Cozy Switch Games for your Mental Health Rut!

[@Des25190]

- night in the woods - florence - unpacking - a short hike - gris - animal crossing - cozy grove - garden path - little friends cats and dogs - switch sports - just dance - big brain academy - two point campus - gibbon beyond the trees - my universe games - point and click mysterie games - cuphead (will break you)

[@Moonkin444]

The new Disney dreamlight game is also really cozy

[@maple_vanilla]

@Kei* Fei Ku nitw is very relatable though. it shook me when i played it lol a lot of young adults relate to it

[@moovieday]

florence broke me lol

[@volkova6209]

Night in the Woods is an amazing game

[@j_s552]

Thanks! Cuts down the watch time so I appreciate it

[@VreniEni]

When I'm stressed or down and I don't feel like playing something like Animal Crossing or Cozy Grove, I like to pick up one of my old consoles like my DS or even my Gameboy and just disappear back into my childhood with all those nostalgic games and time just flies by and I always feel better afterwards. Can 100% recommend.

[@selinkorkmaz1019]

Yesss yes yes! My old GameCube was everything :( I really miss playing w it

[@meaghanfay7902]

Yes! This is me. I play the sims mostly but I like fashion games as well.

[@laurenseatter9391]

I played Spiritfarer in the weeks after my gran died and honestly it helped me process the grief so much and it is such a beautiful, heartbreaking and yet heartwarming and comforting game❤️ one of my favourite games I’ve ever played.

[@Raquel96]

I had a similar experience with Spiritfarer, it absolutely helped me so much through thinking of death, it was really healing for me to get into & play honestly.

[@esperanz02]

That's a great game

[@lirael423]

I bought this game recently after seeing a number of people say the same thing. My grandfather and uncle died in the last few months and it's been really difficult for me to process. I'm hoping this game will help but I've been too much of a chicken to start because I know the emotions it'll dredge up.

[@rikkiradioactive]

I LOVED Spiritfarer 🥺

[@robertaslawinski9743]

Spiritfarer is one of my favorite games for this reason. ❤

[@Stephanie-tz4nq]

I wouldn't exactly call it cozy, but when I was super depressed, I loved just getting lost in the world of Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It's bright, fun, and there's a lot to explore.

[@earthtonom]

BOTW helped me escape when I was depressed and had a lot going in my head.

[@ApprehensiveWitch]

BOTW got me through 2020 during lockdown right after my grandmother died

[@Kmisiete]

i´m in a bit mental spiral and that´s exactly what I´m playing right now and yes i agree 100%

[@erin8808]

Yes, I play this whenever I need a distraction

[@piperslice]

I disagree, I think it’s super cozy because it’s so isolated. Link is alone in this huge peaceful world, and I find it really cozy

[@DonnaFarias]

I'm 25, and I'm so happy to hear that I'm not the only adult that revisits elementary school things to rejog my mind or just turn off my emotional mind

[@britty23]

Stardew Valley is always a game I turn to when my mental health is not at its best. It is relaxing and has a lot of different aspects to it. There are character developments that include different mental health situations and it involves a community of characters that you grow to love.

[@Sxyin]

yess i loved stardew valley so much but i played it so much that there’s nothing for me to do anymore and i don’t want to start a new world either ahhh 😩😩😩

[@bluemush86]

I just started playing Stardew valley and now understand the hype and why ppl ❤️ it. I’m hooked.

[@adrian3747_]

yup i’ve created several saves just cause i love that game a lot

[@Utopia1371]

Gris was very amazing and I would rather cry in bed all day then replay cuphead that game drove me insane.

[@StickyPaladin]

I'm so glad you mentioned Night in the Woods right off the bat. The first time I ever played it I was going through some really bad times, and I swear if it wasn't for that game I wouldn't be alive today. It helped me understand the depression I was going through (very similar to Mae's "everything is shapes" syndrome.) and anytime I'm going through some bad times I play it, and it helps so much.

[@jinjay5899]

For the people that don't have someone to turn to like a friend or your family, I can't recommend enough talking to a counselor or therapist. I understand the fear of talking to someone you don't know, or if they are going to pressure you to tell them everything, I've been there. But I can't stress enough the importance of not only someone to talk to but the value of someone being trained to help you work through that stuff. When I was younger I had some pretty bad counselors, but the one I have now I owe my life. Even if I have been through my fair share of depression and anxiety, I'm only 15, so I can't say I know it all, but whatever your going through will end, so hold on, find strength where there is none, and keep fighting. God bless you, and try something new today. :)

[@Natalie_is_typing]

I started playing Ooblets today after a hectic day at work, and wow if that game didn't act like a stress-sponge. Its cute, funny and I love the music 😊 much recommend that game too

[@ravensnotsobinary]

I agree!! It’s the cutest game I’ve ever played. I love how similar it is to animal crossing, stardew valley, and Pokémon but also all it’s own thing!

[@stayforthetingles]

I bought Ooblets on the PC after waiting forever. But I can't seem to actually get into it maybe I'm doing it wrong 🤣

[@fionanicholson2148]

I spent hours today playing Ooblets. It definitely helps me disconnect from the world around me. I’m absolutely loving that game. I’m a big overthinker and I’ve finally found cozy games which take my mind off of those things that I tend to over think.

[@aalllllllexx]

What remains of Edith finch, although very sad, is one of my ultimate comfort games. It's really immersive and cathartic and has a beautiful soundtrack

[@wuggieofthehood3711]

When I'm sad I watch jackspeticeye play this here on KZbin

[@wisdomcoffee]

Love your brown and tan switch! Haven’t seen that combo before and I’m kinda in love! I’ve been going for pink for cozy vibes but you’ve opened my eyes to the coziness of brown and cream/tan

[@Bootus123]

I'd like to nominate To The Moon for this list. It might give you a good cry (absolutely incredible story telling and the whole game takes maybe 4 hours), but it's so good. The characters are multidimensional, and you really get a sense of the grief and processing it. 12/10 would recommend.

[@Bootus123]

@@asenaakb well it's largely a storytelling game with light puzzle & RPG elements, so... Yeah. If you don't like storytelling games you're not going to have a good time.

[@beekah992]

Tbh everything by Freebird games is good. If you like to the moon you'd like Finding Paradise

[@vacafuega]

As an autistic woman who is married to a twin, I found the representations of both extremely 1-dimensional, clichéed and frankly insulting. I guess ymmv, but it really seems like the game maker never met either in real life! I was shocked since the reviews were so positive

[@Bootus123]

@@vacafuega I'm a twin and my brother and I found that aspect to be very moving.

[@novograndeoveryou]

play Finding Paradise too!

[@mikaelahtee3177]

This is one of the best, most supportive and encouraging videos I have seen to help people in this state. Amazing!!

[@forshizzlemywizzle]

Animal Crossing saved mine and my sister’s damn lives when we were teenagers and has continued to do so in many ways over the years. So grateful for the fact that this formerly niche hobby has become such a valuable coping mechanism for so many people since then (I know you didn’t put it on the list because you’ve done it so many times, but Stardew and Friends Of Mineral Town were also so, so helpful for me when I was struggling with no community in various points of my life).

[@Nathiusca01]

Wow I felt so seen with your comment 😍 Animal crossing saved my siblings and I since we were 6, 9 and 11. We spent time together reuniting in our towns and visiting the villagers, that's why is my favorite game ever. It was our safe place to hide from reality.

[@1FrolishousBaby]

Love this video. I went through a lot of mental health moments when my grandma passed in July. My happy place has been Stardew Valley all summer. Caring for the farm and crops was calming while the mines allowed me to rage a little. All feelings needed

[@marym.1261]

Speaking of simple math, there's a game called Freerice where you "donate” 10 grains of rice to the UNs world food program by choosing the right answer to a question based on a chosen topic (math, definitions, etc). You get the needed distraction, and people get food they need! I find it helps a lot 😌

[@nicked_fenyx]

I've used that game/website/etc on and off for years now. It really is relaxing, and I've been impressed at the number of categories they've added. They even have categories to help with learning foreign languages now. It can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be, really, and helps people in the end. Win-win.

[@cierraslowsdown]

Oh wow free rice!! Forgot all about this! Thanks for the reminder!

[@frey5218]

Still have?

[@kalliope8238]

YT recommended this video to me and can I just say how great this video is? As someone who loves gaming and has many struggles with mental health, I immediately had my own lists of games etc in my head when I saw your title. But your video is so well thought through, structured and explained (as well as having great game recs) that I took a lot away from it. It actually made me think about what games I like to play when I'm in a rut and for what reasons. It made me think of ways to better use my gaming time and whether other games might help me more. And above all it really made me appreciate that I have these amazing little escapes at my hand

[@CozyK]

thank you so much for the kind words!! so glad it resonated🤎

[@Shawn-ds9ug]

Wow, I just bought my granddaughter a Nintendo Switch. I also bought 3 games. I was looking the games up, to make they were appropriate, and came across this channel! Now I’m going to buy me one! Thanks! Mental health is so important!

[@CozyK]

Yay, i’m so glad!!🤎

[@lemur-bat]

spiritfarer made me feel so many emotions every time i picked it up. such a bittersweet and hopeful story about death and how we process grief. i sobbed like a baby at the end. i recommend it to everyone, definitely the best indie game i've ever played

[@mermaidenful]

I’m so grateful to have found your channel!!! I love The Sims 4, specifically for building. Play can be stressful, but building is so relaxing. ❤️

[@onethatdoesart5650]

(Spiritfarer spoilers/parental vent) My mom who I don’t have a very good relationship with, doesn’t have long left. Playing spiritfarer honestly hurt and helped me in ways I can’t explain. I had to put it down the first play through for a while after finding out what alice had going on. My mom doesn’t have dementia or anything but her drug use has damaged her brain and lungs beyond repair, so it really hit me like a ton of bricks when alice asked me where she was or who I was, or when her legs couldn’t carry her anymore. Spiritfarer is amazing beyond belief but it hurts me deeply.

[@celesterodriguez9440]

"I don't have to get frustrated like how I do with Celeste" felt like a very personal attack LOL

[@alicelockwood2846]

i know they're now classed as obsolete but i find the professor layton games gives me a good mental work out and the rush of nostalgia brings a great comfort

[@aimeevang3145]

❤️❤️ Professor Layton!!

[@Mizzzzarah]

there‘s a new professor layton game in the works!! coming to switch 2024 i think. can’t wait 😭♥️

[@alicelockwood2846]

professor laytons new world of steam i believe its called, but i truly think that the original 6 should be ported to the switch@@Mizzzzarah

[@sophiaschurr6254]

Sometimes when I’m stressed I turn to games with big story elements to them so I can forget about my own stress and get immersed in a whole other world. For me this usually means Skyrim or the fable games (mostly for the feeling of nostalgia they give me) or games like spiritfarer. Love love love this video❤️

[@fernandovelazquez6555]

I just found your channel and want to thank you for creating such an amazing space. I've already watched 3 videos and fell in love with you and the cozy environment that you make. As an individual who struggles with mental health disorders and many other things, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much again, and can't wait to watch more videos.

[@CozyK]

thank you so much - that means more than you know🤎🤎

[@TheBeenQueen]

You started with my fave game of all time (Night in the Woods) and just kept going with games I love. I've played all of the story games you mentioned and most of the others. Others games I would add to the mindless category: Coloring Pixels, House Flipper, and Power Washer. These are games that are just easy to turn on while watching TV or listening to music. They help me calm down when I'm feeling overly anxious.

[@lucillerenard9019]

Haven’t seen too many people in the comments recommending Wytchwood but it’s my favourite in this genre! The art style is really fun and the story is definitely cozy, as well as being entirely quest based which is great when I need to destress because I feel like I have a clear way of progressing and getting things done (within the game) and the I get the satisfaction of that as well

[@liviasavocados6921]

It was the first switch game I got really into and I have yet to find something I love as much

[@nataliebanghansen9527]

I really love unpacking, I keep redoing it. I wish they would make another one of these games. Its just so cozy.

[@lyndsayhawkins8747]

Came across this video on a whim and the amount of thought you put into your reccomendations/categories is so wonderful. Most cozy game rec videos are very surface level but you took the time to dig deep and suggest games for all sorts of situations. I will definitely be saving this video so I can come back to it in a time of need :)

[@SeeingStarsGaming]

This video came at such a wonderful time! I was in a bit of a rut myself but I played mysims agents on the wii and that somewhat made me feel better since it was such a easy/brainless game that reminded me of my childhood.

[@SmallTunechi]

I've played most of these, I still revisit ACNH pretty frequently, especially with the DLC. Love Cozy Grove and Spirit Farer and I thought the end of Unpacking was so unexpectedly sweet and emotional. The game that I did not expect to hit me as hard as it did was A Short Hike because you go through the game with these little goals and quirky characters and it's just so adorable. I played it a bit after my mom died from brain cancer so the end of it really stuck with me. I've also been replaying Breath of the Wild because I'm gonna 100% it and it is weirdly helping me even though the story is kind of sad. There's something about doing all of the shrine puzzles, side quests & finding Koroks that turns the volume in my brain down a bit. Anyway, I think you did a great job with all of the games you recommended. I'm gonna try My Universe stuff now :)

[@nicked_fenyx]

Same. I recently completed my second playthrough (and first 100% completion) of BoTW, and man was it worth it. Now I've set a soft goal for myself to try to collect 999 of every item possible in the game, as well as fully upgrading every single piece of armor (including the Amiibo ones, which need a ton of star fragments). No idea if I'll ever meet this new goal, but I know the journey will be fun. Gotta love exploring that particular world.

[@SmallTunechi]

@@nicked_fenyx I'm gonna do that too! I decided to embark on that journey after getting all of the Korok seeds. I have 700 as of right now so I'm feeling really accomplished lol. Also, the Tears of the Kingdom teaser reignited me even though it's months away. I'm glad someone else is still enjoying BoTW too!

[@Mattrickk]

I also wanted to add that Littlewood is another really cool game that is similar to Stardew Valley. It's a bit less complex than SV, but very focused on character development and town building!

[@nienkehuijbens301]

When it comes to cozy point-and-click puzzle games i'm always recommending Broken Age. The art style is ADORABLE and colourful! The characters are lovable, the dialogue is funny and the story is interesting. It can get a little frustrating when you can't figure out the puzzles but there's never any stress. Only cute.

[@pattywack218]

Amazing list! I've also been winding down and de-stressing to Ooblets recently. It just came out on switch and its also on PC and Xbox. I think it's the whole cute, childish vibe that calms me down after my 10+ hour day at school and rehearsal. The whole task management, farming, and pokemon aspects really help calm me down. ❤❤

[@ravensnotsobinary]

It’s definitely one of my favorites now!! It has really helped my mood this last few days.

[@smitameinzinger4427]

For someone that uses the switch to unwind, I really appreciate all the realness in this video! ♥️

[@katien3022]

A short hike has my whole heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon I played that on my computer. I’m thinking of replaying it sometime soon. I just wish it had been longer

[@loria287]

I love how you’re so good with words. You are cozy. I don’t even play my switch, I’m actually going to give it to my sister on thanksgiving. But watching this video made me want to play even though I would put it down in 2 seconds.

[@eallae]

One game that I love when I need a break from reality is "Sky : Children of the Light". It is SO beautiful both visually and the sounds ♥ There are things to do but there aren"t "goals" per say, you can just explore the world. You don't have the "pressure" of creating an avatr, like you can dress them but even if you make friends they just put a random name. Players will help you go through doors if needed. I downloaded it randomly and got hooked. TBH one of the levels ("the vault of knowledge" in english) made me uncomfortable for some reason (I can't even explain), but now it's one of my favourite. IDK this game is so dream like, and loving in some kind of way. It's like angels taking you by the hand and showing you the world beyond the clouds

[@aahpuuh]

as an active player sky is a second home and a place to hang out with friends. people are pretty willing to listen to anything that might be going on in your life in there. recommend it

[@existentialbread5906]

Thank you for this list and how nicely you talked it all through. Im chronically ill and in pain so the reasons you gave for Animal crossing really resonated.. I cant do much else due to my pain most days but at least i can usually accomplish things in the game. I will definitely check out some of the othe recs :)

[@nicked_fenyx]

Same. I'm currently bedbound with a (very) slowly progressive terminal illness and difficult-to-treat pain, and gaming is my must-have escape. If you like Animal Crossing, you might want to check out the new Disney Dreamlight game (assuming you haven't already). It has some bugs, including the occasional force close issue, but man... that game is the distraction I need, and makes the hours go by faster. Regardless, I hope you have a lower pain day today, and that you find whatever relaxation you need, when you need it, where you need it. Hang in there.

[@existentialbread5906]

@@nicked_fenyx Thanks for the recomendation! Ill definitely check it out. Sorry to hear about your illness too, I hope you get some relief and times that arent as painful ❤️

[@radioactive_sunflowerz2450]

Coral Island so far definitely has a cozy vibe that helps me relax. I actually really like that they included trash and pollution in the game because I somehow get so satisfied when my person clears the trash from the beach, clears through another part of the ocean floor etc and see the island improve, the residents even sometimes mentioning how things improved. Such a wonderful touch that also brings real world awareness!

[@ChasingLifeWithLittles]

I just found Coral Island! I love it so far!!

[@maygreen517]

@@ChasingLifeWithLittles what game system is it on

[@ChasingLifeWithLittles]

@Stephanie LOVES you 17 I play it on PC but it is available on Xbox!

[@whitneyhendrix8075]

In the fall I started playing Wytchwood just as a cozy autumnal game and then there was some bad news in the family and the whole weekend I was awaiting updates I would just play the game and it was really comforting and distracting. It helped me a lot during that bad weekend

[@laurakathlyn]

Just wanted to say I had a very similar experience earlier this year playing Wytchwood during a long night of waiting for bad news and in the days afterwards. It really helped. 💜

[@ashleyapeaches]

Two game recommendations if you have not played already 1. “When the past was around” played it on the switch but also available on Xbox. You are exploring love and grief through a puzzle game. 2. “The journey of the broken circle” is a narration on friendships. :)

[@redundantmartyr]

I LOVE 'Night in the Woods'! Such an adorable art style, likeable characters, humorous interactions, and a very relatable emotional journey! Forever a favourite. 🥰

[@seherling207]

I love Grow: Song of the Evertree. You play as an alchemist who tries to save the Evertree from The Withering by creating and taking care of small worlds. Meanwhile, you can make friends, take care of animals you have befriended, expand towns and manage them and more

[@emma_444]

You don't know how on-time this video was for me, thank you

[@Muses333]

Thank you for making this 💜 I highly recommend Figment on the switch as well. It takes you into the recesses of this guy's mind. It's a hard puzzle game, but it's truly beautiful and tackles some major mental issues.

[@JSC345]

Thanks so much for this thoughtful, lovely video. A game that really helped me through a tough time was My Singing Monsters on iOS. It is so fun and relaxing to take care of the cute little monsters who in turn will sing more and more complex tunes for you.

[@PlentyofNiu]

Night in the woods is beautiful, the visuals, the music and the storys that are really real. I played when i was in college but when you are living like an adult it hits different ❤ i love it

[@piccolafleur]

this is the sweetest KZbin video I've seen in a while. I cannot believe how gentle and helpful you are. thank you for promoting all the good stuff.

[@keahjohnsen8165]

I'd also recommend ACNH Happy Home Paradise. I didn't buy it at first because I hate decorating my house and my island in the base game but then I was so bored in ACNH that I bought HHP and... wow... I love it! It has such a positive and relaxing vibe! After I finished the first house (the little reading room) I was so happy with how it turned out! Also I love the freedom in the game, there are so many options that make it easy to play it in the way I personally enjoy it.

[@steph9054]

Big brain academy is a great idea! When I'm super stressed out or struggling with my emotions I log onto Duolingo and in the same way you describe, switching on my thinking brain really helps to distract me from my feelings brain! :)

[@ariscott3437]

I love the sense of community and care built in these cozy little nooks of youtube. The melanated queerness is a lovely bonus. Hope y'all are thriving or on the way to it!

[@helenagehrmann1395]

Animal crossing helped me through the first pandemic lockdown in 2020. I had no money and I lost my job and couldn't find a new one. My partner worked full time at home and I played all day. It really helped to have a structure and a routine and simple things like the shop closing at night helped me to have a sleep routine. Thanks for the video.

[@CarlasBookBits]

Hi Kennedy 💛 I know this is an older video but I've been watching (and rewatching) your videos for a while, and I just LOVE the kind aura you exude. There's something about cozy games that just gives me that comfort and big-hearted feeling that I sometimes feel is so missing from real life. Sometimes mental health ruts can feel so heavy, but video games can offer so much, and I really feel like you just *get* it. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and sincere video 💛😊

[@katerina8528]

I love Lego games when I'm stressed out. There's something about breaking everything and living up every piece of Lego that makes me feel better.

[@BibimbapBattler]

One of your older videos about unpacking made me get it! I’ve replayed it about 5 times so far, it’s just so darn cozy.

[@jenniferalexis]

SHOCKED I thought Stardew was gonna be on this list 🤣 Another great one that deals with love and loss is "When The Past Comes Around." Quick story based game with puzzles. It's really good.

[@CozyK]

i gotta give the people a break on me yapping about stardew😂

[@anitaacda6900]

I was expecting Stardew as well 😂

[@lozx3526]

I swear, Stardew makes me more stressed LOL

[@bjelln]

@@lozx3526 Same! The fast days and the fighting in the mines! Stressful!

[@lilacdratini]

I literally stopped playing that game because it stressed me and made me anxious lol…

[@carla6354]

A game that makes me feel very safe and cozy is Coffee Talk. In this game, you are a bartender in your own café which you only open during nighttime. You have to brew special coffees and teas for each client, who will talk to you and tell you their story and their problems while they are there. It's set in a futuristic fantasy world so you will come across werewolves, humans, elves, and much more! Another thing I love about it is the ambiance sound, it's so immersing and I LOVE it. I truly recommend it (plus Coffee Talk 2 is coming out this year :))

[@abigailbrooke92]

I just wanted to say thanks! I just randomly saw this video on my feed this morning and decided to watch it. I got home from work today and decided to buy Nintendo Switch Sports. Tonight was probably the first time I’ve done any type of “exercise” in over a year. My life has just been isolating and lounging for a long time. So thanks! 😊

[@laurazapater27]

finally someone mentions gris!! it's my favorite game ever, the first time i finished it i couldn't not cry lol it felt so relieving. it stuck with me so much that i got a tattoo of it last year🥰

[@PacificNorthBex]

thank you for such a thoughtful and compassionate video ♥ it's good to hear mental health struggles being discussed with kindness and understanding. I've always found great solace in cozy games, so it's nice to hear your personal recommendations with that specifically in mind. Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing are my classic go-to when I need an escape, but I also played Spiritfarer around Christmastime and was blown away by how incredible it was! I think I'm gonna finally download Coffee Talk and try that one out next. I'm so grateful to have discovered the cozy gaming community because it has helped me find many great games!

[@Sara_Skully]

Ooblets is my favorite game right now. It’s sort of like Pokémon and stardew valley. You collect little creatures called ooblets by winning dance battles. You can also help out the people of the town with little tasks. It’s such a sweet game.

[@Maha-op3gg]

Dreamlight Valley came into my life like at the perfect time lol Merlin telling you, "You're so kind" made me cry once, haha. A perfect example of where I am mentally. But I loved this video and will check out a few of the games you mentioned!

[@bee_ba]

Haven’t finished Spiritfarer yet but that game helped me grieve the passing of my uncle. I wish I could give a huge thank you to the creators.

[@toyia_joseanguiano2678]

You can’t forget about the Myst series of puzzle games (Myst, Riven, Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelation, Myst V: End of Ages, & Uru: Ages Beyond Myst). They have an overall story you follow. They’re very relaxing to play and the puzzles engage your brain as well. They’re great in that there is no time limit, no scorekeeping, no health bars, and you don’t die. You simply play it with the mindset of, “what would I do if I was actually at the locations in the game?” They’re a great mental escape.

[@glynislily]

The Last Campfire is an excellent game that forces you to confront hopelessness. You basically play as the hope of the story, no matter how hopeless you are told you should feel.

[@melaniethompson8919]

Lots of great suggestions in this video! A Short Hike is my happy place game. Just so wholesome. Loved Winding Worlds too. Animal Crossing probably saved my life during the pandemic. Spiritfarer was fantastic. As far as day to day disassociation I love Sky or Ooblets has been a go-to the last few days.

[@nand3kudasai]

awesome video thanks ! i'm a gamdev and i love mental health games. this is just what i was looking for. Very nice insights as well, very interesting. Also very calming voice :) 10:54 that's super interesting i never thought about it that way. When you're under emotional stress your prefrontal cortex and left/logical part of the brain will/may somewhat shut-down (specially if it's trauma related). So playing one of those games is a great way to bring them back online. It's a good way to dial the emotional reaction down, bring the left part of the brain up, and allow it to process all the emotions and maybe even lowering the alarm signal that the amygdala might be producing.

[@CozyK]

that’s such an interesting perspective and so so true!!

[@liz6245]

I love how you labeled Animal crossing’s concept: the act of showing up. Never understood why it made me feel accomplished even in days when I couldn’t even make my bed

[@mozzaiksims]

I love point and click games also. The logic explains why soo many people like the sims 4 games, one of my favorites. Thanks you gave me some new games to check out.

[@ThomasPaceFilms]

A game that helped me through a difficult time was Kentucky Route Zero. It's a dark, southern-gothic-ish game but it has this weird undercurrent of somber beauty and tragedy. It's so bizarre but it helped me to process my feelings at the time.

[@Pixelchus]

Thank you so much for all these great suggestions.

[@lindsaydiaz2330]

These are great suggestions; I want to try all of them! I have a suggestion for the story-based mental health section, and that is Figment. It's a sort of logic/puzzle based game, and it takes place inside a brain which your character is trying to heal and restore. It is so good.

[@cliff7487]

some of my favourites - spirtfarer - a short hike - a little to the left - gibbon: beyond the trees - lake - night in the woods - coffee talk - abzû - TOEM :)

[@NaomiGriffiths]

I've been desperate for Switch to bring back Rhythm Paradise that used to be on the 2DS, loved that for completely taking your mind off of everything!

[@DarkCastleBoy]

Playing Cozy Games and having a cat nearby that's heaven 💖

[@youthfulerica]

Omg this video couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for always being a positive light through your videos❤

[@simquoya]

Whew!! A short hike giving “a sense of hope”! 👏🏾👏🏾 this is such a unique video idea. I love all these suggestions. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@nissi26]

not sure if it's considered a cozy game but I highly recommend Journey. It still stands as my all time favorite because it really helped with my mental health when my anxiety was severe. I must've played it 10+ times in total whenever I was feeling hopeless. It was also an outlet for emotions, kind of like watching something sad when you want to cry except it isn't sad it's more overwhelmingly beautiful? So it never left me feeling sad but it helped relieve emotions I was bottling up. Another that helped was The Last Guardian but it's a PS4 exclusive sadly.

[@toyia_joseanguiano2678]

I personally enjoy playing any of the Hardwood card games (Solitaire, Spades, Hearts, Euchre, & Backgammon too). The games have very soothing music and background sound effects. Very zen. (Available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.)

[@artofgnomes]

Fantastic video, I love the separate categories and these are all great recommendations

[@p.quezon]

i really like what you said about replaying games to take your mind off things. sometimes we just need something familiar to comfort us and bring us back to a better place. whenever I feel like I need something to ground me I like to play little nightmares? it's not the coziest game but I've played it so many times that replaying it whenever I'm in a rut really just pulls me away from my negative thoughts because the controls almost feel like second nature to me.

[@CozyK]

i loveeee little nightmares for the same reason!!

[@sarahcusten3932]

I really appreciate your empathetic approach to mental health, self-care, and the role that gaming plays in that. You've opened my mind a little, in that regard. I wanted to offer a reframe, though, which you can take or leave: you talked about life always being a rollercoaster, but I'd say life is always cyclical. I guess either way the point is to learn to ride the ride, eh? So glad I found your channel :)

[@SierraAnn]

unrelated, but can i pls know what camera lens you use😭 this vid looks amazing!!💖

[@CozyK]

sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens!

[@sockcosmos9793]

stardew is definitely a comfort game to me, i have an ungodly amount of hours logged on it because whenever i’m in a rough spot i go back to it. even if i’m feelin lonely my wife leah always has my back.

[@Viledem0n]

Journey of the broken circle is so good, it teaches you alot about mental health and how to help and its cute

[@abbigailroseb]

okay wait the idea of doing school packs to calm down is SUCH a good idea and just what I need sometimes. thank you!

[@DatsRocky]

I would also like to add on: Garden Story (switch) Hoa (switch) Arise: a simple story (switch) Fobia (switch) Abzu (switch) Brothers: A tale of Two sons (switch) Are all really calming beautiful games. I played Gris and I also recommend. It’s a puzzle game about a girl trying to find her voice and herself again. Making colors go from really dull and dark to bright and beautiful. It’s a short game but it’s a beautiful ending.

[@patricknl7845]

Short Hike was one of the first games that i bought and i really love it. Just walking and floating around the island. It's just a lovely little game that always help to calm you down when you need it.

[@xLadyRaine]

Your switch is so cute. I love the brown aesthetic, very warm and cozy!

[@kitkinder6439]

I just want to say that you are absolutely wonderful. I love that you made this video for those having a rough go with mental health and your positive words of support and encouragement. We need more lovely people and content like this. God bless! ❤

[@LexxiKitty]

Awww girl Brain Training throws me right back to being a kid, what! Used to have the one on DS, i totally get where doing lil activities to do with maths/English etc can be relaxing :D I'm glad I'm not the only one who would gladly complete a kids work book haha

[@kikirays9701]

Super old games , Tomodachi Life and Fallout 4 was my games they both helped me so much . During a horrible time me , my kids and husband went through. I know that these games kept me sane at the time. I haven't played " Tomodachi Life " in years and it's been awhile for " Fallout 4 ". If anyone likes old games . Try these out.

[@kaseydearing5974]

Love the games you suggested!! Another one I really like that's story-driven is Spiritfarer! It's so relaxing and managing the boat is so fun, but the story is also really special and emotional. Also the music is *chef's kiss* :D

[@ElizabethT45]

Thanks for the recommended mystery puzzle games. I just got a Switch and your point-and-click games are what I was looking for.

[@amberlawson7867]

honestly..fixin take my pokemon on a walk for a picnic when the new pokemon game comes out,I always love the fact they are just little buddies you can bond with

[@Jbarton81]

Yep! I love this. I've not been streaming for years and imm ready to go back because i know it helped a lot with my general mental well being. definintely "showing up" for a community hits. I get that.

[@chellie2188]

A Short Hike and Unpacking are my favorite games to play anytime my anxiety or depression is high. I can commit to the game for any amount of time (whether it's 5 minutes or longer) and the games are fairly low stress and relaxing. Recently I have been playing the Frog Detective series on my computer and I love them.

[@lizsun261]

wanted to add a few of my personal favorites that helped me - breath of the wild (switch) there are a million little tasks to do, or you can just beat stuff up, gather materials, and ride your horse everywhere. i love it - pokemon. all of the pokemon games are fun, but legends arceus (switch) is a great open world one. and the main line games are always a ton of fun (my faveorite is black 2 on ds) - stardew valley is a great one. modding on pc adds a lot of fun to it, but even an unmodded version has so many goals, tasks, quests, etc that it keeps me engaged for a long time. - minecraft. a classic! i love playing hardcore, it gives me that adrenaline rush that i need sometimes - genshin impact (ps, mobile, and pc) it has a story to follow, a lot of side quests, fun characters, and mindless grinding. it's also still being updated regularly (i want to say every 5 weeks?) so there are a ton of events and other limited fun stuff to do.