IDEAS - GAMES 

Let's talk about games, shall we? We've been playing them for as long as we can remember - from ancient board games to modern video games - and they're always a source of entertainment, social connection, and fun. But did you know that games can also be important for living a life of playful vitality? Games can bring joy and happiness to your life in so many ways!

For starters, games are an amazing stress reliever. We all know that life can be challenging and stressful at times, and it's important to have ways to unwind and relax. Playing games can be the perfect way to escape from the stresses of daily life and get lost in a fun and engaging activity. Whether you're a solo gamer or love playing with friends, games can help you forget your worries and focus on having fun.

Games are also an opportunity for social connection. Playing games with others is a fantastic way to bond and build relationships. Whether it's a family game night, a board game cafe with friends, or an online game with players from around the world, games can bring people together and create a sense of community. Plus, playing games with others can also help you practice communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

And that's not all! games can be a source of creativity and inspiration. Many games require players to think outside the box, solve puzzles, and come up with creative strategies to win. Engaging in these types of activities can help develop your creativity and problem-solving skills, which can carry over into other areas of your life. Plus, playing games can also be a way to experience new worlds and ideas, sparking inspiration and imagination.

In addition to games, facilitated activities are a great way to explore connection & learning. Facilitated activities range from simple icebreakers or team building games to more complex activities like improvisation or role-playing. One of the best things about facilitated activities is that they help you step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Many activities involve taking risks or trying something you may not have done before, which can be a great way to build confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, facilitated activities often involve working with others, which can help you develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Facilitated activities can also help you explore different aspects of yourself and your personality. Activities that involve role-playing or improvisation can help you tap into your creative side and try out new ways of expressing yourself. Similarly, activities that involve introspection or self-reflection can help you gain insight into your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

So, how can you incorporate more games and activities into your life? Start by identifying what type of games and activities you enjoy playing. Then, get going! Attend a workshop, join a group, and seek out opportunities to play. Focus on having fun, connecting with others, and challenging yourself in new and exciting ways. Who knows, you might even discover a new passion or interest in the process.

CASE STUDIES 

Janet worked at a cosmetics company where she was constantly vexed by their dull and unproductive meetings. Every week she attended those meetings, and every week it was the same thing. People showed up, but no one was really present. It was like they were all just going through the motions.

Janet felt like she was wasting her time, so she decided to do something about it. She went to HR and convinced them to hire a meeting design consultant to help her make the meetings more structured and intentional. The consultant helped her introduce fun and engaging activities to the meetings, like brainstorming sessions, icebreakers, and team-building games.

At first, people were skeptical. They looked at her like she was crazy. But Janet persisted, and before long, her colleagues began to see the value in the new approach. They started to look forward to the meetings, excited to see what new games and activities Janet had planned for them.

The meetings began to change. They were more productive, more efficient, and more enjoyable. People were more engaged and attentive. Janet felt like she had finally made a breakthrough. She had cracked the code to the secret of engaging meetings.

PRACTICES 

  • Try inventing games to play by yourself or with a friend. As you play, modify the rules to make the game even better. 
  • Each time you offer an activity, try switching it up a little or adding a slightly different spice. The constant variation will keep you learning and growing. 
  • Look through activity 

RESOURCES 

SITES ​
BOOKS 
  • Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman 
  • A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster 
  • Fun and Games for the Whole Family: Over 250 Ideas to Liven Up Family Time by Trish Kuffner 
  • Family Games: The 100 Best by Paul Lamford 
  • The Family Game Night Book: 100 Fun and Easy Games for all Ages by Jennifer Storey 
  • The Everything Kids' Games & Puzzles Book: From Tag and Ping-Pong to Sudoku and Crosswords, Hours of Fun! by Amy Wallace 
  • Family Games: The Complete Guide to Playing Traditional Games with Rules, Strategies, and More! by Joelle Herr 
  • The Unofficial Guide to Family Game Night: Tips, Tricks and Strategies for Winning by Jennifer Storey 
  • The Big Book of Family Games: Over 400 Games for All Ages by John P. Weiss 
  • The Ultimate Guide to Family Games: Over 250 Games for All Ages by John P. Weiss 
  • The Family Board Game Book: From Pictionary to Trivial Pursuit, 150 Classic Games for All Ages by Mary and Tom Watson