10 health benefits of board games

Those old board games that collect dust on the top of your cupboards could be the key to keeping your mind active and sane while staying out of society during the coronavirus pandemic. Board games entertain and bring people together through competitive and cooperative play. Some of the most popular board games are Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Tick tack Toe, Carroms, Cards and many more.

 However, board games are more than just entertainment. In fact, these games have a beneficial impact on health in many ways at all ages.

 

Here are the top 10 health benefits of board games:

 

Have time and feel great: Laughing is one of the benefits of playing board games. Having a good laugh has been shown to boost endorphins, which are chemicals that cause us to feel happy. Laughter and play can foster empathy, compassion, and trust in others.

 

Family time: It may seem impossible to sit down with family without interruptions in your home because everyone has different responsibilities that push them in opposite directions. However, playing games with your children or friends is a great way to spend time together while also learning new skills. Playing a strategy game after a family meal is a great way to bond with your family while also getting closer to them.

 

Memory formation and cognitive skills: Playing a board game with your children allows them to practice important cognitive skills such as problem-solving. Playing board games is especially beneficial to the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These brain regions are in charge of complex thought and memory formation. Even in old age, board games help the brain retain and build cognitive associations.

 

Reduces the risk of mental diseases: One of the primary advantages of playing board games is that it lowers the risk of cognitive declines such as those associated with dementia and Alzheimer's. Keeping your mind engaged means you're working on it and making it stronger. A stronger brain is less likely to lose its power.

 

Lowers blood pressure: In addition to making you laugh and increasing endorphins, they can help you lower or maintain your blood pressure. This release of endorphins allows muscles to relax and blood to circulate, lowering blood pressure. High blood pressure raises the risk of artery damage, heart disease, and stroke.

 

Accelerate your responses: Get a board game like chess, checkers, or monopoly, and you might be able to find those difficult-to-find car keys without having to search the entire house. Researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada tested two groups' ability to search for and find an object; their findings revealed that study participants who regularly played video games were far faster at locating the target than those who did not.

 

Reduce stress: A healthy distraction, such as playing board games, is always beneficial because it is an excellent way to kick back and relax. According to an online survey conducted by RealNetworks, Inc., a casual games developer, 64 percent of respondents said they play games to unwind and relax, and 53 percent play to relieve stress.

 

Increases your immune system: Negativity, depression, and stress have all been shown in studies to reduce your ability to fight disease. Positive emotions and thoughts, such as the laughter and enjoyment that always accompany board games, help to prevent these effects by releasing chemicals that fight stress and boost your immune system. A simple board game could give rise to'survival genes' and activate them in your brain, extending the life of brain cells and aiding in disease prevention.

 

Child development: Board games play a crucial function in a child's health and brain development. Board games assist youngsters acquire logic and reasoning abilities, as well as critical thinking and spatial reasoning. Encouraging children to play various sorts of board games can help them develop linguistic and communication abilities, as well as attention skills and the capacity to concentrate and focus for extended periods of time.

 

Therapy treatment: Many board games necessitate the use of fine motor skills to pick up or move pieces, which requires both coordination and dexterity. Regular exercise and activity help to enhance these fundamental skills, which is critical for youngsters, persons with mental or physical impairments, the elderly, and those recuperating from injuries. Board games are extremely beneficial when used in occupational therapy treatments, as well as in locations such as special needs schools, to aid enhance muscle and nerve function over time.

 

Pranalink team wishes you good health and is working hard to provide health information to make your stay at home a little more enjoyable. Start giving board games as more than just a gift to your dear ones so that they can also enjoy pleasant moments. 

Can You Be Healed by Sound Waves?

 

Sound Healing: Music has an emotional impact.

It has been said that music was never invented or found, but is something that we all have inherently. As a result, it is not surprising that for ages, music has been employed to help heal a variety of illnesses.

Music is utilized for a variety of purposes, including entertainment, expressiveness, celebration, ritual, relaxation, and communication. Whether we like it or not, music unifies people of all cultures, beliefs, and corners of the planet. 

Sound healing traces back to ancient Greece.

Apollo was the god of music as well as medicine. Aesculapius used songs to treat mental illnesses. Plato and Aristotle, philosophers, argued that music has an effect on the soul and emotions. Hippocrates also played music for his patients.

Music therapy was evident in temples in Ancient Egypt. Instruments were utilized in biblical times to expel evil spirits from human souls. Native American culture employs music and dance to treat the ill.

It is still employed in the realms of medical and spiritual development. While it is seen as an alternative to contemporary medicine, a significant volume of research suggests that it is beneficial, and vital, to our emotional and psychological well-being. Music therapy or sound healing has roots in both neuroscience and psychology. 

What Exactly Is Sound Healing?

Sound healing is the technique by which a practitioner employs music to enhance their patient's emotional, psychological, spiritual, physical, social, mental, and superficial health. The sound may be used to heal in a variety of ways. Patients may listen to or sing along with music, do improvised musical acts, meditate, chant, or play musical instruments.

Can You Be Healed by Sound Waves?

When sound waves reach our ears, they are transformed into electrical impulses that proceed up the auditory nerve into the auditory cortex, the area of the brain responsible for sound processing. When sound waves reach our brains, they cause physical reactions. This process modifies our emotions, causes hormones to be released, and sets off specific impulses. Music has been shown in brain research to increase productivity and creativity. It can also help us relax and feel better.

What Are the Advantages of Sound Therapy?

Our emotions ignite when we listen to cheerful or joyful music, or when we listen to profound, mournful tunes, and can help us better analyse our sentiments.Those who listen to music report less pain and anxiety than those who do not. Because sounds have varied frequencies and we create our own waves, sound therapy occurs by matching frequencies to those that are beneficial to healing and relaxation.

Sound Healing's Effects

Disorders that have been shown to be improved by sound healing, include:

Autism, Depression, Disabilities in learning, Anxiety, Stress, PTSD, and Pain

It can also result in:Clarity and equilibrium, Relaxation, Memory, and improved focus, improved sleep, a more powerful immune system, increased creativity, heightened awareness of oneself and one's surroundings.

Sound healing treatment may be utilized with any type of music. You do not have to spend a fortune to harness the power of sound and music. Put on your preferred playlist the next time you feel low. You will notice immediately a difference in your mood.

There is also the placebo effect to consider. If you feel something will help you heal faster, it will inevitably do so.

Instruments Used in Sound Healing

Examples of Different types of sound healing

What does a typical session entail?

Sessions may vary depending on the practitioner and the purpose.  Participants in sessions such as sound baths and vibrational treatment sit or lie down in a comfortable position, often wearing an eye mask or blanket. Bowls are frequently put on the body and around the head. Try starting with easy breathing techniques to help quiet your mind and redirect your emphasis to listening.

Different types of YOGA

 

Yoga needs no introduction. It is very popular and is performed all over the world. On the other hand, yoga can have different meanings for different people. Some people think of yoga as a form of exercise while others think of yoga as a practice of mental meditation. Yoga, on the other hand, is more than all of this. Yoga, in its most basic form, is about finding meaning in life through reflection. To some, this may seem harsh and insignificant, but in reality, practicing yoga can help you achieve great results as an ordinary person and overcome the difficulties of everyday life.

The Origins of Yoga

Yoga dates back over 5000 years to northern India. The word “yoga” first appeared in the ancient scriptures, the Rig Veda. Rishis (sages) improved and developed yoga by documenting their practices and views in the Upanishads, a vast work of more than 200 sutras.

Yoga comes in many forms and serves different people. To get the most out of all these yoga styles, you need to know what yoga style you are doing and always consider which one is best for your needs. Here is a list of the most common types of yoga you should be aware of.

1. Karma Yoga
2. Raja Yoga
3. Bhakti Yoga
4. Mantra Yoga
5. Jnana Yoga
6. Tantric Yoga
7. Hatha Yoga

• Vinyasa
• Kundalini
• Ashtanga
• Eyengar
• Bikram

1. Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on doing good deeds. Giving one’s time, effort, and kindness to others without expecting anything in return or personal gain. This entails taking action without waiting for compensation, confirmation or approval. These can be small acts of compassion, such as picking up trash, repairing broken signs, or rescuing drowning bugs from puddles that run unnoticed. Karma yoga is the most humble form of yoga because it focuses on working for the greater good.

2. Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on the mind. It focuses on the intellectual, emotional and intuitive aspects of personality. Its purpose is to help people reach their true potential through true understanding. This requires that we move from sensory experience to enlightenment and exalt the lower mind to the higher. It is said to awaken psychic powers and lead us to a state of self-awareness. It also includes reflection and meditation. It is best done with hatha yoga, which prepares the body for deep meditation. Raja Yoga is a great way to see things in perspective.

3. Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on devotion and love to the Supreme, God or Guru. It is determined by the development of a loving and lasting personal relationship with your loved one in whatever form you accept it. It is truly universal and surpasses all religions by the power of love!

4. Mantra Yoga

Mantra Yoga is a form of yoga based on the vibrations of the fundamental sounds of the universe. Mantras are spiritually charged Sanskrit words and phrases. Focus on reciting them and singing (called japa). Ultimately, this will lead to the dissolution of the outer world, which can lead to unity with the universe.

5. Jnana Yoga

The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom is known as Jnana Yoga. This is a yoga of self-discovery and questions like “Who am I?” To admit that we don’t know everything, without preconditions or assumptions, and to go inward into every decision. In Jnana Yoga, we pay attention to our higher selves and are intuitively guided by decisions that are understood, felt, and experienced as truth, rather than being “taught” academically. Ultimately, we identify and separate from the self, remaining the true self.

6. Tantric Yoga

Tantric Yoga is also known as Energy Yoga. The basic goal is to achieve complete union by bringing the duality of the feminine (Shakti) and male (Shiva) forces within ourselves into a state of nonduality. Tantra is frowned upon in some regions of the East and is not considered a form of yoga.

Tantra is a style of yoga that combines a variety of practices to study the inner universe through the human body, including mantra meditation, visualization, mudras, pranayama, and initiation. The cultivation and development of kundalini energy is the primary emphasis of these Tantric techniques and ceremonies. When the kundalini energy is activated, it is urged to flow up the nadis and chakras until it reaches the crown chakra, where it will “spill from the top” and cause Samadhi, or enlightenment.

7. Hatha Yoga

Finally, Hatha Yoga is yoga that balances the body and the subtle body. “Ha” means sun and “ta” means moon. It is a recently popular form of yoga in Western culture, defined as an asana (postures or poses). Hatha yoga also includes mudra (hand movements) and pranayama (breathing exercises) (breathing control). The goal is to balance the chakras and energy centers throughout our body.

. Hatha Yoga has various subcategories (those “subgenres” mentioned earlier). This is the most widely used style of hatha yoga today.

• Vinyasa -Vinyasa yoga is a popular yoga style that combines pranayama with a continuous flow of asanas. As a process of life, each sequence is unique and constantly changing.
• Kundalini -Kundalini Yoga awakens deactivated Kundalini energy at the base of the spine and flows upward through the chakras. It includes singing, vigorous dancing and vigorous breathing.
• Ashtanga -Ashtanga Yoga is an energetic form of yoga that includes a variety of postures. To train and master the body, asanas are linked with breathing, turning them into advanced level asanas.
• Eyengar — B.K.S. Iyengar has developed Iyengar yoga, which is a different style of hatha yoga. It is suitable for people of various body types and abilities by using props such as blocks, cushions, and straps.
• Bikram — Bikram yoga, often known as “hot yoga”, is performed in an enclosed space heated to high temperatures and humidity. It is a new type of yoga that removes impurities from sweat.

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Tai Chi and its benefits

The term "chi" refers to the source of life. It's known as "prana" in yoga, "life force of breath" in Pilates, and "consciousness teachings of the genesis of movement" according to Feldenkrais.

While the spellings of Tai Chi Chuan, T'ai Chi Ch'üan, and Taijiquan vary due to different Eastern and Western dictionaries, the pronunciations are all the same. "Tai" is pronounced like "tie" in English, and "chi" is pronounced like "cheese," but without the final "s."

History

Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art. According to one legend, the emperor Yang awoke one morning in his bedroom after a sleepless night during a time when his country was at war. He gazed out the window at the scenery below when the window shutters were opened and the curtains were drawn.

He witnessed a struggle between a snake and a crane. The snake walked slowly and cautiously on the ground, and because it is long and has a low center of gravity, it had the benefit of covering a big area.

The crane did not flee, but instead expanded its wings and danced around the snake in a balletic manner. Both creatures advanced in slow motion and neither struck with a sharp attack.

The discipline of Tai Chi was adopted into the realm of martial arts to underline the Asian emphasis on slow, deliberate, meditative movement that becomes more defensive — rather than attacking — as a result of this observation of the natural world of animals. This is why, unlike some other Asian martial arts disciplines, Tai Chi is not practiced hastily or aggressively.

Few health benefits of Tai chi

Prevents falls

Numerous recent high-quality research studies have repeatedly shown that Tai Chi is useful in reducing the risk of falling and preventing falls.

This is because Tai Chi entails:

A shift in your weight-bearing, weight-transfer, and base of support

Participants may be required to take a larger or smaller step, or even stand on one leg. The intended weight redistribution creates challenges to improve balance.

Clearance at the toes

Participants are constantly urged to take a step with their toes pointed up towards themselves during Tai Chi lessons, landing with their heels first. This aids in the development of excellent walking habits by strengthening the muscles that prevent the toes from snagging on the floor, which can lead to falls.

Change in direction

In Tai Chi sessions, participants move forward, backward and sideways. These are the instructions needed for everyday actions such as hanging clothes on the line, moving along the kitchen bench to complete jobs, and taking a step backward in busy settings. The ability of the body to adjust to directional shifts improves with repeated practice.

Leg muscle strength is improved.

Most motions in a Tai Chi lesson are done standing up, occasionally even with a mini-squat. It's a low-intensity lower-limb workout in and of itself to finish the session.

Improves mental concentration, visualization, and coordination.

Because Tai Chi movements are not instinctive, they will take some time to master and may feel strange at first. To perform, one must concentrate on studying the movements, then visualize and coordinate the arms and legs. In our latter years, this can aid in the training or maintenance of mental focus, as well as the ability to visualize and coordinate movements.

It aids in the reduction of blood pressure.

People with high to normal blood pressure showed a substantial decrease in blood pressure after exercising 50 minutes of Tai Chi three times a week for 12 weeks, according to research. A beneficial influence on blood pressure can have a cascading effect on cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Another advantage of Tai Chi for the elderly is that it improves balance.

Reduces the risk of fractures by preventing bone demineralization.

Regular exercise is one of the most effective strategies to build your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Loading strengthens bones, and Tai Chi includes motions that demand the body to bear weight and hold its weight in various situations. Even if you currently have osteoporosis, exercise can help you retain your bone mass and prevent or halt additional bone loss. Fractures are less likely if your bones are stronger.

Reduces anxiety and regulates stress.

The effects of abdominal breathing, chest expansions, and slow, deep breaths are immediate. This can aid in the reduction of tension and anxiety, making it a useful kind of exercise for both our physical and emotional well-being.

Low-risk, easy-to-access, and low-cost

Tai Chi courses are designed to be low- to moderate-intensity, making them suitable for most elders also.

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Sound gong Bath

 

When you hear the term "gong," what comes to mind?

Images of Buddhist monasteries or a strong guy winding up to strike a huge metal disc may be featured. If you heard the sound that emanates from a well-played gong, you would undoubtedly be surprised.

The sensation of sound waves flowing through your body is unlike anything else, in addition to the mystical sound and wide-ranging harmonies.

A gong may be a very efficient tool to attain a meditative state as well as reestablish bodily equilibrium due to the unique qualities of sound. The best way to reap the benefits of these effects is to take a “gong bath.”

What is a gong bath, and what are the benefits of taking one?

A gong bath is a sort of meditation in which you lie down in front of an antique instrument and "bathe" in its sound and vibrations. Gong baths are especially useful for persons with busy brains and lives who want to relax completely and quickly.

What is the scientific basis behind gong?

Sound is both something you can hear and something you can feel — it is a physical force. The gong's sound can entrain your brain patterns to the theta state, which is connected with meditation.

Sound waves activate the parasympathetic nervous system, eliciting a relaxation response and restoring balance to your body through a process known as sympathetic resonance.

Every portion of your body vibrates at a natural frequency, which may be pushed out of whack by stress, sickness, and other things. A complete variety of frequencies is produced by high-quality gongs.You may retune your own frequency to its most ideal level by exposing yourself to this range.

Sound meditation has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve physical tension, increase mood, and improve attention and focus, among other benefits.

Why should you consider a Gong Bath?

The nicest aspect about a gong bath is that it is accessible to everybody with no prior experience, change of clothing, technology, or special talents. Because "it just happens to you," some individuals describe a gong bath as an effortless kind of meditation.

Many deniers and hyperactive people (even children!) have attended gong classes and been pleasantly pleased by the instant impacts and the extent to which they were able to relax.

The benefits build up over time, so the more you go, the more you'll feel at ease.

Why not try gong meditation the next time you're dealing with a stressful situation?

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Mandalas and Meditation

Mandalas and meditation by Pranalink

Mandalas are used as a meditation tool to help create a sacred space in a number of spiritual traditions. The symmetrical shape of the mandala immediately draws one’s attention to the centre. The design of the mandala occupies the mind, enabling buzzing ideas to drift away and aiding trance induction and meditation. The design is something that should be thought about again and over until it is saturated. In nature, a mandala is hypnotic. Allowing the creative (right side) hemisphere of our mind to work more freely allows our analytical mind to relax.

The following are the stages of meditating with a mandala:

1. Choose a Mandala that you enjoy or understand the meaning of.

2. Set an intention before focussing on anything.

3. After you’ve selected your goal, start focusing on the mandala.

4. Allow your mind to wander as it pleases while taking in the beauty of the patterns. If your mind wanders (for example, I need to do laundry or pick up the kids), simply redirect your attention to the beauty of the mandala.

5. Participate in the mandala.

6. Allow it to take up all of your time and attention.

7. As you enter the mandala, you will begin to feel lighter, and intuitive thoughts may arise.

8. When you start to feel disoriented, uncomfortable or hear the “chatter,” simply restore your attention to meditating with the mandala. When you meditate, you’ll feel calmer and have a greater grasp of the intention you set before you began.

Coloring a Mandala

Another kind of mandala meditation involves creating or coloring your own mandala. When we paint, color, or make mandalas, our creative brain may come out to play. It has the ability to produce a state of altered consciousness in which we may engage in constructive healing while also learning a lot about ourselves and our lives.

Mandala Coloring Has Health Benefits

The act of coloring a mandala may have a more profound effect on you than you think. According to Marygrace Berberian, a professional art therapist and Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU, coloring reduces anxiety, boosts awareness, and improves concentration. Many individuals believe that coloring mandalas add a new level of complexity to coloring. Therefore:

1. Improves Concentration: While concentrating on the process of coloring, mandalas assist your brain switch off the constant stream of ideas or noise in your head. It may help you focus on and develop those ideals in your life if you have a personal significance for the mandala.

2. Anxiety is reduced: When you sketch, free-floating concern disappears, much as it does when you meditate.

3. Tension Relief: Coloring relaxes both your body and mind, allowing you to let go of the stresses of the day. This frees up the mind to think about pleasurable things.

4. Promotes Mindfulness: Your brain participates in mindfulness while it focuses on the work at hand.

5. Encourages the expression of creativity: Coloring pre-made mandalas creates a safe space for creative expression. This might be beneficial for people who enjoy creating art but lack the skills or confidence to do so.

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Healing Crystals by Pranalink

 Crystals are found all over the world and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Many are spectacular, but others may go unnoticed until you discover how valuable they are. It's beneficial to be aware of their dark secrets and magical skills. Crystals, among other things, have the ability to beautify, heal, protect, divine, materialize and transmute & shift energy.

Activation and maintenance of crystal

Crystals are excellent at absorbing both negative and positive vibrations from the air and people around them since they absorb and release energy.

As a result, a crystal may carry the energy of everyone who has handled it before you, as well as the energy of the regions where it has spent time when you first buy or receive it.

Crystals should be cleansed, recharged, and activated before being used for certain purposes. A crystal must first be activated and configured before it can function. Wear the crystal, place it on your body as needed, store it somewhere prominent, or simply keep it in your pocket.

Crystal Healing and Energy Boosting

Crystal healing, like the usage of crystals for energy improvement, is becoming more popular as a method of harnessing crystal energy. Although most crystals have therapeutic properties for the body, emotions, mind, and spirit, not all of them work on all levels, so choose based on your needs and objectives. Because crystals have varied effects on different people, you must choose the one that is best for you. Although allowing yourself to intuitively choose your crystal typically pulls you to the crystal that is seeking to join your life as support, there are excellent books available to help you decide which crystals to utilize for your intended purpose. The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian is a fantastic reference book for those of you who prefer to use a book.

The stone may suck negative energy away, which can then be replenished with positive energy. You can wear the crystal all the time or lay it on your body for 15 minutes at the site of sickness or obstruction. It can also be placed in any location in your home. Chakras and accompanying organs will be stimulated, cleansed, and aligned, and chakras will be linked if necessary. Natural healing energy is found in chakra stones and crystals, and it resonates with the bioenergy of each chakra. Although crystals connected with chakras are not limited to these colors, each chakra has its own color. The simplest approach to enjoy crystal therapy is to place a crystal of the appropriate hue on each chakra for 15 minutes. The chakras are balanced and the bodies are recharged as a result of this. Choose a time when you are free of distractions and can relax, as it works best when you are in a calm, receptive state of mind. Various crystals and stones can resonate with different chakras; use your intuition to find the healing crystals and stones that are perfect for you.

Examples of colors and stones typically associated with each chakra are as follows:

1. Base: Color - Red or black; Stones - Black agate, black kyanite, black onyx, black sapphire, bloodstone, garnet, mookaite, hematite, etc.

2. Sacral: Color - Orange; Stones - Carnelian, unakite, orange calcite, sunstone, etc.

3. Solar Plexus: Color – Yellow; Stones – Citrine, amber, tigers eye, pyrite, yellow jasper, yellow topaz, etc.

4. Heart: Color – Pink or green; Stones – Rose quartz, emerald, green aventurine, rhodonite, amazonite, green jade, etc.

5. Throat: Color – Blue; Stones – Aquamarine, amazonite, turquoise, blue lace agate, etc.

6. Brow: Color – Purple or navy blue; Stones – Iolite, amethyst, sodalite, lapis lazuli

7. Crown – Color –Violet or white; Stones – Clear Quartz, selenite, lepidolite, sugilite, white agate, etc.

The Chakra Healing

Chakras are energy centres that connect the physical body to the subtle bodies that make up the bio magnetic sheath that surrounds it. Each of these subtle bodies has its own imprinted patterns and DNA, as well as a blueprint that impacts the physical body and the energetic meridians that run through it. The physical body and emotions become out of balance when the chakras or subtle bodies become obstructed. To encourage energetic balance and alignment, place a suitable crystal on the corresponding chakra.

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