While video games are often thought to be a mindless activity, there actually are some pretty cool benefits of grabbing a game to play. Video games can actually help improve memory, problem-solving ability, and help you make decisions faster. Plus, getting lost in another world can help to relieve stress and take your mind off of any pain that you're feeling. While any video game you enjoy can be a great act of self-care, if you're feeling frustrated by a certain level, or the constant adventure is just stressing you out, we've put together of list of some relaxing video games for you to escape with.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Available on: Nintendo 3DS
In this game, you're the mayor of a small town, given complete control to complete simple tasks like decorating your home and village, fishing, and catching bugs. Because it's completely up to you how to spend your time, its easy to get lost and explore the game, plus it's full of cute, colourful animals, and the music is really relaxing and soothing.
Flower
This is one game that was actually created with the purpose of inspiring positive emotions and promoting relaxation. In this game, you control the wind, allowing a flower petal to float through the air and explore beautiful landscapes, unlock new areas, attract other petals, and bring greenery back to abandoned fields. With no fighting and nothing to worry about but you and the wind, this video game is incredibly relaxing.
Slime Rancher
In this game, you play as Beatrix LeBeau, living thousands of light years away from Earth in a colourful environment called Far, Far Range where you collect cute and colourful slimes, grow crops, and harvest resources for your ranch. With fun, playful graphics, there's action without being overwhelming.
Super Mario Galaxy
Available on: Wii
All the Super Mario games have a hint of nostalgia, which can be relaxing in and of itself. With an amazing and calming soundtrack, Super Mario Galaxy has you exploring different and incredible galaxies with different themes that play with gravity, giving you a weightless feeling. Whether you prefer to embark on new levels to progress through the game or replay levels searching for all the stars you need, this is a great video game to grab for a weekend.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Role playing games are awesome for relaxation, because they truly allow you to get lost in a new, open world, and take on whatever quests or travel wherever you'd like.The graphics are incredible, allowing you to explore villages, towns, wilderness, and more, plus you can customize your skills, armour, and weapons as you progress through this adventure.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Available on: PC, PC Download
Though it seems incredibly basic, Euro Truck Simulator is incredibly relaxing. Running your own delivery fleet, you're alone on the open road, delivering cargo as you drive through Europe, enjoying the scenery and listening to the radio.
Stardew Valley
A farming stimulation game, Stardew Valley is filled with plenty of repetitive and calming activities to help create your new home, like farming, mining, combat, fishing, and foraging. You can also cook, craft, and start relationships.
Feather
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch
In this peaceful game, there's no combat or missions to complete. Rather, you're just soaring and flying fluidly as a bird, either by yourself or with other birds, exploring landscapes, islands, and noticing how the environment changes with your presence.
Abzu
In Abzu, you take on the role of an underwater diver, exploring the depths, secrets, creatures, and ecosystems of the deep sea. With a sense of weightlessness, this game is a gorgeous escape.
Journey
Available on: PS4
With gorgeous graphics, Journey has you on a lone journey through the desert. With only the ability to walk, jump, and sing, the controls are simple and the puzzles aren't overwhelming, but are enough to capture your attention.
Everything
Everything is a beautiful game that allows you to be different aspects of the world, progressing from animals to planets to galaxies and more. This game is wonderfully magical, allowing your mind to wander.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Set in 1899, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open world video game set in the wild west. As you progress through the game, you'll complete activities like shootouts, hunting, horseback riding, and character interaction. While there's plenty of opportunities for action, if you want to spend an hour or two fishing, that's your prerogative.
Monument Valley II
Available on: App Store
A puzzle game that's available on your phone, Monument Valley II capitalized on gorgeous, enchanting, and magical architecture. With simple controls, and plenty of optical illusions, it's sure to keep your attention.
Disneyland Adventures
Essentially allowing you to explore Disneyland, Disneyland Adventures is filled with simple, enjoyable mini-games. You're also able to meet and greet the characters, collect rewards, and visit attractions.
The Sims 4
Because you're able to play this game however you'd like, The Sims is a great game for self-care. Whether you focus on creating your dream home, developing your characters' personalities, or just creating chaos, it's easy to sink hours into this game.