Online gaming has grown in popularity over the last decade but despite its increased growth, it is often considered a time-wasting activity. However, there are numerous mental health benefits of playing games like solitaire, especially as a way to unwind after a tedious day.

Many online platforms allow you to play a variety of solitaire games like Golf and if you’re consistent with it, below are some of the mental health benefits.

1. It relieves stress

While many people believe online gaming is just a complete waste of time, the reality is that it is one of the most profitable ways to spend your alone time, especially if you’re stressed. Playing solitaire has a calming effect that can help distract your mind from any negative thoughts.

2. It improves your thinking capacity

Solitaire is not a game of luck but requires a strategy to win like most games. Therefore, by constantly playing this game, you’re improving your brain’s ability to create winning strategies in difficult situations.

3. It builds your mental resilience

Gaming requires constant practice to master and oftentimes, your consistency is what determines how well you perform during each gameplay. Even games that are seemingly easy like solitaire, still require you to exercise some patience—and as a beginner, you’re likely to fail multiple times before building resilience over time.

4. It helps cure boredom

Boredom can have such a negative impact on the mind and that’s why games like solitaire are perfect for when you’re bored with plenty of time on your hands. This game is bound to keep you entertained for hours on end while keeping your mind constantly engaged in thinking up winning strategies. In a twinkle of an eye, you’ll realise many hours have gone by and your boredom is effectively cured.

5. It helps improve your memory

Like many card games, solitaire requires you to store and recall information quickly and this has a huge impact on your spatial memory. Therefore, playing it regularly would help you improve your memory and keep it sharp even as you age.

6. It develops your mental skills

Playing solitaire can be likened to exercising your brain because the gameplay challenges your mind to achieve positive results. Some of the psychological benefits include better concentration, improved decision-making, better logical thinking and goal setting, amongst others.

7. It can help you cope with loneliness

Since the pandemic, loneliness peaked in many households and though everything seems to be quickly going back to normal, there’s still a little anxiety with socializing as before. Nonetheless, solitaire is a single-player game that can keep you company whenever you’re alone.