If you are in search of a relaxing game you can play by yourself at your own pace, it is hard to beat the classic game of Solitaire. In fact, you can play free Solitaire games online including Solitaire Big, Classic Solitaire, Double Solitaire, Spider Solitaire and others. But have you ever wondered about the benefits of Solitaire? Let’s go over some of the ways that Solitaire games can enhance your well-being.
Top Benefits of Solitaire
1. Relax by yourself.
One great benefit of Solitaire is perhaps the most obvious one. This is a game that you can enjoy entirely on your own. Sometimes, getting some time to unwind in solitude is exactly what you need to refresh and recharge. There is no pressure, and no one placing any demands on you.
If you have an introverted nature, playing Solitaire can be about taking a break. But for those with less social opportunity, Solitaire may also help to alleviate boredom and help cope with loneliness.
2. Improve cognitive abilities.
When you play Solitaire, you have to put your problem-solving abilities to work. The more you practice, the more you can improve. You might be able to use some of the skills you build with this solo card game in other games or even in different areas of your life.
3. Learn patience.
Solitaire is a game where you can benefit from being patient and delaying gratification. In fact, in Europe, the game is called “Patience.”
Instant gratification has become a toxic mainstay of modern society. When we go through our lives pursuing instant gratification, we can easily make mistakes. We may spend money on purchases we later regret, or we could cause discord in our relationships. Many of us could use more patience, and playing solitaire is a great way to develop it.
4. Combat stress.
During the COVID pandemic, video games began receiving a lot more positive attention than they did in times past. People who were stuck in lockdown discovered that video games could restore their sense of control, help them feel safe, and relieve their feelings of anxiety and stress.
Solitaire can offer those same relaxing and reassuring benefits. The next time you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try taking half an hour to an hour to play a few rounds. By the time you are done, you hopefully will be feeling calmer and more entered.
5. Get into a state of flow.
Have you ever heard about the advantages of achieving a psychological state called “flow?” Another phrase for flow is “getting in the zone.”
Psychology Today explains, “Flow is a cognitive state where one is completely immersed in an activity—from painting and writing to prayer and surfboarding. It involves intense focus, creative engagement, and the loss of awareness of time and self.”
Flow can offer benefits that are similar to what you might experience in a meditative or mindful state, even though it is a different experience. You can get outside your head, become more productive and creative, and enhance your overall feelings of happiness.
For those who enjoy it, Solitaire is excellent at helping to produce a flow state. It requires concentration and engagement, but it is easy to get into a comfortable rhythm with your gameplay. When you do, you can lose track of time and think less about your worries.
Just having that experience of flow to look forward to at the end of a long, hard work day can make it easier to weather the stresses of the day.
6. Where to play?
While many have a deck of cards laying around, some of us do not. Luckily, the entertaining world of Solitaire can be accessed through any device with the internet these days. Some popular sites to try the game out are listed below:
Solitaired: enjoy several card and dice games like Solitaire, Yukon, Pyramid, and Yahtzee in a bright, colorful format. Check your statistics on their stat tracker where you can track your progress and mastery of each thrilling game.
Solitaire Bliss: boasting an impressive gallery of Solitaire games such as Solitaire, Freecell, and card games like Hearts and Golf, Solitaire Bliss has something for everyone. In addition, the site features several customizable settings and unique features such as a hint and undo buttons, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.
Now you are familiar with some of the benefits of Solitaire for your mental health. If you are ready to start playing now, check out some of the free Solitaire games available online. Endless hours of fun and relaxation await you.