Trying to manage crunch time with Going Under, or not succumbing to Tom Nook’s invitation for ever bigger mortgages in Animal Crossing, there are lots of games that can help us find some balance. Whether it’s escaping for a lunchtime walk with A Short Hike. Some address the world of work directly, while others enable us to consider our choices about how we spend our working hours. But not only to get some distance, but to play something that shines a light on why we do what we do. The games in this list offer space to reflect and escape work for a while. Most recent is their Level Up campaign that challenges businesses within the video games industry to unite and commit to change. They have some excellent resources available for free and global helplines for a range of emotions and stresses people might be feeling, not to mention some great training resources for companies. “The worlds we create are a refuge for many,” they say about video games, to highlight the importance of also looking after those people who make these amazing spaces. The Safe In Our World charity addresses this world of work and video games to foster positive mental health wellbeing and deliver support for players, developers, publishers and retailers. Not, that is, unless you work in the video game industry. Video games and work don’t usually go together. These games, together with some screen-free time in the lead up to sleep are a great way for children to develop healthy bedtime habits. Some, like Flower or Alto’s Adventure, create calm with simple repetition of tasks and process in a world where the sun slowly sets. Others, like Frost or Lifelike, offer gentle, tranquil interactions to still the mind and escape the world.

Some of them are ideal to play right before sleeping and even let you turn off the screen to listen along when you are finished interacting. These are playful ways to calm the brain, ease anxiety and generally get little heads ready to rest. It creates mindfulness experiences for children to “enjoy calmer day times and quicker bedtimes”. We have worked with Moshi Sleep on this list of games and apps that are a great way to help children wind down as they transition to night time. While these offer a wide range of benefits, it can be good to transition to something less energetic as the day draws to a close. Children love to play exuberant and exciting video games with their friends.

Typing ice skating game