Home Adulting 4 Games That Are Great For People With Social Anxiety

4 Games That Are Great For People With Social Anxiety

By
Adele Espy
-

I am an introvert and I have severe social anxiety, so socializing is hard for me. However- I’m human— I need regular human contact. I’ve learned from experience, and from friends, how to use projects as a way of reducing the social anxiety/awkwardness that one, both, or all parties feel. These are my top four!

1. DICE

Purchase the game “B*tches.” (I promise I am not advertising for this company. I just love the game.

This dice game is fun to play alone or with other people, taking turns, and competing against yourself and others. It’s easy to play and learn, and sort of addicting. It’s a small bag of dice you can put in a pocket and whip out when things get awkward or the silence is bugging you. 

When I’m rolling dice, or watching my friend roll the dice, I stay focused on the present moment. When my anxiety comes in to tell me I’m doing something wrong or being wrong, I can quiet that voice by refocusing on the game. When people ask personal questions about my life, I find it easier to answer when eye contact is not required, so focusing on the game is really effective for deep or difficult conversations. 

2. CARDS 

A deck of cards will easily fit into a pocket or purse. Everyone knows at least one game they can teach a friend. If you have the ability to learn a new game, you can expand your repertoire. But if you’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, or anxious, something you both know how to play is easier. Go Fish, Gin, Rummy, Gin Rummy, Golf… Look up a few games ahead of time when you’re calm so you have a game to teach or play when you’re with friends. 

My mom brings a deck of cards everywhere now because they have saved the day several times when I’ve ended up in the hospital. Gin Rummy is our favorite game, and our family has its own rules, as most families do. I thought it was very wise of a recent date to bring a deck of cards on a first date with me. When I was in too much pain to keep playing arcade games, he found a table and took out his cards. We were able to have a fun conversation, and still feel like we were doing things without sitting around doing nothing and getting stressed out by our own minds.

3. PUZZLES 

Bring a puzzle to a friend’s house if you like to keep your hands busy. Rather than picking at your cuticles or biting your nails, doing a puzzle reduces my anxiety by focusing my attention. I find I can listen to my friends better when I’m working on a puzzle. And you can stop and take it apart and put it away at any point. There are no rules that say you have to complete it. 

4. BANANAGRAMS 

This is an amazing game that is fun to play with friends when you want to hang out but you don’t really want to go deep. It can also give you a break from deep conversations. 

I lose myself in the fast-paced word game, and my anxiety dissipates as my mind tries to spell words. Sometimes that short reprieve is enough to revisit whatever deep conversation was happening before playing the game. I have played this game for hours with other patients in treatment centers as well, when we didn’t have the bandwidth to talk, but we also wanted company, or were stuck in a room together. It doesn’t require talking in order to have fun! 

Photo by JustA Guy on Unsplash

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105 COMMENTS

    • This resonates so much with me! As someone who also struggles with social anxiety, I’ve found that games with a “daily challenge” format work really well too.

      I play NFL Wordle (nflwordle.net) every morning – it’s a guessing game where you figure out NFL players based on clues. What I love is that I can play it alone when I need space, but I can also share my score with friends without the pressure of a live conversation. It’s become a nice ice-breaker when I do want to connect with people.

      The key for me has been finding games that let me control the pace and level of social interaction. Thanks for sharing these recommendations!

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  4. Social anxiety can make it challenging to engage in traditional social activities, but gaming provides a fantastic outlet for those looking to have fun without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. Here are four games that are perfect for individuals with social anxiety:

    Stardew Valley:
    Stardew Valley offers a peaceful escape into the countryside, where players can cultivate their farm, interact with charming NPCs, and participate in various activities like fishing, mining, and crafting. The game’s relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal choice for those seeking a low-pressure gaming experience. With Nova Custom Boxes, players can even customize their gaming setup to enhance their enjoyment further.

    Animal Crossing: New Horizons:
    Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows players to create their own island paradise, complete with adorable animal villagers and endless opportunities for creativity. Whether it’s designing your dream home, exploring the island’s diverse landscapes, or participating in seasonal events, this game offers a tranquil and customizable experience that caters to players of all ages. Nova Custom Boxes can add a personal touch to your gaming experience, making your island getaway even more immersive.

    Minecraft:
    Minecraft’s sandbox world provides players with limitless possibilities for exploration, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you prefer to embark on solo adventures or join friends in multiplayer servers, the game offers a range of gameplay options to suit your preferences. From building elaborate structures to surviving in hostile environments, Minecraft encourages players to set their own goals and play at their own pace, making it an excellent choice for individuals with social anxiety. Nova Custom Boxes can help you organize your gaming accessories and create a clutter-free gaming space, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the blocky world of Minecraft.

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  8. Certain games can provide a comfortable and controlled social environment for individuals with social anxiety. Games like “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and “Stardew Valley” offer peaceful settings and low-pressure interactions with other characters. “Minecraft” allows for creative expression and engagement with others at one’s own pace. “Among Us” features non-verbal communication options, making it suitable for those who prefer written interaction. These games can foster social connections while allowing players to manage their level of engagement.
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  10. Thank you for highlighting these games! As someone who deals with social anxiety, finding enjoyable and comfortable ways to connect with others is invaluable. These recommendations provide a refreshing alternative to traditional social settings, promoting relaxation and fun. Looking forward to trying them out!

  15. This dice game is perfect for solo play or with friends, taking turns to compete against each other or yourself. It’s easy to learn, incredibly engaging, and a bit addictive. The game is portable, fitting in a small bag you can keep in your pocket, making it ideal for breaking the ice or filling awkward silences. juul 2

  16. This dice game sounds like a perfect mix of fun and relaxation, whether played solo or with friends. Its simplicity and portability make it an ideal activity for breaking awkward silences or filling downtime. The game’s ability to keep you focused on the present moment is a great way to manage anxiety, providing a healthy distraction and a sense of calm. Disposable Vape

  22. It’s great to have a tool that not only provides entertainment but also creates a comfortable space for more personal or difficult discussions. Thank you for sharing this wonderful game idea!
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  25. It’s a great reminder that sometimes the right tools can make all the difference in overcoming challenges. Thank you for sharing these insights!

  26. This article is incredibly insightful! It’s great to see recommendations for games that can help people with social anxiety feel more comfortable and engaged. Thanks for sharing these valuable tips!

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  88. This resonates so much with me! As someone who also struggles with social anxiety, I’ve found that games with a “daily challenge” format work really well too.

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