Feeling like you’re stuck in a rut? You’re not alone. A staggering 63% of young American adults find themselves wrestling with boredom every week and a half. But this isn’t just about twiddling your thumbs – it’s a gateway to a cocktail of negative emotional stimuli: sadness, isolation, apathy, and even simmering frustration.
Remember when your go-to pastimes used to light you up? If they’ve lost their spark and your weekends feel like a monotonous blur, it’s time to shake things up. In this article, we’ll explore the most common and different types of games you can play when you’re feeling bored:
1. Gambling Games
Research has shown that gambling, throughout history, has been one of the best ways to feel excitement. Claiming a sizeable casino welcome bonus nowadays is something that many gamblers strive for, as they’re met with generous promotions upon registering on a platform of their choice. The variety of games on gambling platforms is what keeps players on the edge of their seats, engaged in waiting to win rewards and earn bonus rounds – while indulging in diverse games, such as slots, poker, baccarat, blackjack, and more.
Gambling also has a social function since it enables a person to engage with others competitively. Games like blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, craps, Texas Hold’em, and video poker are great examples of gambling. All in all, typical features of gambling such as intensity of emotions such as thrill and excitement, bonus rounds and progressive jackpots, as well as making strategic decisions with other people who share the same hobby of gambling seem to draw people in from all walks of life seeking entertainment and some relief from their boredom.
2. Fighting Games
Ever wondered why you can’t stop mashing buttons in a fighting game? It’s not just mindless fun – you’re chasing a neurochemical high. Each victory floods your brain with dopamine, nature’s own reward system, turning you into a digital gladiator craving your next bout.
Think about it: the average adult spends a staggering 131 days a year battling boredom. That’s over a third of their week desperately seeking excitement. Enter fighting games – not just time-killers, but brain-boosters in disguise. While you’re perfecting that combo in “Mortal Kombat 11” or pulling off an impossible juggle in “Tekken 7,” you’re actually honing split-second decision-making and problem-solving skills.
These aren’t just solo pursuits either. Invite some friends over for a “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” tournament, and you’ve got a recipe for instant social chemistry, fueled by friendly competition and shared excitement.
But the benefits go beyond the social. As you dodge fireballs in “Street Fighter IV” or execute lightning-fast counters in “Dragon Ball FighterZ,” you’re giving your cognitive reflexes a serious workout. It’s like CrossFit for your brain, improving reaction times and mental agility with every round.
So the next time someone scoffs at your gaming habit, remind them you’re not just playing – you’re engaging in high-octane cognitive training. Who knew beating boredom could be so electrifying?
3. Stealth Games
Stealth games are also another good way of fighting off boredom. They are strategic because the players must be very careful in how they maneuver through the different levels or stages of the games. The gameplay is both challenging and rewarding due to the level of engagement which also helps to stimulate one’s mind in the process of looking for solutions, as is required in the game.
Picture yourself as a master of deception in “Mark of the Ninja,” melting into the darkness and striking with lethal precision. Or feel the cold sweat trickle down your spine in “Alien: Isolation” as you desperately try to outwit a relentless predator. These games don’t just entertain – they transform you into a mental gymnast, constantly adapting and problem-solving on the fly.
But stealth games offer more than just thrills. They’re a crucible for self-control, teaching patience and discipline as you resist the urge to charge in guns blazing. Whether you’re ghosting through the Victorian streets of “Dishonored 2” or navigating the post-apocalyptic perils of “The Last of Us Part 2,” you’ll emerge not just entertained, but mentally sharper and more composed.
Moreover, levels can get harder and harder, leading players to think harder on every move. This leads to better cognitive function and strategic planning, while simultaneously giving entertainment and thrill to the players. In conclusion, it can be claimed that stealth games help to overcome boredom and contribute to acquiring important skills that can be enjoyable in reality.
4. Adventure Games
The adventure gaming market globally is expected to increase by 8.06 percent from 2022 to 2027, resulting in a market worth $16.24 billion at the end of 2027. So next time you’re bored, you might want to put down Netflix watching for a while and try playing adventure games on your phone or PC. With adventure games, you not only enhance your emotional, social, and cognitive skills but also improve your critical thinking abilities.
Want to test your strategic mettle? Try outsmarting the Norse gods in “God of War.” Craving a dose of magic? Enroll in “Hogwarts Legacy” and craft your own wizarding saga. Or saddle up for “Red Dead Redemption 2,” where every decision shapes your cowboy’s destiny in a living, breathing Wild West.
These aren’t just time-killers. They’re emotional rollercoasters, social simulators, and cognitive boot camps all rolled into one. You’ll find yourself thinking in ways you never have before, seeing the world through fresh eyes long after you’ve set down the controller.
Conclusion
Even though boredom is sometimes related to negative emotions, it can also help increase creativity and self-esteem in most people due to new things one might try out to alleviate boredom. So if you find yourself bored next time, you know which type of games to try out now for fun! Whether you try out stealth games or adventure games, you are bound to have fun trying things out from our boredom-killer list.
