Gaming has had somewhat of a stigma around it for quite some time, with many people perceiving the entertainment medium as being for lonely blokes with nothing better to do, or young people. However, as gaming has grown, it’s become much more accessible to just about every demographic.
From 80-year-olds playing puzzle games on their tablets, to the most expansive new role-playing games available on consoles, you’d be hard-pressed to find a title that doesn’t capture your imagination. As just about every adult has a mobile phone that can access the internet or an app store, getting into gaming has never been easier.
Not only do games achieve their primary purpose of entertaining the user, but they have also proven to be able to reduce stress levels. In a study that looked at cognitive fatigue, it was found that, of three groups of people taking a break – some silent rest, guided relaxation activities, and playing games – only those who played games reportedly felt notably better after the break.
Using gaming to relax or relieve stress is becoming increasingly popular, particularly for people in high-intensity jobs. So, to help you get started on the fast-track to relaxation, here are some gaming options across all platforms for you to consider.
Table of Contents
Via your web browser
Image Source
Be it via your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, the most easily accessed source of relaxing games is through browser platforms. There are hundreds of web-based games that can be played with just a few clicks of the mouse or taps of your screen. Perhaps the best of these free online gaming platforms is Kongregate, which has a whole section of relaxing games to enjoy. The Unpuzzle series has proven to be a favorite of platform users, as have Hexologic and The Journey Home.
If those kind of browser games aren’t for you, there are other kinds of internet-based gaming platforms, with hundreds of games that all deliver the simple yet exciting gameplay that help you to unwind. One of these platforms is Betway, which offers hundreds of games to play, including Game of Thrones, Jurassic World, and classic table games. They also run a welcome offer to new players, matching the first deposit to double playing funds.
On a portable device
Image Source
Easily the best and most convenient console that’s out right now is that of the Nintendo Switch – particularly for people looking for games to help them relax. Being a hybrid console – able to be played on the TV or as a handheld device – it’s incredibly easy to whip out and get started on your favorite gaming title.
As games can be paused by simply locking the screen, you can squeeze in some gaming whenever you need to, regardless of how much time you have to fill. Among the favorites for relaxing games are Stardew Valley, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, Minecraft, Abzu, and Gris.
For even more convenient gaming, however, there are plenty of options on your mobile’s app store. If you’re an Apple user, perhaps the best place to look is the game subscription service, Apple Arcade, which boasts a tremendous library of games at no extra cost. If it’s just a quick app download that you’re after, though, check out Monument Valley, Alto’s Odyssey, Prune, or the old standby, Candy Crush.
As you can see, you already have easy access to a vast range of entertaining yet relaxing games that you can utilize whenever you need to unwind.
