Budget-Friendly Self-Care Inspired by My Favourite Games

Self-care can sometimes feel like a luxury, but what if it didn’t have to be? Surprisingly, some of the best self-care lessons I’ve learned haven’t come from Instagram or a wellness coach. They’ve come from my favourite video and board games.

Yup, games.

From soothing rituals to slow-paced play, the world of “cosy gaming” has helped me craft small, sustainable self-care habits that don’t cost a fortune and you can stick to. Here’s what I mean.

1. Daily Tasks Don’t Need to Be Boring (Thanks, Stardew)

In Stardew Valley, your little pixel-farmer wakes up, waters crops, maybe feeds the chickens, and takes a walk to town. Sounds simple? That’s the point. I started creating a “daily reset” routine in real life: water the plants, tidy one space, and spend some time doing something I love. It helps me feel grounded, and it doesn’t cost a penny.

2. Tea, Toast, and Turn-Based Calm

Games like Spiritfarer or Animal Crossing remind me that soft moments matter. Now, when I’m feeling low, I make a cup of tea, light a candle, and sit down to just be for a bit. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a habit I picked up thanks to their gentle vibes.

3. Game Nights as Mental Resets

Playing a short co-op game with someone you love = instant mood booster. And it’s cheaper than therapy (though therapy’s a must too). No matter if it’s card games or chill story-based board games, game nights became my go-to way to reconnect with others and myself.

4. Cosy Space, Cosy Mind

In games, you often get to decorate or customise your space. That inspired me to make my home feel more like me. I didn’t redecorate overnight, but I lit more candles, rearranged a shelf, and added a fluffy blanket to my cosy corner. No fancy makeover needed, just thought through little tweaks.

TL;DR: Cosy Games Inspired Real-Life Comfort

And the best bit? All of these little changes were affordable, doable, and surprisingly joyful, and you can do it at your own pace, when you have the time and energy. 

Author Bio: 

Sarah is a UK-based blogger passionate about mental wellness, cosy living, and all things geeky. She writes at Life in a Break Down, where she shares budget-friendly lifestyle tips and gentle self-care inspiration, and at Word Soup, which she writes in collaboration with her partner.