Steven Schuster 
For the average person, there are a lot of stress-inducing things; work-related pressure(working to find reliable credit repair leads or being a divorce lawyer), financial difficulties(having a mortgage or a baby), relationship issues(a broken engagement), health concerns(navigating diabetes or cancer), and major devastating news(the death of a loved one). Luckily, there are plenty of ways to de-stress, including playing video games.
The right video game can give you a temporary escape from reality, and a sense of control. Video games can stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, causing feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Some games even foster a sense of social support and connectedness, which can be a huge stress relief.
Here are some great video games to play if you’re looking to blow off some steam and relax.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
In this video game from Nintendo, your primary task is to build and customize your own virtual island paradise. You get to decorate your home, interact with the game’s cute and quirky animal characters, and participate in cool activities like fishing, bug catching, and fossil hunting.
It’s a very low-stakes game with a gentle pace and relaxing atmosphere that have made it a popular choice for players seeking a low-stress and enjoyable gaming experience.
Warframe
Journey
In this video game from Thatgamecompany, your primary task is to travel through a desert, encountering other players along the way. You get to jump and glide through a desert with stunning visuals and a soothing soundtrack.
As Journey’s gameplay is straightforward, simple, and intuitive – allowing players to focus on the experience rather than on complex controls or mechanics, it’s very relaxing.
Magicka
In this game from Arrowhead Game Studios, your primary task is to cast spells to defeat enemies and progress through levels. You get to use combinations of eight elements (water, fire, earth, lightning, arcane, ice, life, and shield) to create different spells and defeat enemies, including goblins, trolls, and dragons in this fun game known for its pop culture references and tongue-in-cheek humor. If laughter is how you relieve stress, this one’s for you.
These are just a few examples of video games that can help you relax and unwind. Each game has its own unique charm and gameplay, so give them a try and find the one that works best for you!
About Author
Simone Reed 
