Most modern games and entertainment are similar in nature—fast-paced, competitive and draining. However, there are some enjoyable activities and games that offer a more meditative and calming experience.
Solitaire and Sudoku, two classic brain games, offer a unique blend of entertainment and mindfulness, providing a perfect escape from daily stress. Think of them as different ways to calm the mind, like playing a musical instrument or reading the results of crossword puzzles in the newspaper.
Why Solitaire and Sudoku?
While they may not be as colorful or as striking as most modern applications and games are, Solitaire and Sudoku offer a different kind of fun and immersive experience. There are no daily quests that have time limits, forced social interactions or deceptive gameplay meant to waste your time without fulfillment.
Solitaire, Sudoku and other fun card games such as Hearts and Spades, are effective stress relief games that are as upfront as they look. You access the site or app, then you jump straight into the fun! And no worries, there's no timer (unless you want to challenge yourself) and there's a wide range of ways you can tackle your game.
So if you need to dial it down, go at your own, comfortable pace while keeping your brain sharp, then these two games can offer a great and relaxing experience.
The Meditative Aspects of Solitaire
Solitaire is a relaxing game of patience and strategy that involves arranging cards in a specific order. Here are some ways solitaire can provide a meditative experience:
Focus and Concentration
Solitaire requires undivided attention, drawing your focus away from stressful things and into the game. Being single-minded in your gameplay can feel like meditation, where focusing on a single task helps empty your thoughts and provide peace of mind.
Routine and Predictable Actions
The repetitive movements and predictable patterns in Solitaire can be soothing, akin to the repetitive nature of breathing exercises in meditation. Even modern games like Stardew Valley or competitive multiplayer games fall into a certain routine and predictable pattern, and this soothes
Sense of Accomplishment
Completing a game of Solitaire provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction, which can boost your mood and reduce stress. Reducing stress and anxiety also leads to better cognitive functions. It is similar to the feeling of when you completed your first set of jigsaw puzzles; you did it, you were in control and you won.
Mindful Engagement
Playing Solitaire games such as FreeCell and Spider Solitaire encourages you to stay engaged, minimizing distractions and promoting a state of mindfulness. Keeping your brain active as you place cards and discern patterns also improves your cognitive muscles and overall attention span.
The Meditative Aspects of Sudoku
Sudoku is a number puzzle with different levels of difficulty and offers multiple game modes. It's another relaxing game that you can play that also challenges your logical thinking, and it offers several meditative benefits:
Structured Problem-Solving
The structured nature of Sudoku puzzles requires you to focus on one problem at a time, fostering a state of careful thought and reducing anxiety. It's a type of game you systematically approach, and knowing what comes next or what to do keep the mind sharp.
Mental Clarity
Solving Sudoku puzzles can help clear mental clutter, as the logical and methodical process requires full concentration and mental engagement. Unlike board games that tend to be more on the spontaneous and social-centric side (which are common themes especially during family get-togethers), Sudoku's one note flow clears the mind, almost like breathing techniques.
Stress Relief
The act of filling in the grid and seeing the puzzle come together can be deeply satisfying, providing a sense of control and accomplishment. This is especially more gratifying when you clear the more challenging variations, which both improves your mood and ability levels.
Enhancing Patience
Sudoku teaches patience and persistence, as some puzzles may take time and effort to solve. This patience can translate to a more relaxed and composed mindset in daily life. Not only that, but knowing that this relaxing hobby is always waiting for you to clear it eases worries and helps soothe anxiety (and even depression) about other matters.
Combining Solitaire and Sudoku for a Balanced Mind
Integrating both Solitaire and Sudoku into your routine can offer a well-rounded approach to mental health and overall happiness. Here are some ways to combine these games for maximum benefit:
Daily Routine
Set aside time each day to play a game of Solitaire or solve a Sudoku puzzle. This dedicated time can serve as a mental break and a way to reset your mind.
Alternating Games
While both games are slow burners, too slow can dampen your interest. Alternate between Solitaire and Sudoku to keep your mind engaged and prevent monotony. This variety can enhance the meditative qualities of each game.
Mindfulness Techniques
Incorporate mindfulness techniques while playing, such as deep breathing or focusing on the present moment, to enhance the calming effects.
Tips for Maximizing the Meditative Benefits
To fully experience the meditative qualities of Solitaire and Sudoku, consider the following tips:
Create a Calm Environment
Play in a quiet, comfortable space free from distractions. This can enhance your focus and make the experience more enjoyable.
Set a Relaxing Atmosphere
Use calming music or ambient sounds to create a peaceful atmosphere while playing. If you have finished artwork that you made yourself as a creative outlet, you can also place them where you play as this would also be conducive to a better meditative experience.
Take Your Time
Avoid rushing through the game. Take your time to enjoy each move and appreciate the process. If you feel that you're stuck on a certain point of the game, you can even leave it for tomorrow until you feel like playing and taking it on—again, it's no competition.
Have Some Snacks Around
Playing Solitaire and Sudoku with access to your favorite snacks and drinks will further elevate the meditative experience. Moreover, continuously focusing can also be physically draining, so don't forget to hydrate with your preferred drink.
Try Playing with Real Puzzle Sheets or Cards
While digital apps and gaming websites of Solitaire and Sudoku provide the same gameplay as it would to play with physical cards or puzzle sheets, there is a more interactive and immersive experience with having things to hold and control.
Reflect and Relax
After completing a game, take a few moments to reflect on the experience and appreciate the sense of calm it brought.