The Weird Benefits of Playing the Same Game Over and Over

Every morning at 7 AM, I make coffee and play the same puzzle game. Same game, every single day, for the past six months. My roommate thinks I'm insane. "Don't you get bored?" she asks. "Why don't you try something new?" But this routine has actually been really helpful for me in ways I didn't expect.

I know it sounds weird. Playing the same game every day for six months? That's not how most people game. But for me, it's become this anchor in my day, this thing I can count on. And it's changed my mornings completely.

It's My Morning Ritual - The Foundation of My Day

I'm not a morning person. I used to wake up, check my phone, get stressed about emails, and start my day in a bad mood. My anxiety would kick in immediately, and I'd spend the whole morning feeling overwhelmed.

Now I wake up, play my game for 15 minutes, then start getting ready for work. It gives my brain something to focus on that's not work-related right away. By the time I'm done playing, I'm actually awake and in a better mood. It's like meditation, but more fun.

Those 15 minutes are sacred to me. I don't check my phone, I don't think about work, I just play my game. It's this buffer between sleep and the rest of my day, and I need it.

My roommate doesn't understand why I can't just meditate or do yoga like "normal" people. But this works for me. The game requires just enough focus to quiet my anxious thoughts, but not so much that it's stressful.

I've Gotten Ridiculously Good at It - There's Satisfaction in Mastery

When you play the same game every day for months, you get really, really good at it. I used to struggle with the basic levels. Now I can clear hard levels without even thinking much about them. My fingers know what to do before my brain even processes it.

There's something satisfying about being excellent at something, even if it's just a mobile game. It feels good to see yourself improve at something through consistent practice. I can look back at where I started and see real progress.

I've gotten so good that I can play while half-asleep and still do well. The patterns are so familiar that my brain can handle them even when I'm not fully awake yet. That's actually part of why it works so well as a morning routine.

There's a comfort in mastery. Knowing I'm good at this one thing, even if it's small, gives me confidence that carries into the rest of my day.

It Helps My Anxiety - This Is the Real Benefit

I have pretty bad anxiety, especially in the mornings when I'm thinking about everything I have to do that day. Playing my game interrupts that spiral of worrying. It gives my brain something concrete to focus on instead of all the abstract worries.

The game is predictable and familiar. I know exactly what to expect. In a world where everything feels uncertain and overwhelming, having this one consistent thing is oddly comforting. It's my 15 minutes where I don't have to think about real life problems.

When I'm playing, I'm not worrying about work deadlines or social obligations or anything else. I'm just solving puzzles. It's simple, it's clear, and it's completely within my control. That sense of control is huge for my anxiety.

My therapist actually approved of this routine. She said having a predictable, calming activity in the morning can help regulate anxiety. She was right. My morning anxiety has decreased significantly since I started this routine.

But Isn't It Boring? - The Question Everyone Asks

People always ask me this. Honestly? No. The game is simple enough that I don't have to learn new rules every day, but varied enough that each level feels slightly different. There are hundreds of levels, so even though it's the same game, there's always something new to solve.

Also, I'm not playing for excitement. I'm playing for calm and routine. It's supposed to be familiar and comfortable. That's the whole point. If I wanted excitement, I'd play something different. But in the morning, I want something that soothes, not something that stimulates.

I think people misunderstand what I'm getting from this. They think I'm bored and just going through the motions. But I'm actually engaged and present. I'm just not looking for novelty - I'm looking for comfort and routine.

Routines Are Actually Good - Science Backs This Up

I used to think routines were boring and I needed to constantly try new things. But having this one small routine has made my mornings so much better. I'm calmer, more focused, and I actually look forward to waking up.

It's the same reason people drink the same coffee every morning or take the same route to work. Familiar routines are comforting, and gaming can be part of that. There's research showing that morning routines help reduce anxiety and improve mood throughout the day.

My routine isn't just the game - it's coffee, then game, then getting ready. That sequence is predictable and calming. I know what comes next, and that predictability is soothing for my anxious brain.

I've tried breaking the routine a few times, just to see what would happen. Every time, my morning anxiety spikes and my whole day feels off. The routine isn't just a habit - it's a tool for managing my mental health.

My Take - Why This Works for Me

I'm not saying everyone should play the same game every day for six months. But if you find a game you really enjoy, there's nothing wrong with playing it a lot. You don't always need variety and new experiences.

Sometimes sticking with something you love and getting really good at it is more satisfying than constantly jumping to the next new thing. Plus, it's given me the most chill morning routine I've ever had.

My roommate can think I'm crazy all she wants. I'm starting every day in a good mood, and that's worth looking a little weird. My mental health is more important than appearing "normal" or having variety for variety's sake.

If you struggle with morning anxiety or just want a calmer start to your day, maybe try finding one simple game you enjoy and making it part of your routine. It doesn't have to be the same game forever, but having that consistent, calming activity can make a real difference.

I'll probably keep playing this game every morning for as long as it helps. When it stops being helpful, I'll find something else. But for now, this routine is working, and that's what matters.