Nikos Christakis’ Post

I found the perfect game for unwinding after work. It's called Tiny Glade. 🎮 After a long day, I'm often too tired for high-energy games. I want something relaxing and creative. That's where Tiny Glade comes in. Tiny Glade lets you build little dioramas of castles, villages, and more. It's simple yet incredibly satisfying. You place lanterns, doors, and create your own little world. 🏰 Here's why I love it: - Creative Freedom: You can build anything you imagine. From a tiny Hogwarts to an English village, the possibilities are endless. - Relaxing Atmosphere: The background music is calming, making it perfect for unwinding. 🎶 - Affordable Fun: At just $26, it's a great investment for endless hours of relaxation. I've been playing it non-stop. It’s a delightful way to de-stress and let my creativity flow. 🌟 Credit to Pounce Light Hopefully the developers can add controller support soon. What's your go-to game for relaxation? #Gaming #Wellbeing #Creativity #pouncelight #gamedeveloper

Why Snowy Video Games Can Be Good for Mental Health? ❄️🎮 Did you know that video games can be more than just entertainment? They can offer real benefits for mental health, especially when paired with calming, wintery settings. 💡 🕹️ How Video Games Help: Video games are not just a fun distraction - they can also help with managing stress and emotions. Immersive gameplay and serene environments can provide a meditative experience, helping players focus on the present moment and giving them a break from the chaos of everyday life. 🎮☃️ Why Snowy Games Work: - There’s something special about snowy landscapes in video games: - Soothing Atmosphere: Snowy environments often create a calm, reflective space that mimics mindfulness techniques. - Focused Gameplay: Strategy and stealth games, like Metro Exodus, help quiet a restless mind by requiring concentration. - Emotional Escape: Immersing yourself in a wintry world can provide a much-needed mental reset, allowing players to recharge. 🧠 3 Practical Tips to Use Games for Mental Health: 1️⃣ Pick the right game for your mood: Look for games with immersive worlds, like Pillars of Eternity for strategy or Days Gone for exploration in beautiful, snowy landscapes. 2️⃣ Pay attention to how the game makes you feel: Notice whether the game helps you calm down, process emotions, or gives you a safe escape. 3️⃣ Experiment with wintery settings: Snowy worlds have a uniquely calming effect, providing a peaceful atmosphere to relax and unwind. 🔑 Takeaway: Video games can be a great tool for mental health. The right game at the right time can provide relaxation, focus, and emotional healing. Whether you’re looking to relax or process your emotions, snowy virtual worlds can offer a much-needed escape. What are your favorite games for relaxation? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇 #mentalhealth #videogames #wintergames #wellbeing #mindfulness #snowyworlds #gamingtherapy #gamingforrelaxation #stressrelief #mindfulgaming #okamigamesstudio

The past few weeks have been incredibly stressful for me, constantly weighing heavily on my mind. Between doomscrolling, battling insomnia, and dealing with endless anxiety, it's been tough. That's when I decided to heed my own advice, something I often suggest to others—turn to casual, mindless games. These are the simple games where you see constant progress and can fully immerse yourself, providing a distraction and a way to soothe your mind. For me, the best kind of puzzles, like "I Love Hue," hit the spot. Other puzzles that involve sorting or arranging things also work wonders. Each level starts in chaos, but slowly, step by step, you restore order and harmony. What I really want to convey in this post is my heartfelt thanks to all the creators of such games. If you ever think, "My game is just a casual puzzle, not anything serious compared to 'real' games," I urge you to STOP right there! Your games are significant. There are people who adore your game, even if it's not topping the charts. And there are individuals whose mental health has been salvaged by your "silly match-3 game." Never underestimate the importance of what you're doing, and don't let anyone tell you that video games are a useless waste of time. #mentalhealth #videogames #casualgames #playtoheal #games #gamecommunity

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬! 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰:https://lnkd.in/d4EsevCN 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Get ready for endless entertainment with this thrilling, innovative game! A perfect blend of fun and strategy, this game will test your concentration and decision-making skills. Ideal for family gatherings, parties, or just a casual challenge with friends, it promises hours of laughter and excitement for everyone involved. 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞: This game is designed to bring people together for an engaging and competitive experience. It’s more than just fun; it pushes players to strategize, focus, and outthink their opponents while ensuring tons of laughter along the way. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a good challenge and love spending quality time with friends and family. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬: 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲: Keeps players on their toes with its unique combination of strategy and concentration. 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: A fresh and exciting take on traditional games, offering something new for every player. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐬: Suitable for children and adults alike, making it a great choice for family game nights. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧: Balances fun and intensity, as players strive to outwit each other for victory. 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: The game is fast-paced and ever-changing, ensuring no two rounds are the same. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Embrace the challenge and prepare for hours of engaging fun with this game! Whether you're in it for the competition or the laughs, it's guaranteed to entertain everyone for hours on end. A must-have for anyone who loves games that are both exciting and mentally stimulating! 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰:https://lnkd.in/d4EsevCN

2025 is just around the corner. Have you thought of game ideas for your new year party? If you haven’t yet, don’t stress yourself out. We have planned some ideas for you. ⭐ Hollywood Walk of Fame Hunt ⭐ Start with a Hollywood Glamour Scavenger Hunt by hiding "stars" around the venue. Each one represents a famous celebrity or movie moment, and guests must act out scenes or quotes to find the next clue. 🍸 “Drunk History” Challenge 🍸 For a laugh, try a “Drunk History” Hunt where guests act out funny and exaggerated stories about key moments from the past year. They can record their performances, and the sillier, the better! 📝 Wacky Resolutions Hunt 📝 The Wacky Resolutions Hunt is another great option. Guests come up with funny New Year’s resolutions and complete tasks inspired by them. It’s all about creativity and having a good time. ⏰ Countdown Clue Hunt ⏰ Countdown Clue Hunt will keep everyone excited until midnight. Each clue leads to a surprise, like a party favor or a toast, with the final task bringing everyone together for a big celebration as the clock strikes twelve. So, why not make planning easy and enjoyable? Explore about PlayTours scavenger hunt app at www.playtours.app then design your games effortlessly, and welcome 2025 in the most exciting way possible. #newyearseve #newyearspartygames #2025celebration #scavengerhuntideas #PlayTours #partyfun #scavengerhuntapp #bestscavengerhuntapp #freescavengerhuntapp

🔷𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 🔷𝐆e𝐭 𝐲o𝐮r n𝐨w:https://lnkd.in/eG-XntBh ⏩𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 The Fast Sling Puck Game is an exciting, fast-paced tabletop game that brings fun and competition to family gatherings, game nights, or casual play. Two players face off to sling all the pucks through the center gate into the opponent’s side using an elastic band. Combining skill, speed, and strategy, this game is easy to learn yet highly addictive. ⏩ 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 ▶️𝑭𝒂𝒔𝒕-𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Test reflexes and hand-eye coordination. ▶️𝑫𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍: Made with high-quality wood for longevity and smooth gameplay. ▶️𝑫𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍: Compact and easy to carry for travel or outdoor fun. ▶️𝑻𝒘𝒐-𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒑: Perfect for head-to-head challenges. No Batteries Required: Powered by skill and fun, ideal for unplugged entertainment. ⏩𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: ▶️𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍: Premium wood and elastic bands. ▶️𝑫𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: Varies (e.g., 15” x 8” for standard size). ▶️𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑰𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔: 1 game board, 10 pucks, 2 elastic bands. ⏩ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: ▶️ Players start with 5 pucks each on their side of the board. ▶️ Using the elastic band, aim and sling the pucks through the small gate in the center. ▶️ The first player to clear their side of all pucks wins! ⏩ 𝑻𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝑨𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆: Families Friends Kids (6+ years) Game enthusiasts ⏩𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: Enhances hand-eye coordination and concentration. Provides hours of fun and entertainment. Encourages friendly competition and teamwork.

What’s your favourite board game? Why? (Mine is Scrabble😃) Grabbing a FRIEND or gathering a group of FRIENDS around a board game has proven to be life enhancing according to research published this year. 65.30% of adults find the most valuable thing about board games is that they gives them the ability to have fun. It encourages players to relax, smile and laugh, boosting serotonin and decreasing anxiety. The BIGGIE for our purposes is that 56% feel that the biggest benefit of board games is that they give more opportunities to socialise. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s has been seen to reduce by 47% 😵in regular board game players and puzzle solvers, expanding the gray matter volume in the brain, increasing cognitive function and improving the ability to make decisions. Whereas video or online games tend to have less social engagement, board games encourage conversation and give players an increased sense of companionship. This week’s adult play date suggestion is obvious. So, don’t delay, grab your favourite game, some FRIENDS, a suitable venue, a few snacks and drinks and ENJOY. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for 140 years. Check our socials or www.gfsperth.com.au. #friendshiprevolution

What’s your favourite board game? Why? (Mine is Scrabble😃) Grabbing a FRIEND or gathering a group of FRIENDS around a board game has proven to be life enhancing according to research published this year. 65.30% of adults find the most valuable thing about board games is that they gives them the ability to have fun. It encourages players to relax, smile and laugh, boosting serotonin and decreasing anxiety. The BIGGIE for our purposes is that 56% feel that the biggest benefit of board games is that they give more opportunities to socialise. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s has been seen to reduce by 47% 😵in regular board game players and puzzle solvers, expanding the gray matter volume in the brain, increasing cognitive function and improving the ability to make decisions. Whereas video or online games tend to have less social engagement, board games encourage conversation and give players an increased sense of companionship. This week’s adult play date suggestion is obvious. So, don’t delay, grab your favourite game, some FRIENDS, a suitable venue, a few snacks and drinks and ENJOY. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for 140 years. Check our socials or www.gfsperth.com.au. #friendshiprevolution

🎮 Breaking the Boredom: Smart Gaming During Breaks Need a quick mental refresh during your workday? I've put together a comprehensive guide on unblocked browser games that can help boost productivity and reduce stress during short breaks. In this guide, you'll discover: Why strategic gaming breaks can enhance work performance Classic games that improve problem-solving skills Puzzle games that boost cognitive function Multiplayer options for team building Important safety considerations for workplace gaming Whether you're a professional looking for quick mental refreshers or an educator interested in engaging break activities, this guide provides valuable insights on balanced gaming during downtimes. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejbWG-9j #ProductivityTips #WorkplaceCulture #MentalHealth #GamingBreaks #WorkLifeBalance #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmployeeWellness

A few months ago, my wife introduced me to a new world—one where you plan, work together, and race against time to save humanity. And no, this wasn’t some high-stakes project; it was Pandemic, the board game.  At first, I thought, “Isn’t that just for kids?” But I gave it a try. We started with a few light games, and I quickly got hooked. We moved on to more challenging strategy games, and after a bit of research, we gave Pandemic a shot. It turned out to be a real mental workout! Board games challenge us to think ahead, adapt, and make decisions with both short- and long-term consequences. But more than anything, it’s refreshing. It’s a great way to relax without screens—like a digital detox. If you’re looking for a new way to recharge, try exploring board games. You might just find a new passion for strategy, brainpower, and some good old-fashioned fun. #Strategy #Pandemic #Boardgames #DigitalDetox