How To Avoid The Board Game Blues

BOARD GAME BLUES

It happens to everyone. We all have activities and hobbies that we love but sometimes feel like more of an obligation than a thing we are having fun doing. It’s normal, and sometimes the best option is to just step away and give yourself time to miss it. 

If that is not an option, or you’d rather not take time from something you love, then I have a few tips and tricks to help you combat what I like to call the board game blues.

WHAT ARE THE BOARD GAME BLUES?

In laymen’s terms, it’s that feeling you get when you sit down to play, and you would rather be doing anything else. It’s frustrating because you love playing games, so why do you feel like tearing your hair out when someone even mentions a game?

The answer is simple, you’re bored. I know that seems counter-intuitive because you do fun things like play games when you’re bored, so how can you be bored with fun? 

Well I am not a psychologist, so I cannot answer that, but what I can tell you is that you’re not alone. I have a standing Saturday night game night at my local game store. For three years, without fail, I go to the shop and I play board games or card games, from 7 pm to sometimes 2 in the morning. I have a consistent group of friends and loved ones I do this with and we always without fail, enjoy ourselves. There are sometimes though that I walk in and I just don’t even want to be there, and there was a period about a year and a half ago where I was struggling with a feeling of indifference towards games. Over time however, I found some great tips that worked wonders for myself and I am going to share them with you in the hopes of saving your game night as well.

TIPS AND TRICKS

I get it, you feel that pit in your stomach when someone mentions a game, and you find yourself constantly rejecting game suggestions. What do you do? Well, sometimes it’s as simple as a new game. Try something new, buy something no one has ever played before, and play it. Even if you don’t like it, you just might pull yourself out of the funk. Repetition is human nature, but it doesn’t mean it’s what you must live in. I’m as guilty as the next person about playing the same game till I’m sick of it. Just try and mix it up and see what happens.

Mixing it up didn’t work? Then you might have to take a more drastic approach. Sometimes just forcing yourself to start playing something kicks your night into gear. Other times you might change your strategy to a game completely. Sometimes I play a game and don’t even have the intention of winning, just trying something new. 

Another suggestion is to bring someone new to game night. Bring a friend or colleague, they can be brand new to games or a seasoned player, but sometimes a new face and a change in conversation can liven up a night. In the same vein, change the scenery. Go play at a different location, looking at the same four walls can get dull, change up the space, play at a friend’s house or a restaurant.

If all else fails though, take a break. It doesn’t mean the end of game night, you aren’t letting everyone down. You’re just a human that needs a break and that’s okay. 

CONCLUSION

The board game blues are a real thing. You shouldn’t be ashamed or mad at yourself for feeling them. The best way to combat them is to just change things up. Breakaway from your routine and try something new. To close this out, I’d like to remind you that if you are looking for a weekly game night, your local game shop is a great place to start looking. You can play tons of games and make new friends at the same time.

Nakoa Davis
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