Most of us know that endlessly scrolling through bad news online – often called “doom scrolling” – isn’t good for our mental health, but it’s incredibly difficult to avoid. Checking your phone and mindlessly browsing social media has become almost automatic, and often happens without us even realizing it. Despite feeling like a way to unwind, constantly seeing negative news actually creates a lot of stress.
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I’ve been trying to cut back on endlessly scrolling through bad news, and honestly, video games have been a lifesaver. Instead of getting stressed out by everything happening in the world, I’ve found it so much better to just lose myself in a good game – something that’s fun, relaxing, and sometimes even helps me learn something new. That’s why I’m excited to share some games that do just that!
Tetris
Scientifically Proven To Help Manage Trauma And Stress
Honestly, as someone who’s been there, endlessly scrolling through bad news feels really rough. It’s not like it’s major trauma, but constantly seeing awful things day after day definitely messes with your head. What’s sneaky about it is that it mixes in cute videos and good news too, so you don’t feel the full impact right away. It kind of wears you down slowly, and that’s what makes it so dangerous, in my opinion.
Research suggests that playing Tetris can help people cope with the effects of PTSD. While I can’t explain the science behind it, the game seems to work by engaging the same brain areas involved in forming traumatic memories, which can lessen their impact. It’s a classic and still popular game, and it can even help interrupt negative thought patterns caused by endlessly scrolling through bad news. Pretty amazing, right?
Elevate
Turn Screen Time Into A Growth Experience
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
|---|---|
| Released | May 22, 2014 |
| Developer | The Mind Company |
| Genre | Edutainment |
I’ve been trying to cut back on endlessly scrolling through bad news, and I found something that actually helps! It’s called Elevate, and it’s not really a traditional game – it’s more like a bunch of little brain-training exercises. But what I really like is that it focuses on things like writing and communication. It’s a nice change of pace because doom-scrolling is such a solitary thing. You’re just stuck on your phone by yourself, even if you talk about what you saw later.
Elevate helps you become a better communicator through quick, fun games that usually take just 3 to 5 minutes to play. Each game focuses on building a specific skill – like writing, remembering words, expanding your vocabulary, or thinking faster. The app lets you monitor your improvement and see how you stack up against other players. Think of it like a daily mental workout: you log in, play your games, and finish feeling sharper and more skilled, not drained.
Momument Valley
Building New Pathways
Habits are all about repetition. When you do something often, you create strong connections in your brain, making that action easier to repeat automatically. This also makes it harder to start new habits, as your brain naturally prefers the well-established pathways.
One great way to strengthen your brain is to challenge it to think differently, and optical illusions are a fun way to do just that. The game Monument Valley and its sequels are puzzle games built around these illusions. The basic idea is simple – move your character across the screen – but the real challenge lies in manipulating the illusions to create the path forward. This process of solving puzzles in Monument Valley encourages new ways of thinking, and practicing this skill in the game can potentially improve your problem-solving abilities in everyday life.
Civilization 6
Just One More Turn
If you’re looking for a game to help you stop endlessly scrolling on your phone, and don’t necessarily want a deeply challenging experience, then Civilization 6 is a great choice. It’s currently the best game in the Civilization series, though a new version, Civ 7, is in development. While it might appear complicated at first, Civ 6 is surprisingly easy to pick up, as it adjusts to your play style.
At the beginning of the game, you choose a country and then select a location on a largely blank map to build your capital city. From there, you’re free to develop your kingdom in any way you like – focus on trade, build a strong military, or anything in between. It’s incredibly enjoyable, but be warned – it’s also highly addictive! You’ll find yourself wanting to play just “one more turn,” and many players have lost sleep engrossed in the game’s random campaigns. Narrated by the renowned Sean Bean, Civilization 6 is an accessible yet deep game that provides a perfect escape from the constant distractions of social media.
Stardew Valley
Take A Load Off
If you’re looking for a game to really get lost in, something you can enjoy for months or even years, Stardew Valley is an excellent choice. This charming farming simulator is surprisingly addictive, but in the best way possible. It’s a genuinely relaxing and rewarding experience, free from frustrating things like pay-to-win features, unfair difficulty, or content held back for future releases. It consistently offers new goals and keeps you happily engaged.
In Stardew Valley, you inherit your grandfather’s old farm and work to restore it – planting crops, building structures, and caring for animals. While farming is central to the game, it’s the charming characters and relationships that truly make it special. The nearby town is full of interesting people, each with their own story and the possibility of romance or friendship. As you play, you’ll unlock new areas to explore, discovering even more people, plants, and items to collect. Stardew Valley is a relaxing and fulfilling experience – a welcome escape that leaves you feeling good.
Unpacking
Everything In Its Place
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Similar to Tetris, Unpacking is a puzzle game where you fit objects into a confined space. However, instead of blocks, you’re arranging belongings within rooms. The game focuses on the satisfying experience of moving into a new home, skipping the usual hassle of packing and leaving your old one. You simply find places for your items in a series of different houses.
Unlike Tetris, Unpacking tells a story. You piece together a young woman’s life through the objects she chooses to keep and leave behind as she moves from place to place – from her first apartment to after a difficult breakup. It’s a relaxing and peaceful game, making it a great way to unwind instead of endlessly browsing social media.
Plants Vs Zombies
50 Levels Of Cute Little Shamblers
At first glance, Plants vs. Zombies might seem like a high-pressure game where you defend against zombies. But it’s surprisingly delightful! The zombies are adorably funny with their clumsy movements, and the plants you use to defend your home are both unique and offer clever ways to play.
Although it’s a tower defense game, Plants vs. Zombies is remarkably easy to pick up and play, making it one of the best in its category. It offers a good challenge, but is never frustratingly difficult – you can usually beat a level with a couple of tries. The original game has 50 levels, and there are also several sequels and spin-offs available if you want to keep playing. Plants vs. Zombies is a relaxing and enjoyable way to pass the time on your phone, much better than dealing with stressful news or social media.
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2026-05-28 01:36