BY BORDI JAEN
DURING the advent of the 21st century, civilization advanced greatly as to improve on the ways to do nothing.
Specifically, it is getting increasingly difficult to part with our gadgets day and night; more so during the pandemic with online classes. It is no wonder that the consensus among students is that they feel more in the doldrums now more than ever.
To simply put it, while at home we lounge, use our phones or Netflix (a very familiar scene already). Fortunately, there are still things for us to do such as chores, gardening, exercise and homework (for the youth) but even these can get weary.
Then, what is there to do that could keep our mind flexible during these times?
Play cards – the simple, humble activity that has entertained humanity for the past millennium or so. It had its roots in 9th Century ancient China during the Tang dynasty and travelled to the Middle East and Europe via the Silk Road.
Playing cards is an easy, convenient activity that can be enjoyed by many people of all ages. It is too bad that nowadays cards are so heavily vilified because of the perfidiousness of gambling. Have we forgotten our beloved childhood games such as amo-amo and pares-pares?
Let us reclaim card playing as an endearing, actively played activity from the gambling dens. Why must cards not be encouraged in proper usage, anyway?
Studies have shown that people who play cards keep their mind sharp, especially among older folks. It improves the mental dexterity of the mind. Not only that, it is certainly great bonding with family and even friends (though I doubt in this time of pandemic) where one can share fits of laughter and rage in one sitting.
One classic card game, Solitaire, has been proven to alleviate anxiety and worry. Quoting Solitaired.com, “Solitaire is also a great game for calming the mind because it puts you into a light meditative state. This is especially true for those who tend to worry or suffer from anxiety frequently. Solitaire gives the mind something to focus on, particularly in times of low action when the opportunity to fret is high.”
Fun fact: Warren Buffet, one of the wealthiest men in the world, loves playing Bridge and other card games in his spare time. Bill Gates is one of Warren Buffet’s favourite playing partners, too. These men advertise and highly encourage playing cards for their benefits because playing cards is a great way to improve a person’s patience, concentration, discipline, math and logical thinking.
Don’t have anyone to play with? No problem! The official website of Bicycle (bicyclecards.com), the company that manufactures playing cards, lists a ton of games you can play alone or with two people or more. It lists card games from all across the globe. In total, there are as many as 1,000 to 10,000 various card games to try out (many are designed for the sole pleasure of playing cards only, so no gambling needed) so if you need a break from playing Solitaire or Tong-its, the internet has you covered on scores of different card games to play.
Playing cards certainly isn’t a forever solution to boredom but it is certainly much better than constantly lounging on our phones. The benefits of playing cards are proven and there. You really don’t need money on the table to enjoy cards when the game itself is enjoyable, more so with good company like your family.
Then again, cards can even be enjoyed in solitude. It is certainly much better than having to do without flexing our mental muscles.
During this pandemic where boredom strikes far and wide in unoccupied heads, let us keep our mind sharp by playing cards. The important thing to keep in mind though, especially when playing with other people, is ‘wag magiging pikon!/PN
