Did anyone else see that youtube video of Matthew McConaughey calling virtual bingo for a retirement home? I wasn’t even playing and it had a positive effect on me. Why is that? Research shows that playing games has many positive benefits, including builds better relationships, boosts moods, increases happiness, helps us become more courageous, changes how we think and act in life, increases willpower and resilience, and keeps us more committed to our goals.
While we are spending more time at home I’ve been noticing posts of people doing puzzles and playing boards games. This resurgence in playing games reminded me of a Ted Talk I watched a while back given by Jane McGonigal. She’s a video game designer and wrote a book called Super Better where she introduces the idea that by gamifying your goals and making positive change more fun, you are ultimately more successful.
What is Gamification?
Gamifying is turning a goal or task into a game in order to motivate yourself to do it. Gamification works because it creates a feeling of being rewarded each time we accomplish something — however small it may be (remember how good it felt to get a gold star?) It’s powerful stuff. When harnessed to do you some good, gamification makes for an excellent ally to reach your goals.
It’s likely you are already gamifying some areas of your life. If you use a fitness tracking tool or a meditation or movement app it is probably using some form of gamification to keep you on track. The reward doesn’t have to be great, it can be as simple as a high-five (real or virtual). How can you bring more game play into your daily wellness habits and goals? Take a moment to write down a few ideas. Hit reply and share them with me. I’d love to hear what you come up with.
Now, let’s have some fun.
I made you an Ayurveda Daily Habits Bingo Card. Think of a reward you can give yourself, get friends and family to play with you and let me know how it goes.
Be well,
Kate