There’s no question that mums are some of the hardest-working people. They go from one task to the next without thinking of themselves. This is exactly why it’s so important for mums to take time out of their schedule and relax. Getting run down doesn’t help anyone, and it only leaves mums feeling even more stressed. The solution is simple: you need to schedule free time for yourself. And we’re not talking just five minutes here and there, but actual segments of the day when you get to do what you want.
However, the concept of free time can feel so foreign to mums that they have no clue how to fill it. While there are many great hobbies, activities, and entertainment options out there, in this article, we’ll look at five games mums can play in their free time.
Check Out What the Fuss Is All About in Minecraft
If you have children who are old enough to play video games, then you’re probably very familiar with Minecraft. There’s even a good chance your kids have talked about the game non-stop to you. But here’s something that may surprise you: Minecraft isn’t just popular with kids; adults also find joy in playing it.
There are a lot of reasons that adults may give for playing Minecraft, but one that should be highlighted is the ease of play. If you don’t often play video games, it’s important to find something easy to pick up and understand. You don’t want to struggle to use the controller, get frustrated that you can’t control your character, or have no clue what the rules of the game are.
Minecraft is a 3D sandbox-style game, which means you have a ton of freedom in how you play it. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book, just in a video game instead. Being creative allows you to get lost in the game and forget about your many daily stresses, making it a fabulous way to relax.
Maybe a PC Game Feels More Inviting
If the idea of console games sounds way too intimidating, or you don’t even own a gaming console, then perhaps a PC game is the way to go (though Minecraft is also available on PC!). These can feel more familiar, a little less confusing, and still be just as much fun.
You may want to stick to the beginner games if this is your first foray into PC gaming. You can then build up your skills and confidence and try harder games after you master the beginner ones.
Here’s a look at some great beginner-friendly PC games across an array of genres:
- League of Legends
- Plate Up!
- The Sims
- Stardew Valley
- Two Point Hospital
Those who play PC games often point out that they are a little easier to control, offer a more intuitive gaming experience, and are easier to get started with than console games.
Here’s a category of games that aren’t just fun but can also offer some brain-sharpening benefits. Brain-teaser and puzzle-based apps are plentiful nowadays, and many are free to download. These can be some of the most addictive games to play, and you’ll probably find yourself hooked almost instantly.
Besides the fun factor, many are also good for your cognitive skills, memory, focus, concentration, and more. In other words, they give your brain a workout. This gets even more important as you age, as it can help keep your mind sharp.
A few you may want to try are:
- Crosswords
- Word searches
- Puzzles
- Matching-style games
- Sudoku
- Solitaire
If you want to play multiplayer puzzle-based games but don’t have anyone to play with, check out the app version of games like Scrabble, chess, and Checkers. Often, you can be matched with other players online or play against the computer.
Online Slots Are Perfect for Casual Gaming Sessions
Another fun option for mums to check out is online slots, which are about as straightforward as games get. Seriously, nothing is confusing about these games; you don’t have to worry about reading a long list of rules—it’s pretty much just press and play. What’s even better is that there are many free slots available, which means there are no risks involved.
These styles of games are ideal for mums who don’t care about winning real money and just want to play for the fun of it. You can find slot machine games for mobile phones, making it the perfect on-the-go game for the casual gamer. Whether you have a few minutes to play or a longer chunk of time available, online slots are perfect.
Get Together with Other Mums to Play Cards
There’s nothing wrong with solo-style games like we’ve mentioned above, but it’s also fun to sprinkle in games that require other players. This is an opportunity to socialise with other mums on a regular basis.
Some classic games you can play with a standard deck of playing cards include:
- Crazy eights
- Gin rummy
- Spades
- Cribbage
- Bridge
- Hearts
Even if you don’t know how to play these games, this is your chance to learn something new with friends. Before you know it, you and your group will be playing like old pros.
Making the Most Out of Your Free Time
All the games above are perfect for busy mums just like you, as they give you a fun and engaging way to fill your much-deserved free time.