As a non-gamer friend described it, the newest trend blowing through the markets has been “Sims for furries”.

If you are a gamer, you’ve probably either heard of it, seen it on half of your friends’ stories, or are currently on your 200th hour cross breeding flowers while selling turnips. Animal Crossing: New Horizons released at a miraculous time. With the coronavirus pandemic changing lifestyles to 24/7 working and stuck indoors at home, this game has helped replace the boredom and community that we all lack now.

This game has actually helped me reconnect with friends that I haven’t talked to in a while. This game is the reason I have not said “I’m bored” since the lockdown started. I’m too busy growing flowers, paying off my house loans, visiting friends’ homes, decorating my island with furniture, and catching fish & bugs to complete my museum—all things I can’t do or afford in life. It’s my first Animal Crossing but there’s a surprisingly relaxing ambiance to it. Sometimes I’m not even sure what to do in the game but I just find myself running around my island after work and it makes me feel at peace. Plus it helps that I just finally got a TAKOYAKI villager. Hello emergency food supply! IYKYK

The Life Lesson

Honestly, it’s okay to feel like you’re going crazy. It’s okay to feel depressed during this time. It’s okay to not know what the hell the point is of doing anything right now.

For the pessimists or realists out there: It is 100% okay to feel like shit. This time is tough. But you’re gonna get through it. You just gotta hang in there. Make sure to connect with friends even over video chat so you get that social factor. Play games together. Do things that you didn’t have time for before to take your mind off. Cook more. Learn an instrument. Read a book. Just know that it WILL pass.

For the optimists out there: look on the bright side of things and try to make the best of what you have (I know that’s easier said than done) If you still have a job, be appreciative of that! If you don’t have a job anymore, try to think of it as a little mandatory, unpaid, extended vacation, or time to learn a new skill.

We’re all suffering in our own ways, some worse than others. A little kindness can go a long way these days!