Our day-to-day lives can be hectic and stressful. Sometimes the stress begins to pile on the moment we crawl out of bed and shuffle to our coffee pots. Once we get home, kick off our shoes, and settle into our favorite comfy spots, it’s hard to shake off the mental discomfort and enjoy some much-needed free time.

Did we complete the day’s assignments correctly? Are we ready for the big exam tomorrow? Did the bill payment go through on time? With so many questions, it’s tough to relax. Personally, I ease my mind with Tetris and meditation. When combined, these two elements help distract me from the never-ending stream of stressful thoughts.

In particular, Tetris is good at this because of the “Tetris Effect”. The Tetris Effect is a catchy term that players use to describe the way they are inspired by the game and see Tetriminos in everyday situations. By focusing my mind on Tetris during meditation, I minimize my stress levels. In turn, this helps me lead a happier life.

The great thing about a mental game of Tetris is that I’m in control of which shapes appear and how quickly they fall. While trying to relax, I slow the descent of the Tetriminos on the Matrix. I concentrate on each color, shape, and how the Tetriminos move. While doing this, I control my breathing by inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth.

After several minutes of Tetris-style meditation, my body loosens up, both physically and emotionally, and I’m ready to cast aside those stressful thoughts in exchange for something I prefer, like video games or a good movie.

Keep in mind that I am not a health professional, and my Tetris meditation may not work for you. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you and your loved ones. For me, this involves a comfy pair of pajamas, my favorite spot on the couch and mentally clearing those lines of Tetriminos one by one. That’s my ultimate form of stress relief.

• Tetris
• Life