Buying guide for best mindfulness games

Most of us are well-practiced in the art of multitasking, but it can be stressful to keep all those plates spinning at once. In fact, the Mayo Clinic tells us that multitasking is a myth because it is not possible for the mind to focus on more than one thing at a time.

Mindfulness is the opposite of multitasking. It is how our brains actually work: focusing on one thing at a time. Mindfulness creates the optimum mental state for being in "the zone." Most of us live life at such a fast pace that we have a hard time practicing mindfulness. Luckily, we can relearn how to focus on the moment in fun and engaging ways through mindfulness games.

The best mindfulness games help us connect to the moment in a way that piques curiosity, allowing us to examine and acknowledge the present free from distraction, judgement, and bias. Plus, they are a whole lot of fun.

Playing mindfulness games can make you more productive at work because they can help train you not only to focus on the task at hand but to instantly recognize when you are allowing your focus to drift.

Key considerations

What is mindfulness?

Some definitions of mindfulness might lead you to believe that it is all about letting go of your troubles so you can just be happy and live in the moment. That's not exactly what mindfulness is. The “moment” doesn't just happen in mindfulness; it is explored and examined in every way possible while reserving any and all judgment. The moment isn't the result of mindfulness; it is the focus.

Mindfulness is being fully aware of the present and accepting it. Mindfulness is biting into a cookie and noting the taste and texture without concern of your like or dislike of the flavor. You are simply aware without judgment.

Mindfulness vs. meditation

While mindfulness and meditation nurture each other and have similar traits, they are not the same. Actually, you could argue that they are polar opposites. As outlined above, mindfulness involves engaging all of your senses to explore the present. Meditation, on the other hand, frees the mind from the moment. Additionally, meditation is a practice that involves disconnecting for a specific period of time, while mindfulness is the practice of being fully engaged in any activity at any time.

Mindfulness and fun

Having fun as an adult can be challenging. There are so many things you have to do each day that you can forget to prioritize having fun. Mindfulness games help you forget your have-tos and allow you to reclaim your joy.

Mindfulness helps you to suspend prejudices and preconceptions so you can experience a situation as it unfolds instead of worrying about the end results. In short, it can help you better manage and reduce the stress that may arise from daily challenges.

Features

Age level

Most mindfulness games are designed so the whole family can play. However, that doesn't mean that all of them are designed for families. If you'd like to have a game that the whole family can play, check the game's recommended ages before purchasing.

Number of players

In general, when shopping for a mindfulness game, you want one that can accommodate a large number of players so you can pull it out at parties and family gatherings. Even if you want to play with just two, three, or four players, however, you still want the game to be fun. Consider the maximum and minimum number of players when choosing a mindfulness game.

Replay value

There are some games, such as Go Fish and chess, that are challenging no matter how many times you play them. These games have an excellent replay value. Trivia games sit at the other end of the spectrum. After playing once, you have a distinct advantage, so the game is not as much fun. The best mindfulness games have a high replay value, allowing you to play them many times without the game becoming predictable.

Purpose

The overarching purpose of mindfulness games is to help you incorporate mindfulness into your life. However, there are a few different ways this can be accomplished. Some games feature a strictly educational value and function more like flash cards, making them best for individual growth. Others are designed to enhance team-building and are best played with people you do not know very well. There are also mindfulness games that are structured to be revealing. These may be the most fun when played with family and friends or other people you think you know fairly well.

Type of questions

It is important to know that the questions in a mindfulness game may be slanted in a certain way. For instance, some may lean toward encouraging you to try new things while others may ask you to reflect upon the day's events.

Competitive element

While not typical of a mindfulness game, some feature a competitive element such as getting to the finish first or collecting the most cards or chips. However, by far, these types of games are more about the journey than the destination, so competition isn't usually the focus.

Playing time

Is there a time limit on the game, or does it just go round and round until the players are ready to move on to a different activity? If it does have a definite ending, is it quick, like a round of Spotify, or lengthy, like a game of Monopoly?

Mindfulness game prices

Lower-end: If you are considering purchasing a mindfulness game, you don't have to worry much about price. Since most mindfulness games involve one or several decks of colorful cards, the price range is very limited. As a matter of fact, if you set aside a budget of just $15 to $25, you will be able to purchase nearly any mindfulness game you'd like.

Higher-end: The only exception to the above-mentioned rule is the rare mindfulness game that includes a game board and playing pieces. For something like this, you may need to spend as much as $50.

Once you recognize what mindfulness is and discover how exhilarating it can be, you will be better equipped to practice mindfulness throughout your day.

Unexpected benefits of mindfulness games

Playing games can teach us many positive things, such as how to solve problems, how to cooperate with others, and how to be patient. However, mindfulness games raise the bar by helping us lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Following are 10 benefits we can reap by employing the practices that we learn from playing mindfulness games.

• Practicing mindfulness allows you to appreciate life's pleasures as they occur.
• Practicing mindfulness helps you live a life that is focused on gratitude.
• Practicing mindfulness can help keep you focused on the present so you do not worry about the future.
• Practicing mindfulness may help you experience more restful sleep.
• Practicing mindfulness makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
• Practicing mindfulness can help you manage chronic pain.
• Practicing mindfulness may help increase focus and lengthen periods of concentration.
• Practicing mindfulness can help some individuals cope better with depression.
• Practicing mindfulness may play a role in helping some individuals maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Practicing mindfulness can help increase emotional intelligence.

Beyond attractive artwork and fun colors, the design of a mindfulness game involves print. If the print is too small to read easily, the game won't be as much fun to play.

FAQ

Q. Can you really practice mindfulness while playing a game?

A. Absolutely. Mindfulness involves being aware of and experiencing the moment. Any moment. Playing a game is the perfect time to practice mindfulness because there is so much going on. You need to watch, listen, be aware, and act, or you miss your opportunity.

Q. Are mindfulness games boring?

A. Not at all. While boredom may stem from insufficient rest or nutrition, it is often the result of inadequate mental stimulation. The purpose of many mindfulness games is to help you dive deep into a topic so you can stimulate your mind.

Q. Can I play mindfulness games with my kids?

A. Definitely. Most mindfulness games are similar to conversation starters: you draw a card and respond to the question on that card. Many games feature questions such as "What was your favorite part of today?" or "What will you accomplish this year?" so people of any age can play. Some of these games are advertised as family bonding games that are specifically designed to bridge generational gaps.