In the world of DBT, we’re all about skills over spiraling — and one of our favorite distress tolerance tools just happens to live right on your phone.
Yes, we’re talking about the so-called “stupid games” you play when you need a break from your brain.
It might feel silly, but hear us out: distracting yourself with low-stress, wholesome games can be a powerful way to ride out emotional storms without making things worse — exactly what Distress Tolerance skills are meant to help with.
💡 Why It Works (Yes, Really):
- Occupies your brain just enough to slow emotional flooding
- Keeps your hands busy when you’re feeling restless, panicky, or impulsive
- Provides gentle structure without requiring deep thinking
- Gives you small, achievable wins, which can be incredibly grounding
🎮 Here’s Our Favorite List of Wholesome iPhone Games That Are Actually DBT-Friendly:
🧑🌾 Hay Day
Download on iOS
Farm chores have never felt so soothing. Plant crops, feed animals, decorate — all at your own pace. No timer stress, just cozy productivity.
🏨 My Perfect Hotel
Download on iOS
You manage a hotel from the ground up, one upgrade at a time. Perfect for distracting your brain with bite-sized tasks and satisfying little achievements.
🐄 FarmVille 3
Download on iOS
The newest version of the iconic game. It’s full of cute animals, crafting, and building — all the wholesome farming vibes without pressure.
🛣️ The Journey
Download on iOS
A calm, narrative-driven game with a beautiful art style and peaceful music. Perfect when you want to gently escape into a story without overstimulation.
🎨 I Love Hue / I Love Hue Too
Download on iOS
Minimalist color puzzles that challenge your visual perception and calm your nervous system. Hypnotic and peaceful.
🐟 Zen Koi 2
Download on iOS
Swim around as a graceful koi, eat things, grow, and eventually become a dragon. It’s as chill as it sounds.
🧘 My Oasis
Download on iOS
Build your own peaceful island to relaxing music. No competition, no stress — just vibes and virtual flowers.
🐓 Cats & Soup
Download on iOS
Watch a team of adorable cats make soup in the woods. That’s it. It’s cute, calm, and oddly meditative.
🧩 Two Dots
Download on iOS
Elegant and addicting dot-connecting puzzles with beautiful graphics and sound. Engaging but not overstimulating.
🌱 Tsuki’s Odyssey
Download on iOS
A chill little bunny moves to the countryside and makes friends. Think cozy, not competitive.
Real Talk: You’re Not “Wasting Time” — You’re Using a Skill
When you’re flooded with emotion and your brain feels like it’s on fire, you don’t need to solve everything right away. You just need to get through the moment without making it worse — and that’s where these games shine.
So go ahead: plant a pixelated carrot, upgrade your fake hotel, or collect digital koi. You’re doing something kind for your nervous system, and that matters.
💬 Need More Support?
We specialize in DBT and EMDR for teens and adults (16+) and offer in-person and virtual therapy across Kansas and Missouri. And guess what? We can often get you in this week.
📲 Book online 24/7 or Text/Call: 816.500.2070
💻 Therapy that meets you where you are
🧘♀️ Skills, support, and non-judgmental care
Middle Path Counseling MO 