Times are pretty crazy right now and it’s not surprising that many of us are feeling sad and stressed about things that are beyond our control. The wonderful thing about video games is that they give us breathing room; they offer a brief respite from the trials and pressures of the outside world, which research has shown is good for our mental health. We all need to be able to step away and recharge our batteries so we can face the next day feeling refreshed and prepared.
The Sims is probably one of the best games out there for this kind of temporary escape from stress and anxiety. Having the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a sandbox virtual world allows us to relax with many hobbies and activities we might not have the means to pursue in our real lives. Pursuing these hobbies in a virtual space can offer the same feelings of calm and relaxation as if we were doing the hobby ourselves.
So if life has you feeling overwhelmed, why not open The Sims 4 and try some of these relaxing pastimes in the game to rest and unwind?
Painting
There’s a reason The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross is so popular even so many years after it first aired. It’s very calming to watch someone paint so why not watch your Sims create beautiful masterpieces in order to find some inner peace?
Remember, there’s no such thing as mistakes; just happy accidents.
Fishing
If you prefer a taste of the outdoors, your Sims are never too far away from a fishing spot. Cast your line and enjoy the calm, glistening waters while you wait for your next big catch.
Gardening
Find rest and relaxation among beautiful blooms and tasty fruits and veggies! Lots of people find gardening to be a very relaxing and rewarding pastime.
Music
Pick up a guitar, violin, or sit down at a piano or pipe organ and let the beautiful music carry you away to someplace peaceful. You can also sing your troubles away as you play your favourite instrument. Just want to sing? Try a microphone or a karaoke machine.
Arts & Crafts
The Sims 4 has a variety of relaxing hobbies Sims can partake in from the comfort of their own living room, from cross stitch to knitting. Kids can even make all kinds of fun crafts at an activity table. Display the finished products around your home or wear your knitted threads.
Sunbathing
For me, there is almost nothing more relaxing than lying out underneath the sun and basking in the warmth on a bright sunny summer day. The extra dose of Vitamin D is good for your mental well-being, too! Just don’t forget to apply a generous amount of sunscreen; the sun can be dangerous, too.
Hiking
Going for a leisurely stroll through all that nature has to offer is good for both body and soul! Next time your Sims are in Mt. Komorebi on a nice day, spend an afternoon hiking through the bamboo trails. It doesn’t get much more tranquil than that.
Yoga
Another great way to maintain both physical and mental health is yoga! I love yoga in real life but keep falling out of the habit of daily practice. Somehow, it makes me feel better to watch my Sim do yoga when I don’t want to get on my yoga mat, myself.
Meditation
Meditation is becoming more and more mainstream and it’s not hard to see why! In our fast paced, chaotic world, dedicating just a few minutes of your time each day to quiet self-reflection can help lift our moods and train us to better control our emotions and reactions to stressful situations. It’s good for our Sims, too!
Pampering
Full body massages, hand massages, foot massages, saunas, long baths with soaks, incense… there’s no shortage of ways for our Sims to take some time out of their busy days to spoil themselves a little. It’s just as relaxing for us to watch our Sims relax!
Vacations
The whole reason people take vacations is to relax and alleviate stress but travel has become more complicated these days. Why not experience a virtual vacation, instead? Join your Sims on a rustic camping trip to Granite Falls or experience the rich culture and history of the jungles of Selvadorada. Your Sims will return home feeling refreshed and so will you!
Animal Care
Any animal lover will tell you how fulfilling and relaxing it is to care for animals and The Sims 4 has no shortage of furry friends to help soothe our Sims’ weary souls. Cats, dogs, rodents, cows, llamas, chickens, bunnies, birds, and foxes all have the power to lift both our Sims’s spirits and ours.
What’s your favourite relaxing activity in The Sims 4? Did we miss any? Share them with us in the comments or on any of our social media channels!
