Game Guide
1. Odd Man Out
This game trains attention. People who struggle with anxiety or low mood often focus more on negative things around them. By practising looking for neutral or positive options instead, participants strengthen their ability to shift attention. Over time, this can reduce rumination and anxious thinking.
Reflection Tip: Ask yourself, “How easy was it to shift my focus? Where do I notice my attention going in daily life?”
2. Fill in the Blanks
This game works on interpretation. Many people automatically interpret ambiguous situations in a negative way (“They didn’t reply—maybe they’re upset with me”). By filling in blanks with positive or neutral endings, participants practise building healthier interpretations.
Reflection Tip: Think about, “What’s one situation I recently assumed the worst in? What might be another explanation?”
3. Affirmational Crossword
Here, affirmations are woven into a puzzle. Repeatedly encountering positive self-statements helps challenge negative self-talk and reinforce more balanced beliefs about the self.
Reflection Tip: Ask yourself, “Which affirmations felt natural? Which felt harder to believe? Why?” Pick one affirmation to practise during the week.
4. Safe Space
A guided imagery exercise where participants imagine a calm, secure environment. Visualising this space can lower stress and anxiety, and provides a mental tool to return to when overwhelmed.
Reflection Tip: Consider, “What did I notice in my safe space—what could I see, hear, or feel?” Remind yourself that you can return to this place whenever you need calm.
5. Me, Myself & I
This game builds self-compassion. Many people speak harshly to themselves but kindly to others. By practising treating oneself with warmth and understanding, participants reduce self-criticism and increase resilience.
Reflection Tip: Ask yourself, “What did my compassionate voice sound like? How was it different from my usual self-talk?”
6. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This guided exercise alternates tensing and relaxing different muscle groups. It reduces physical tension and calms the nervous system, which is especially useful for stress and anxiety.
Reflection Tip: Reflect on, “Where did I feel the most tension? How did my body feel after?”
7. Stress Buster
Prompts participants to remember and re-engage with small self-care habits that can get lost under stress. These habits build resilience and restore energy.
Reflection Tip: Ask yourself, “What’s one self-care action I can re-start this week?”
8. In & Out
A simple paced breathing exercise. Regulating the breath helps calm the body, lowers heart rate, and reduces anxious symptoms.
Reflection Tip: Think about, “How did my breathing feel before and after?” Notice moments in daily life when you can pause and use this exercise.