Gaming has been an important part of my life for a long time. For me, it’s not just about winning or achieving something. It’s about finding joy and relaxation in a hectic world. It’s a break from everyday demands, a way to disconnect from stress, and just be in the moment. That’s what cozy gaming is for me.
Even though gaming is sometimes still seen as childish or unimportant by some. I know that many in my generation grew up with it and still see it as a meaningful hobby. 🎮
A Cozy Sanctuary for Play and Imagination
As a child, games were my refuge. Being an only child with few friends often made me feel lonely, but in the world of games, there was always something new to discover. I embarked on incredible adventures in The Longest Journey, built my dream life in The Sims, and explored magical worlds where I could be whoever I wanted to be.
The Sims has been my most-played game over the years – I’ve followed the series from the very beginning and spent hundreds of hours building and creating. But there’s a strange gap in my memories of The Sims 2. It was a time in my life when my reality changed drastically, forcing me to face the adult world in ways I wasn’t ready for. I know I played The Sims 2 just as much as the others, but as my real world turned upside down, it was as if the game faded away with it, lost somewhere in my memory.
Relaxation and Creativity Through Play
I am drawn to games that are calm, creative, and engaging. Puzzle games, point-and-click adventures, fantasy, farming, and life simulators like Stardew Valley, Syberia, and Hogwarts Legacy are some of my favorites. They allow me to play at my own pace and immerse myself in stories and worlds without stress. Sure, I have also tried racing and fighting games, but it’s the more relaxing experiences that I always return to.
Gaming as a Part of Well-being
I want to normalize gaming as a part of a balanced lifestyle. Games don’t make us violent – humans were violent long before gaming existed. However, games can bring us joy, a sense of community, and a way to unwind. I see many people sharing their gaming experiences on social media today, and it’s inspiring to see gaming becoming more accepted in adult life. I identify as a “cozy gamer girl” and want to challenge the stereotype that gaming is just for kids or a waste of time.
Gaming and Joyful Balance with Creative Wellness
Gaming fits perfectly into my niche, Joyful Balance with Creative Wellness. For many of us, it’s a hobby we choose because it makes us feel good. Just like reading a book, taking a walk, or watching a movie. You don’t have to play for hours every day for gaming to be a part of your life. Sometimes, a short session in Stardew Valley to unwind in Pelican Town, celebrating a promotion in The Sims, or experiencing a magical moment in Hogwarts Legacy is enough. It’s about allowing yourself to enjoy what you love, without guilt or shame.
What does gaming mean to you?
Do you have a game that holds a special place in your heart? Maybe one you always return to or one that helped you through a tough time? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments – I would love to hear what gaming means to you! 💜
🎮 From pixels to paint – next post will introduce you to Crafting as Creative Wellness, all about crafting and creativity. So stay tuned! 🎨 And, if you missed my last blog post on Joyful Balance, click here to catch up! 🌿