Five Strategy Games to Improve Your Cognitive Functioning and Reduce Stress

Stress is a part of everyday life, and we all have different ways of managing it. Lots of us will partake in some exercise. Some of us will meditate. Unfortunately, some of us will turn to the likes of alcohol and drugs, too.

Finding healthy coping mechanisms for stress is so important; otherwise, it can lead down a dark pathway of alcohol or drug abuse. Just ask the millions of people who have had to go through alcohol and drug rehab as a result! 

The likes of sports, yoga, meditation, and hobbies like painting and gardening are all great for reducing stress, but one thing many of us never consider is strategy games.

Strategy games are amazing for our cognitive functioning and reducing stress, with the five below well worth considering if you are perhaps struggling a little...

Chess

Perhaps the most well-known strategy game, chess, has been played for centuries and is very good for improving problem-solving skills, memory, and concentration. You have to be present at the moment as you go up against your opposition, with it proving a real mental workout.

It's an incredibly engaging game, and studies have shown that regular chess play can improve cognitive function as well as the methodical pace of the game encouraging calmness. 

Go

This ancient Chinese game has been played for over 2,500 years. It's incredibly simple to play Go, but it does require deep strategic thinking which can really aid with removing worries from our brain.

Played by placing stones on a grid, players must try to capture the largest area of the board. To do that requires creative and abstract thinking while also seeking to be one step ahead. There's a real focus on balance and patience in this game that provides it with almost a meditative experience.  

Civilization VI

Moving on to video games now, Civilization VI requires players to build a civilisation from the ground up, beginning in ancient times and moving far into the future.

Essentially, you're playing God a little here, combined with a town planner, as you must make decisions about the city, the military strategy, the development of technology, and more.

It requires a real strategy to turn your city into a thriving one, and it's so incredibly immersing that it's ideal for escaping the daily pressures of life.

Sudoku

There's no doubt you'll be well aware of sudoku, with the number-based puzzle game requiring a great deal of logical thinking. 

Solving puzzles daily has been proven to enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and problem-solving, while they're ideal for the commute to work, setting you up for the day in a more relaxed and calm state. 

StarCraft II

StarCraft II is a real-time strategy game set in a futuristic universe where players control armies, manage resources, and engage in combat against opponents. The game requires quick thinking, precise timing, and the ability to make strategic decisions under pressure. 

StarCraft II is particularly effective at improving cognitive skills such as spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and quick decision-making. While the fast-paced nature of the game might seem stressful, many players find the focus required to be a form of escapism, allowing them to detach from real-world worries and immerse themselves in the challenges of the game.