From classic card games to relaxing online experiences, certain games are designed to support and even enhance our emotional health.
In a world that rarely slows down, taking care of your mental wellbeing has never been more essential. While meditation apps and therapy often take centre stage, an unexpected yet powerful ally is emerging in the digital (and offline) realm: games. From classic card games to relaxing online experiences, certain games are designed to support and even enhance our emotional health.
It’s not just about zoning out. Whether you're playing with physical cards around a table or clicking through calming online puzzles, games can play a crucial role in maintaining good mental well being. And it's not just opinion, there’s research to back it up.
A 2021 study published in JMIR Mental Health showed that casual video games can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety when played regularly, offering a low-barrier, accessible path to emotional balance.
Not all games are created equal. Some are specifically designed, or happily serve, the purpose of calming the mind, creating flow, and fostering a sense of control and accomplishment. Here are a few that stand out:
Solitaire (including narrative variations like Solitaire Home Story): Card-based gameplay helps build focus and regulate mood through repetition and achievable goals.
Kind Words: Write and receive letters of kindness anonymously. A digital pen pal system for empathy and soft emotional release.
Stardew Valley: Farming, foraging, and forming friendships at your own pace. Ideal for long, meditative play sessions.
Tetris Effect: Classic block-stacking combined with rhythm, colour, and music to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Calm or Headspace (App-Based): Interactive mindfulness tools that include game-like achievements and progress tracking.
Animal Crossing: Structure, community, and calm all in a brightly coloured world where nothing is urgent.
These games to help mental health are not about escaping life, but creating meaningful moments of calm within it.
If you’re looking for relaxing online games for anxiety, you’re not alone. Here are some of the most loved calm games online you can try right now:
Alto's Odyssey: Snowboarding through serene landscapes with a soft soundtrack.
Flow Free: Connect colours in clean, short puzzles for instant satisfaction.
Journey: A visually stunning exploration game that strips away competition for pure, gentle discovery.
Monument Valley: Solve architectural puzzles in a dreamlike world.
Solitaire Home Story: A blend of classic solitaire with a heartwarming narrative. Easy to learn, soothing to play, and punctuated with emotional progress as you help restore a family home. It’s a perfect example of games to calm anxiety online, offering short levels, no pressure, and a world that rewards gentleness and focus.
Gaming is powerful, but it’s part of a bigger picture. To maintain good mental well being, here are a few complementary habits:
Red Light Therapy: Known to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.
Better Sleep: A consistent routine, screen curfew, and relaxation before bed can greatly impact your emotional stability.
Exercise: Movement releases endorphins. Even a walk can lift your mood.
Exercise Your Mind: Play card games like solitaire or puzzles that make your brain work in low-stress ways.
Eat Well: Food is fuel for both body and mind. Balanced meals with enough hydration can improve energy and clarity.
When looking for calm games online or simple games to help mental health, Solitaire Home Story offers the best of both worlds. With its short, engaging levels and peaceful progression, it brings structure and relaxation together in a satisfying way. It’s not just a game, it’s a pause button for the day.
You can play at your own pace, with no log-ins, no stress, and, best of all, no ads. The characters, the soft design, and the simple gameplay all create a calming environment that helps you disconnect and recharge. It’s one of the few games that genuinely supports your mental well being while keeping you entertained.
So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just in need of a breather, consider choosing a game that does more than pass the time, choose one that gives something back to your mind.
Play smart. Play calm. And take care of yourself.