There’s nothing quite like it.
How’s everyone doing out there? It’s been a while, I know. I’ve been dodging reality in my down time lately by disappearing into the cute and relaxing island life of a certain low-key video game.
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Did you already guess what I was talking about?
Yes, that’s right. I dusted off the Nintendo Switch and have been lazing the hours away walking the shoreline, catching fish, swimming in the ocean, and collecting shells and bugs and works of art in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The real world has been very heavy lately and I needed the break. Got a bit of a giggle out of one of my friends responding with, “People still play that?” Yes, my dear, they do.
It really is a relaxing game, for the most part. Sometimes I even just set my avatar up in hammock beachside for a bit while I watch the animated waves roll in and out and listen to the soothing ocean sounds. Maybe it even drops my blood pressure a bit, though I haven’t actually checked… maybe I should sometime!
I finally finished collecting all of the Sea Creatures and Insects, so those sections of my museum are complete. Blathers (the quirky owl character who acts as director of the museum) was quite thrilled about it!
Still searching for the last of the fish… and the last of the gyroids…
I guess it could be considered a bit on the childish side but I think that’s part of what makes it so relaxing. It’s easy to play. There’s no stress. It’s the most leisurely game I’ve probably ever played.
And it’s so cute, right on down to its punny humor and quirky character/villager personalities. Truth be told, I actually like punny humor… though it does get old after the first few repetitions. Fortunately, there are plenty of other activities to switch focus toward when you just can’t take one more silly fish joke!
It’s also hard not to grow attached to some of the characters and villagers. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have some favorites. My most favorite of all the villagers I’ve met to date though is Raymond, a smug hip gray cat villager with one brown and one green eye. He’s basically my island bestie. He’s been by my side since day one on the island, about… oh… three or so years ago?
I did mention that I play in sporadic bursts? Thankfully, villagers warm up quickly when I return to the game after a long hiatus. For all they know, I was out exploring and collecting wonderful new items to add to our lovely little island home!
Anyway, that’s what’s been up with me lately. Just taking some time to disconnect from the never-ending news cycles.
If someone asked me ten years ago whether playing some silly game could be considered a form of self-care, I’d probably have said no. But yanno what? It can be, and right now, for me, it definitely is. ☺
What are some things you do to help unwind and escape reality for a bit?
Wishing you all the best… 💜
