Starting and running a business can be stressful, so it’s important to find effective ways to unwind at the end of each day. Games can be a perfect option, especially if you find options with relaxing sounds and visuals, unlike the adventure games, violent video games, and exciting escape room team building games you may be used to. Here are some options to start playing.
Why You Should Play a Relaxing Game to Relieve Stress
At the end of a busy day, gaming can be the perfect way to de-stress. Here are some specific benefits to consider:
- Release feel-good chemicals: Gaming is often enjoyable, which relieves stress. It also provides rewards, which can release dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain.
- Focus on an ultimate goal: As you work toward the objective of your game, your focus is drawn away from the stressors of your business and daily life. This can be almost meditative and get you into a focused flow state.
- Challenge your brain: Games are meant to be enjoyable, but they also present challenges. So you can feel good about spending time in this way, instead of feeling guilty for laying in front of the TV all night.
- Socialize with other players: Some video games are multi-player, but even if you play on your own, others in your office may also enjoy these games. So they may serve as a team-building exercise for virtual teams.
Best Relaxing Games of 2022
The best relaxing games may vary depending on what you consider chill. But these games usually feature simple jigsaw puzzles or navigating simple worlds instead of rushing through stressful scenes or participating in violent gameplay. If you’re looking for the most relaxing games to play online, on game consoles, or on your mobile device, here are some options that are popular in 2022.
1. Tetris
Tetris is the classic game where you fit objects of different shapes together. There are online versions and mobile apps for nearly every device. You can even work up to the level that best suits your skills and the type of challenge you’re looking for.
2. Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing is a social simulation game by Nintendo. The game’s graphics include cute characters that you move through a village and collect resources in a slow paced environment. This game is available on Nintendo consoles and mobile devices, so you can just relax on your phone at the end of the day.
3. Stardew valley
The objective of Stardew Valley is to run an old family farm. The graphics are simple and you can even decorate your home and customize the character to your preferences. The goal is to learn how to live off the land and run a successful farm. But there’s no stressful time limit or obstacles to navigate. The game is available for Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Gog, and mobile app stores.
4. Unpacking
Players of Unpacking take items out of boxes and find the best places for them in a new space. It’s designed to help you create satisfying and zen living spaces. And it’s available on various gaming platforms. It’s available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Gog, and more.
5. Townscaper
Townscaper lets players build a quaint island town, placing streets, canals, and even a night sky in visually pleasing ways. There’s no timeline or objective, so you can build in whatever way best suits you. It’s available on Android and iOS, as well as Gog and Steam.
6. Power Wash Simulator
If you’ve ever pressure washed a driveway or siding, you know how satisfying it can be to watch all that dirt get removed. PowerWash Simulator creates this sensation in a digital game for Steam and the Apple App Store.
7. SuchArt
If you find painting to be relaxing, try SuchArt. The game simulates mixing colors, brushing, spraying, and various other techniques that you can try at your own pace.
8. Cat Goes Fishing
Cat Goes Fishing is an incredibly chill game for Windows and Android phones. The player is a cat whose goal is to catch as many fish as possible. It’s a slow moving, calming experience that offers multiple challenge levels.
9. Donut County
Donut County is the ideal title for a game where you play as a hole in the ground. Each level includes different stories, and you basically solve puzzles to grow bigger and collect more items. It’s available on Steam, Gog, PlayStation, and the Apple and Mac App Stores.
10. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a puzzle game full of 3D pieces and optical illusions. The visuals are interesting yet relaxing. And it’s available in the App Store, Google Play, and Apple Arcade.
11. Katamari Damacy
Katamari Damacy is a 3D puzzle game that involves rebuilding the sky, moon, and all the stars. It’s available on multiple gaming consoles, including Nintendo Switch and Play Station.
12. Aquation
From the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Aquation is a game where you virtually improve freshwater access around the world. You can select a region and then use various tools to address concerns and create a watery world.
13. A Short Hike
If you love the outdoors, A Short Hike can provide a virtual version. The game, which is on a variety of gaming consoles, lets you explore various landscapes and even interact with other hikers.
14. Slime Rancher
Slime Rancher is a first-person game where you attempt to wrangle cute, slimy life forms in a futuristic world. This game may be for you if you enjoy colorful visuals and a good story. There’s even a sequel coming later this year. The game is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
15. House Flipper
If you’ve ever wanted to be an HGTV star, House Flipper lets you virtually renovate houses without all the pressure. You can show off your own unique preferences or take risks in your decor that you wouldn’t in the real world. This game, which is available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, includes realistic gameplay, and the objective is to earn tons of money with each sale.
16. Mini Metro
Mini Metro is a strategic game that gets you thinking without being overwhelming. It also includes very simple visuals, ideal for minimalists. The objective is to draw subway lines for a city. Then as the city grows, you redraw lines to accommodate the new population. It’s available on traditional consoles, desktops, and mobile app stores.
17. Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is a game where you wreak havoc as a goose. The visuals are simple and the virtual world is easy to navigate. It’s fun for those who like some light-hearted fun. There’s even a two-player version available if you want to enjoy playing with friends or family members. It’s available for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac.
18. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Available on XBox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is an open world adventure game that features an interesting environment with various landscapes. You immerse yourself in the world and can participate in various hobbies like fishing, crafting, and cooking.
19. Gris
Gris is a game full of artistic images that evolve as you work through the game. There’s no violence or stressful situations throughout the game, and it’s available on numerous consoles and mobile devices, including Mac, Windows, and Nintendo Switch.
20. Flower
Flower is all about nature and poetry. You move through various landscapes and collect flower petals as you go. The gameplay swings between lush fields and urban landscapes as you relax and focus on the movements. It’s available for PC, PlayStation, and the iOS App Store.
21. Wattam
Available on PC and PlayStation, Wattam is a simulation game full of goofy characters and visuals. You start as a whimsical character and meet other unique objects throughout the game. Together, you solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and just see what silly things come across your screen. You can play solo or activate multiplayer mode to play with friends virtually or in the same room.
Find the Most Relaxing Games for Your Chill Time
If you’re looking for a way to sit and relax after a long week, a chill game can be the ideal activity. The games listed above include interesting visuals, ambient music, and themes that don’t add to the stress of running a business.
What is the most relaxing game?
There are several relaxing games that can help you chill at the end of a long day. Tetris is likely the most well-known example. However, if you want something more involved, consider a game like Flower or Gris.
Image: Depositphotos
This article, “21 Relaxing Games for Relieving Stress” was first published on Small Business Trends
