When people think “self-care,” they usually imagine spa days, deep breaths, or forest walks. All valid. But for millions of people, self-care sometimes looks like curling up on the couch, controller in hand, and diving headfirst into a game that feels like home.
At Joycade, we believe joy is a form of wellness. And for many, gaming isn’t just a hobby it’s a legit form of self-care.
Here’s how.
1. Games Offer Control in a Chaotic World
Life doesn’t come with checkpoints, tutorials, or a pause button. But games do.
Whether you’re designing your dream island in Animal Crossing or building a perfect factory in Satisfactory, games give you a sense of agency. You make the rules. You decide the pace. That feeling of control can be a powerful tool against anxiety and burnout.
And let’s be real sometimes just finishing something in a game feels like a little win when real life feels full of question marks.
2. Mindless or Mindful? Both Can Heal
Not all self-care is zen-like and peaceful. Sometimes you want calm. Other times you want catharsis—something that gets the stress out of your system.
Games for calm:
- Townscaper – Build dreamy little towns with no objectives
- ABZÛ – An underwater journey that feels like swimming in a dream
- Kind Words – Write and receive real letters of kindness anonymously
Games for release:
- DOOM Eternal – Yes, ripping and tearing can be therapeutic
- Hades – Fast-paced combat that feels like dancing with danger
- Rocket League – Simple, chaotic, and strangely satisfying
You don’t have to relax in a traditional sense just doing something that feels good in the moment counts.
3. Social Gaming = Connection Without Pressure
You don’t always want to talk about your day or dive deep into feelings—and that’s okay. Sometimes, just being with someone in a shared virtual space is enough.
Whether it’s teaming up in Fortnite, trading items in Pokémon, or goofing off in Among Us, games offer a low-pressure way to bond with friends, family, or even strangers.
Bonus: shared victories release dopamine and oxytocin—the happy hormones of joy and connection. Win-win.
4. Games Can Create a Flow State
Ever notice how hours fly by when you’re playing a game you love?
That’s called flow a mental state where you’re fully immersed, focused, and losing track of everything else. Psychologists say flow can reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve emotional regulation. Many games are designed to help you reach that state naturally.
Think puzzle games like The Witness, rhythm games like Beat Saber, or even city-builders like Cities: Skylines. They gently challenge your brain, keeping you engaged, not overwhelmed.
5. Self-Care Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
The biggest myth about self-care? That it has to look a certain way.
For some, it’s a skincare routine. For others, it’s logging into Final Fantasy XIV and checking in with their online guild. For some, it’s solo meditation. For others, it’s replaying The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the fifth time because Hyrule just feels like home.
The point is this: if something makes you feel better calmer, safer, more grounded it counts.
A Few Tips for Healthy Self-Care Gaming
If you’re using gaming as part of your self-care routine, here are a few friendly reminders to keep it helpful and not overwhelming:
Set a vibe goal – Need energy? Calm? Social time? Pick a game that fits.
Avoid guilt-tripping – Games are a valid way to spend time. Don’t shame yourself for playing.
Balance is key – Take screen breaks, stay hydrated, move your body between sessions.
Reflect after – Did that game make you feel better? Energized? Drained? Use that info next time.
Final Thoughts from Joycade
Games aren’t a magic cure for stress, anxiety, or burnout—but they are a powerful tool. They give us stories to live through, challenges to conquer, and moments of joy that linger long after the screen goes dark.
So yes, games can help you relax. Sometimes they even help you find yourself again.
Next time you press “Play,” do it with intention. You might just be taking care of yourself in ways you didn’t realize.
Joycade 