It sounds like a contradiction doesn’t it. How can games sharpen your mind and calm it at the same time?
Simple online games such as solitaire are proven to improve concentration and memory, thus sharpening your mind. At the same time the games have a calming effect, as the duration you are playing you are solely focused on that one activity and all the thoughts racing around your head disappear for a while, thus it has a calming effect.
For me it’s a win win. My Nan had Alzheimer’s and I’m always keen to to do things that keep the cogs turning, especially if they improve memory function. Likewise being a busy mum and running my own business, switching off and down time can be hard to find. Online games are great for a quick power 5 minutes, where I can switch off from the noise and simultaneously train my brain.
These are a few of my favourite games to play online that improve my cognitive skills and reduce anxiety.
MahJong
I love a game of Mahjong, especially ones with different tile themes like this cute circus one, and where you can change the layout of the tiles to add more variety. A brilliant game for improving your memory.
Klondike
Based on solitaire but I much prefer it to standard solitaire as I find it a bit more challenging. Especially when you play the three card draw. All though I have to admit I lose far more often than I win. Great for zoning out onto something else for a while. Although again I rarely complete a game when I play with 4 suits! Makes the victory all the more sweeter when I do!
Free Cell
Free cell is my go to card game. Just as difficult as spider solitaire, but with a bit more freedom to puzzle solve using the free cells. The main difference with Free cell is that all of the cards are dealt, so you can see where they are. Doesn’t mean you can get to the ones you need though!
Word scramble
Word scramble is a game where players are given letters to create anagrams. The letter generator can create words or name phrases that match the player’s favorite team, song, animals, or TV show. With the word scramble generator in hand, the game is always a blast for players and non-players alike.
Letter Scramble
I’m not just about the card games. I love a word game too. Letter scramble dishes out scrabble style tiles and you have to make words from the pile.
Sudoku
I love a game of Sudoku. Even more when I find a game that lets you chose your level AND pencil in possible answers.
Nonogram
I love playing Nonogram and I like versions where they challenge you by just giving you one number in the column and you have to work out what squares that number goes in. A great game to sharpen your mind. You really do have to think!
Missing Object Games
I do like a missing object game like Princess Hidden Objects, but I have to be in the mood to play. Mainly because these are timed games which has the opposite effect of relaxing me, they can get a bit stressful! That said I do like the challenge of this game.
For me online games have to be intuitive and simple to use. I don’t want to spend ages figuring out how to play. I also prefer them to apps because they are not full of adds and trying to get you to spend money on coins.
They are great for a five minute break to clear your head and destress. And the added benefit is that you can sharpen your mind in the process.
And just to prove I do win sometimes..!
Do you have any online games that you like to play?
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