Stress Less, Live More: My Unexpected Journey to Zen

Let's face it: life can sometimes feel like a runaway train. Deadlines looming, to-do lists a mile long, the constant ping of notifications. it's enough to make anyone want to crawl under the covers with a giant bowl of ice cream. I know I've been there more than once! That's why I went on a quest to find relaxing games—because it's not just about chilling out but actually bettering mental health. And guess what? It did. Whether you're battling burnout, drowning under a sea of errands, or you just need some time to yourself, come with me as we explore the 15 most relaxing games to unwind and rediscover your inner peace.

The Top 15 Relaxing Games to Chill Out With: Updated January 21, 2025

Here's the thing about relaxing—it's not about doing nothing, but rather, your activities calm the mind and keep a slower pace for your heartbeat, possibly releasing stress. Just what these games offer, and I actually played many for my best choice.

• Stardee Valley: Leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a peaceful, serene farm, plant friendship gardens, and play for hours in peace. Well, the game is better than a real hug.  • Animal Crossing: Create Your own Island paradise. Decorate till your heart's content with buddies-those adorable animal villagers. It is, without any doubt, an ultimate digital get-away.

• Abzû: Dive into a breathtaking underwater world, explore vibrant coral reefs, and interact with hundreds of fascinating sea creatures. It's simply visual therapy.
• Journey: Embark on a beautiful and profoundly moving journey through an absolutely gorgeous desert landscape. The music alone is worth the ticket price. • Flower: Experience the beauty of nature from the perspective of a flower petal. This one is a short but emotionally resonant experience. • Monument Valley 1 & 2: Impossible architecture, mind-bending puzzles, and stunning visuals are all woven together in something beautiful, challenging—yet, strangely, calming.
• Gris: A wordless adventure game with great art and a touching story about overcoming adversity. Be prepared to cry a little.
• Okami HD: Run around in a colorful, hand-painted world based on Japanese mythology, fighting yokai and solving puzzles. The artistry is truly breathtaking.
• Proteus: This is a breathtakingly peaceful exploration game where the whole world transforms based on time. The best way to put it is 'a digital meditation.'
• Unravel Two: Work with a yarn creature to solve puzzles and maybe even bond with a friend or loved one. The co-op makes this one really special. • What Remains of Edith Finch: Play through a series of short, vignette-style games to discover the history of an eccentric family. It's more emotional, but if you're looking for a narrative escape, it can be soothing. • The Pathless: Explore a mystical island using your bow and arrow to solve puzzles. Gameplay is very fluid, almost dancelike.
• Spiritfarer: Guide spirits to the afterlife in this unique and poignant game. It's not necessarily 'relaxing' in the sense of being completely chill, but it's incredibly soothing in its own way.
• Slime Rancher: Care for a variety of adorable slimes in this colorful and fun game. It's deceptively calming, and surprisingly addictive. • My Time at Portia: Life simulation game, rebuild your city, craft items, and go on adventures. It's a lot like Stardew Valley, but with some different twists.

Why These Games Work: More Than Fun and Games

These games aren't just entertaining; they're made with mindful gameplay in mind. Many include the following features:

• Calming soundtracks: Ambient music and relaxing soundscapes contribute to decreased stress and increased relaxation.
• Visually appealing graphics: Beautiful graphics create a soothing aesthetic, which provides a much-needed respite from the banal. • Mindful gameplay: Simple game mechanics and non-competitive gameplay reduce mental clutter and allow for focus. • Creative outlets: Building, crafting, or decorating games can give a sense of completion and relieve stress. • Emotional resonance: Games that explore themes related to connection, growth, and acceptance may prove peculiarly therapeutic.

Ultimately, the best relaxing game is one that you enjoy and that helps you detach from the stress of everyday life. So go ahead, experiment with various games, and see what does it for you. Let me know in the comments which ones you enjoyed!