I think it’s especially important for women to make space in their days to do play video games, if only to make space for us in this industry in general, but also because I feel like a lot of us have a tendency to get caught up in whatever our primary occupations are, and we go so hard at everything, that gaming allows the brain to rest & flow on its own, without much force, with achievable goals (if you find the right games). It can also release anger & frustration while not hurting anyone or yourself by either allowing you to let it go by way of passive, casual games, or by releasing it by being competitive & aggressive, like in games where you have to kill things or play against other people.

I think it’s important for women to take time for themselves on a regular, if not daily, therapeutic basis in general because so many of us traditionally haven’t. I was not encouraged to play video games as a child, even tho I liked them, because my grama thought they were lazy and for boys, and that she was instilling a healthy work ethic in me, when all she was doing was giving me an adult complex that it took a lot of therapy & time to come to terms with & learn to fucking relax! Now I get a lot more done and I’m a lot happier!

I don’t care if the game is Candy Crush on your phone every day, or something crazy competitive pew pew pew like Overwatch, it doesn’t matter what the game is, as long as your brain is engaged in a fun, low stakes activity with achievable goals, that you can do comfortably, in your own home or office.

People keep asking me why I’m so “okay” now, and honestly, figuring this out and allowing myself time & space to play guilt-free when I need to has been part of my mental healthy journey and why I began this site. I literally think it’s needed for my brain to be calm, productive & happy. Maybe you need it too. YMMV.