I started playing Sumikko Farm this month (User: 333-064-610). It was helpful to ween off a Reddit addiction where I was getting a lot of sensational representations of news, also a lot of incredibly insightful thoughts but I have to measure and moderate my "news intake" during a Trump presidency (as I learned last time). It is too hard to carry on with my day to day needs and care if I'm clocked into it constantly, so I have to be more mindful about how my phone and online activity drives me to that anxiety.
There are still a lot of online places safe with thoughtful discussion of current events, but since the administration is attacking the stuff that funds everyday life and necessities, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to not be incredibly reactive in all aspects of life. You can expect it! I have definitely been reactive myself in ways I wouldn't normally be, it is hard to get a handle on everything when a lot is happening at once.
So I try to remind myself to take moments to relax and focus on something else for a while. I don't want to go cold turkey from the news, but what is causing the most stress right now? Reddit is too much? Okay let's set that down for now and do something else. (Another good thing to do is to find where you can get the facts from a source you trust and educate yourself, which I did too, but it's been a few weeks since the Reddit stress.)
They even have a "message board" social feature and I think it may be impossible to get angry here.
I am having a lot of fun with it and it's enriching in many different ways, especially as I keep a no real money spent goal. I love Sumikko Gurashi and they are all over stationery and sticker shops if browsing those is a thing you do (like I do).
It's nice to play a game with them and it's so cute that it brings a lot of joy.
Since I'm not spending any real money it's hard to progress quickly. The only problem is that it's TOO ridiculously cute and I do not want to stop looking at it. The buildings have this bounce animation and they just do that. They're just so cute they bounce. How can I not love the little farm and town and beach cottage that I am building?
How can I not be excited about what's to come, all the little cute things I will be able to collect and the systems and processes I'll need to build to ensure I am producing enough crops and ingredients to make what I need to deliver to current demands? How could I not be hyped to see how I'll manage the finances across two different currencies and collect things at a good rate while also allowing savings for seasonal and event items?
My farm is called baby farm for babies because that is what it is. All these little baby dudes walk around and they're so cute, why is this the best game ever? I don't know.
Here are a few pictures of the sumikko hanging out. I haven't gotten very far so there isn't a lot of variation. I did have to look up Sumikko Gurashi and the literal translation is "life in the corner" because the characters like to be in tucked away places. Now I love them even more!
Like many games the loading screen gives tips but my brain will always manage to read some things multiple ways so they make me laugh sometimes.
This is good life advice I think.
When your friend rearranges their apartment and removes your favorite seat.