Summary: To ensure a safe and enjoyable Family Day, these ergonomics tips can help reduce strain, improve comfort, and prevent muscle and joint aches while playing board games. Share these strategies with your team to promote a healthy and fun-filled weekend.
Family day is an odd holiday for many Canadians, especially since we’re more used to summer getaways to the beach or lake. But winter doesn’t have to stop the fun—it can be the perfect time for some cozy indoor activities like board games!. I’ve always enjoyed playing board games with my family, so I thought I’d share some light-hearted “ergo strategies” for conquering the world this weekend. (OK, I may be showing my competitive side.)
- Minimize reach
The strategy for winning a board game starts with planning. In a game where speed is critical, such as Dutch Blitz, make sure you have unhindered access to the action. If one corner of the table is more awkward, strategically leave it for your opponent—every little advantage helps!
- Optimize working height
We often pull chairs from other rooms for games night; if you’re strategic, you’ll choose one that allows you to sit, comfortably, with a great view of the entire game field. Avoid choosing the short chair, because a lower height might impair your line of sight and cause you to miss critical moves.
- Adjust your seat
We often play games at a harvest table with benches, but I’m but I’m certain that if I used a proper chair with a backrest, I’d win all the late-evening rounds when my opponents are attending to their aching backs.
- Minimize glare
Carefully consider where the light is coming from, and how the light will change as the game progresses. Plot to seat your opponents facing the window – having the sun in their eyes can only help you. Test drive each seat at the table before the games begin, to find the spot where overhead lights do not create glare on the board. If you’re playing a game that requires colour discrimination, like Rummikub or Corsari, or assembling a puzzle, you’ll need more light than a typical games room. Sit on the bright side of the room.
- Optimize line of sight
Some games have strategic spots on the board, such as “Park Place” in Monopoly. Keep an eye on those spots by seating yourself, or positioning the board, so you’ll have unobstructed view at all times. Similarly, when setting up a board for Scrabble or Rummikub, make sure the chips face you – your brain can work faster and more efficiently if it doesn’t have to read upside down and backward! Working on a puzzle? Invest in a tilted puzzle table to save your neck.
- Choose the best vision correction for the game
If you’ll be looking down at your cards, and gauging your opponent’s poker face across the table, you’ll need near and distance vision. I typically wear reading glasses for close, and contacts for distance, so these types of games require me to find my multifocal glasses, or risk a serious loss. If you’re trying to protect your own poker face, it might be time to whip out the shades.
- Choose the best gloves and PPE
Having a snowball fight? Give yourself an advantage by choosing gloves that keep your hands warm without impairing dexterity. Playing Twister? Grippy socks to the rescue!
- Support your arms
If the task requires precision, such as Kerplunk, provide comfortable, cushioned support your elbows or forearms.
- Pace yourself
Your body will thank you for taking a stretch break every half hour or so!
10. Playing with kids?
Teach them about ergonomics by reviewing this article and letting them choose their “ergo” advantages!
Share these ergonomic tips with your colleagues, friends, and family, to promote health and safety during Family Day board games. Let’s make this weekend both fun and comfortable for everyone!”
Favourite games mentioned in this article:
https://dutchblitz.com/shop-2/
Corsari (an old card game that we play but is hard to find to purchase ☹ Corsari – Game Centre Nz)
https://shop.hasbro.com/en-us/product/monopoly-classic-game/7EABAF97-5056-9047-F577-8F4663C79E75
https://shop.hasbro.com/en-ca/product/twister/C71921FA-5056-900B-10D3-25880E1E5284
https://shop.mattel.com/en-ca/products/kerplunk-game-37092-en-ca