Walking, thankfulness, and play: How games can improve mental health

Part 1: Why play games for mental and physical health?

Play drives well-being. Research shows that engaging in play boosts mood, reduces stress hormones, and fosters creativity. When structured around wellness, health games can push even further with healthy game mechanics:

• Mental health games: Encourage gratitude, mindfulness, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

• Physical health games: Movement-based games—like step-tracking adventures or rhythm dance games—not only strengthen the body but also release endorphins that elevate mood.

• Social health games: Cooperative or community games foster connection, which buffers against loneliness and anxiety.

Since mental and physical health are linked, the best health video games often blend walking, exercising, or stretching while incorporating mental health tools and CBT practices.

• Mindful Puzzle Time – Work on a jigsaw, Sudoku, or Wordle with focus on presence and calm. Bonus points if it's a physical puzzle (even a small one)!

• Step Challenges – Track your walks with Google and Apple fit or Strava or any of the other apps and “compete” against personal bests or with family.

• Affirmation Cards – Flip a card each morning with a positive self-statement and try to say it out loud. I know it's silly but saying things out loud or to a mirror matter.

• Breathing Bingo – Create a bingo sheet with different stress-relief techniques (deep breaths, stretches, journaling) and complete a line daily.

The trick here is to be consistent. And a lot of successful games that encourage these activities give daily rewards and encourage regular play, exercise, and mindfulness.

Part 3: Mental health video games and their benefits

Digital health video games provide unique advantages because they combine interactive technology with psychology and wellness science. Again, these are still no substitute for getting real medical mental or physical health support from a professional.

Benefit 1: Encourage positive reassurances and affirmations

While reassurance seeking can be an issue with some mental conditions, games can gently encourage players to adopt better mental habits. Affirmations, encouragement, or supportive narratives reinforce self-worth and build positive thinking habits.

Benefit 2: Drive walking for physical and mental health

Step-based adventure games link real-world walking to in-game progress. This turns exercise into a game, making it easier to build consistency and reap both physical and mental health benefits of touching grass.

Benefit 3: Incorporate thankfulness exercises, affirmations, and more

Mental health games can integrate journaling, reflection prompts, or gratitude check-ins, blending psychology with gameplay for holistic well-being.

Benefit 4: Imaginative experiences and literature support health

Story-driven games provide metaphorical journeys that encourage empathy, resilience, and stress release. Escaping into a calming world (like a farm sim or narrative quest) has restorative effects similar to reading literature or meditating. Likewise games like Worldseekers.io incorporate classical literature into their game design encouraging players to meditate on timeless classics.

Part 4: 5 mental health games to check out

1. Worldseekers.io

So yeah, this is kinda obvious since our whole goal with Worldseekers is to drive mental and physical health. Our game includes thankfulness exercises, affirmations, deep breathing, walking, and more.

Worldseekers blends physical exploration with mental wellness practices. By combining affirmations, gratitude journaling, and movement-based progression, it unites the power of movement and positive psychology in one health game.

2. Where They Live

By Talofa Games – Where They Live drives step count and physical health goals, with themes of encouragement and connection in the narrative. This mobile adventure ties your daily walking to story progression, encouraging consistent movement while immersing you in uplifting storytelling and worldbuilding.

3. Stardew Valley

Stress relief, no timers, and a calming environment. Stardew does a lot really well. This is a beloved indie for good reason. It offers gentle routines, creativity, and immersion without pressure. Its slower pace and cozy world make it an effective mental health video game for relaxation.

4. Puzzle Games

This includes everything from your daily Wordle or Crosswordle to strategic puzzlers like Hexa Puzzle Saga, Sudoku, and more.

Puzzle-solving stimulates the brain, improves memory and focus, and reduces stress by channeling attention into flow states. (Source)

5. Habitica

This is an accountability game, and it can help you develop good habits like journaling, introspection, and thankfulness by gamifying daily life. Earn rewards for completing habits and self-care tasks and turn health and productivity into a role-playing adventure.

Ye Olde FAQ Section: 

Q: Are mental health games backed by science?

Yes. Research on gratitude, affirmations, CBT-based digital tools, and physical activity all show significant mental health benefits. While not replacements for therapy, they can complement professional care. Again - if you have any mental or physical health needs, consult a physician!!!

Q: But I'm not a gamer. Do I need video games for mental health benefits?

Nope. Mental health tools are accessible for non-gamers too. Simple offline activities—gratitude journaling, mindful puzzles, or walking challenges—are powerful forms of mental health games too.

Q: Can health video games replace exercise?

No. They shouldn’t replace traditional exercise but can enhance motivation. Step-tracking adventures and movement-based games are excellent for building consistency.

Q: Are these games for adults or kids?

Um... yes. Both. Health games like Worldseekers.io and Where they Live are designed for general audiences, while others target youth, professionals, or seniors. The core principles—gratitude, movement, relaxation—apply to everyone. So, get to work on that gratitude journal!!!

In summary:

Consistency and good habits go a long way in contributing to mental and physical health, and let's be real, making good habits is boring. Hopefully (with the assist from your medical professional), health games can make going outside or starting a journal just that much more achievable. 

Humans love reward loops, items, and prizes, so for many having gamification around positive habits can be truly transformative. The crew over here at Worldseekers wishes you the very best with your health goals, and of course, if there's anything we can do to make Worldseekers work better for you, let me know!