news for gamers is an active gaming community. You can easily consider it as a Reddit of gaming blogs where you can submit links of third-party articles to N4G. Then the N4G’s user community approves the link and by chance if a horde of users comments on the submission then for sure the content is displayed on the front page. This community-based gaming website guarantees that all its content is worth your time and the best part is that anyone can join the N4G’s community without any hassle with 0 charges.

Read More: 5 Best Augmented Reality Games Of 2021

• Gaming Debugged

Formerly known as Debug Design, it is considered as one of the best platforms for passionate videogamers, online gamers, game developers and amateur game designers. It was launched in the early 20s and is known for high-quality and exclusive gaming content varying from mainstream to indie gaming to game designs and development. It is also a big yes for the game developers who consider it as a great platform for sharing their graphics and assets which can be used in the game development.

• Shacknews

After visiting this website, your definition of a blog and news will fade away as it is a great or you can say the comprehensive mixture of both gaming news and features. Despite so many blogs running the same news, it always somehow manages to pick up exclusive and new gaming angles.

• PC Gamer

As the name suggests, this gaming website is solely dedicated to PC gaming since last 20 years. It boasts expert reviews on the latest gaming gears, groundbreaking gaming news and strange new mods on the regular time intervals. They also organize some of the most popular yearly events on gaming such as PC Gaming Show and PC Gamer Weekender. These events are attended by people from the whole world.  Along with the game previews and daily updates on video, you can also find amazing gaming deals and some of the best hardware buying guides.

• Destructoid

It is one of the most awesome places to find all the incredible video game based blogs and the latest video game news. It is also believed as one of the best alternatives to mainstream gaming media. Destructoid posts dozen of articles each day and unlike any other gaming review website, it includes a digestible format and clear scoring system for reviews on recently launched games, console gaming, mobile titles, etc. Along with the video content, here you can also find a special section on movies and television, community blogs and much more.

• Nintendo life

Nintendo Life is a gaming website where you can find a wide range of Nintendo products including video games, software and other items. It covers on everything including Nintendo DSi, WiiWare, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DSm Wii, Wii U, and other classic titles which are re-released through its virtual console games. 

Here, you can find an in-depth article related to gaming culture of both past and present to the news articles on the upcoming products. It attracts approximately 800,000 unique users every month globally. Isn’t it a huge fan following? If you are a true Nintendo fan, then bookmark this website right now and say Nintendo Life!!

• GameFront 

Established in 1988, it is another very popular gaming website among gaming enthusiasts from every corner of Earth. It offers the biggest collection of PC gaming files on the cyberspace. You just have to choose the platform i.e. iOS, Android, PC, Sony PSP, Xbox, etc and then choose the genre like action, adventure, strategy, driving, arcade, simulation and others. Upon which a huge list of a brief overview, reviews, screenshots, news, cheats and downloadable files of the game will be presented to you. Recently, they have re-launched their website but still, you can visit their previous website for unlimited downloading.

• Rock, Paper, Shotgun

It is a UK-based gaming website which is completely dedicated towards reporting and discussion of all the biggest releases in video games, and video game journalism. Rock, Paper, Shotgun or RPS for short is also integrated with various platforms which offer players podcast services, SoundCloud and others. Moreover, if you are one of the game developers who is finding hard to feature your work which reaches to the world, then this gaming website is created just for you.

• GameFAQs

GameFAQs is one such website which frequently hosts contests, polls, frequently asked questions, walkthroughs and discussion forums on literally just every single video game ever made till date. This platform is loaded with various guides, cheat or secret codes, box art images, game information, game saves, reviews, screenshot and so much more. Its volunteers are the backbone of this website which provides all these guides or walkthroughs. If you are thinking to contribute to this platform and at the same time get paid for your work, then you can join them without any hassle. Before joining this website, it’s important for you to know that GameFAQs is well known for leaking all the spoilers related to games. SO join at your own risk.

• VideoGamer

You can easily point to VideoGamer as one of the most bustling communities of like-minded people and it is known for creating original, unique and fresh content related to gaming gears like controllers, mouse, keyboards, laptops, headsets, computers, and much more. It is also packed with numerous sections such as game trailers, expert game reviews, cheat codes, previews, video game news, and discussion forums. Apart from having an intuitive interface, they also host their own version of podcasts.

• The VideoGame Blog

It is another multi-format blog that is known for gaming headlines and offers a post that both the gamer as well as the people from the gaming industry finds it interesting. Clean design and clear writing make it stand out from the rest.

• UK Resistance

If you are the one who is used to view 20 news articles every day, then this website is not something for you; but if you are into Suzanne Shaw, Sega and Sony then this is a perfect match for you. UK resistance no ordinary blog but is a blog that you can consider so much fun that you’ll never ever drink coffee in front of your monitor while browsing it.

• Touch Arcade

This website is one of those platforms which is successfully and rightfully ruling the iPhone gaming industry offering hands-on previews and news related to all the games. It also boasts a bustling forum of developers who freely talk about their latest and popular games.

• Guardian Games Blog

Befitting to its name, this website is known for all the screenshots and press releases in favor of a more professional approach for opinions, interviews, and analysis. Often, you will find Guardian Games Blog thought-provoking and readable.

• VG247

It is one of the gaming blogs from the UK which recently scooped three gongs at the Games Media Awards. Their content delivery along with the writing is excellent which covers all the essential news filled with humor that every user just loves it.

• Joystiq

It is another heavyweight of the game blogging world which offers approximately dozens of posts every single day. It is filled with news stories and exclusive information which you may not find anywhere else. It is a very handy source for everyone who is intrigued by the word “gaming”.

• Gamasutra

This website focuses more on the business & art of making games. All the gaming professionals and aspirants love this website and it is perfect for you if you are seeking information and education about game development. It often posts articles related to art, programming, design, audio, marketing, and production of video games. There is also a dedicated page called “Find Jobs” where various game studios are allowed to post job opportunities related to games. Actually, some big names like Intel or Activision post their vacancy on a regular basis.

• GamingOnLinux

Windows and Mac maybe the widely used platforms by gamers but Linux has also steadily built a significant user base over the last decade. It is mostly because of Linux’s secured operating system. To meet all the gaming needs of Linux users, GamingOnLinux is right there which provides regular gaming updates, guides, and resources for playing games on Linux. They also host numerous discussions about playing games over Linux and other related topics over their active forum.  

• Game Informer

Like several other popular websites, initially, Game Informer was also started as a gaming magazine which later grew too big and is now leading from the front in the news world of digital gaming. It is one of the few companies, which still runs its print publication, however, its online edition boasts the largest subscriber base in the whole gaming industry. There are a lot of gamers from all over the world who believes Game Informer as the authority of gaming updates and news.

So this would be it!

Saying that today’s gaming industry has completely changed in the last decade won’t be wrong. Today online options have increased significantly for gamers and with this, remarkable changes have also been observed in the other but important aspect of gaming i.e. the communication. From print media to blogs, the platform may have changed but the way of communication somehow still remains the same. 

Obviously, there are various other gaming websites out there which we might have missed but we believe that the above-listed blogs are some of the amazing game-based content creators which you can bookmark right away. Still, if you feel that, we have not included your favorite blog them feel free to share it in the comment section below.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in game development then don’t worry, we have got your back. You can check out this “Game Development Masterpack“ which is a complete online tutorial teaching you all the concepts related to Ruby, Unity, and even VR Programming.

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