Games for Calming Stress and Anxiety
I have fond memories of sitting down at the N64 trying to play the right tune on my Ocarina to call my horse, battling it out at Pokemon Stadium and losing almost every mini-game during Mario Party. Now that I'm older and there are so many more gaming options out there, I have learned to appreciate even more how games can be used as a way to escape - kind of like a good book or watching a movie that really draws you in. Through my experience with anxiety I've tried to use games as a way to distract and even calm my anxiety. So here are my favourite games to play for stressful and high anxiety days.
APPS:
The first app is called My Oasis. I'm still pretty new to it, but this is really the app that inspired this post. You earn hearts simply by tapping the screen. You could sit there for hours if you wanted to, as far as I can tell you just keep earning. You can spend your hearts on upgrades to add nature and life to your Oasis. The music is so peaceful and the game-play provided activities (like upgrading) without frustrating and seemingly impossible challenges. Also, the plants and animals provide positive affirmations when you click on them!
PC/CONSOLE GAMES:
If you want to talk about aesthetic games, Astroneer has to be on that list. The photos speak for themselves. This is a relaxed open-world, sandbox game where you explore new planets, collect resources and craft new items. The game is still in it's Beta but the recent updates have made it even more beautiful. And the music is
another bonus. This game is great because you really can take it at your own pace. There's no stressful boss challenge, no levels to acheive. I spent hours building a parking garage once. It was great.
Banished is a little different. I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a tiny bit stressful. But the reason I included it was because this game is all about micro-managing and control. My anxiety is often caused by feeling a lack fo control over certain situations, so I like this game because I can control so many little details. It's a simulation, village builder type game and I'm all about it.
Of course this list wouldn't be complete without Stardew Valley. If you were/are a Harvest Moon fan, then you will no doubt love this one. It's a farm simulator game where you grow crops, manage livestock, interact with villagers, mine, fight slime monsters, fish, and even start a family. You can go about the game as quickly or slowly as you like and if you're not into one aspect, there's others ways of succeeding in the game as well. I've put in about 96 hours according to Steam, and I'm still going strong. If you need some stress relief spend a whole session redesigning your farm or make thousands from fishing all day. It's in your hands!
Feel free to drop your favourite games in the comments!