Whether you feel like you could’ve done with an extra coffee this morning, or you’ve got a few minutes before your next meeting and need to freshen up your brain, sometimes a game is the answer. Dedicated ‘brain training’ games might help you to feel awake and on top of your game, but often they can be a little dull. Instead of opting for function over fun, try one of these suggestions. All of them are great fun, but also incorporate an element that will get your grey matter going. So, if you’re in need of a five-minute pick-me-up, look no further.
Minecraft
Our first game is one that began making waves in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. Minecraft is an open-world game that gives players total freedom to create whatever their imagination can dream up, using the materials and tools surrounding them. Whilst this title might seem lacking in the potential for waking up your brain, taking part in a creative challenge can help to foster lateral thinking. This is a skill that comes in handy in so many different parts of life, but one that often gets forgotten about in exchange for ‘harder’ skills. If you’re going to need to come up with some creative solutions then spending a few minutes on Minecraft might just help to get those creative juices flowing.
Poker
A good old card classic that has evolved and popularized with the coming of the internet. This game requires you to think quickly and logically, whilst avoiding panicking under pressure. The rules are simple to pick up and it’s possible to play for free or for money, depending on what’s more enjoyable for you. Owing to recent law changes it’s now possible to play poker MI, meaning that this quick-thinking game is available to more people than ever. Look for a site that has a user interface that you find easy to understand and try out this card game in your next tea break. Whilst it’s simple to get going, the more you learn, the more you realize there is to find out, so this can quickly become a full-time hobby.
Chess
Wordle
Our final pick is perfect for those who are suffering from a bit of writer’s block, or simply want to improve their vocabulary. Wordle is a popular word game at the moment that’s available to play on the New York Times website. In order to win, you simply need to guess the five-letter word in six tries or fewer. This game can help you to build up your memory recall and also encourages you to think more deeply about how words are formed.
