Using Animal Crossing as an escape from reality....

[mitzi_crossing]

I work a busy office job, I won't disclose any more info than that. I don't get any breaks but a 1 hour lunch break. On my lunch break I always feel like I need to escape for a while because of all the stress and anxiety of my job. I carry my 3DS with me everywhere (and of course AC is in it) so I run off to my car and play for my lunch hour. Its the best escape from reality and kind of helps bring my head back down to earth, if that makes sense.

Do any of you use the game in the same/similar way? I know Animal Crossing has been a great escape for people with depression and anxiety. I'd love to hear your stories c:

 

[visibleghost]

i used to play it a lot bc it was the only place i had Nice Friends (lmao) and it was calming but then i got worse and now i dont do anything ever so i dont play ac or do anything i used to do to "escape" or w/e lol

 

[Flunkifera]

My story isn't that interesting or something, but I'm gonna tell it just for fun. And please no offense bc of my Englisch, thank u.

I'm a student at a gymnasium and I have a alot of test. We have at least 3-4 tests a week, maybe even 2-3 tests a day. I'm pretty good at Englisch, Math and German and some other subjects are also easy but in biology or physics for me its tricky and then I'm learning for hours or I'm doing pages of homework. Then it's always fun to play Animal Crossing, just chill and those cute animals in your town.

 

[tinycomet]

Do any of you use the game in the same/similar way? I know Animal Crossing has been a great escape for people with depression and anxiety. I'd love to hear your stories c:

I agree with you, as it sort of allows (the general) you (not you specifically) to stop thinking of the rest of the world, just for a little bit, and focus on the things you liker to do, whether it's gardening and landscaping, meeting and hanging out with villagers, running around on your own, visiting the island or doing whatever. It allows you to be in control (to some degree) where you aren't allowed to be in real life. It allows you to be you without judgement, and allows you to be alone, without feeling alone, and it's great overall.

 

[Mayor-of-Bliss]

Yes. I do. I use it to cope with life.
For example; Long distance move coming up. It's been four five months since we knew we will be moving but no actual date when. What do I spend all this waiting time doing? Playing acnl 24/7. I made a new town in Jan. I'm almost done with it and I made the bells I didn't sell my last town. I've got all four houses with multiple small rooms.
I also broke up with my boyfriend in that time.

Real life is over rated. (JK but acnl is the best)

 

[Bubblebeam]

I work a busy office job, I won't disclose any more info than that. I don't get any breaks but a 1 hour lunch break. On my lunch break I always feel like I need to escape for a while because of all the stress and anxiety of my job. I carry my 3DS with me everywhere (and of course AC is in it) so I run off to my car and play for my lunch hour. Its the best escape from reality and kind of helps bring my head back down to earth, if that makes sense.

Do any of you use the game in the same/similar way? I know Animal Crossing has been a great escape for people with depression and anxiety. I'd love to hear your stories c:

I love that you play in your lunch break. Most people would choose to socialise and gossip in that time instead, but sitting in your car with good old AC sounds infinitely better. Especially with good earphones, you can hear the ambience in the game you otherwise wouldn't hear. So easy to indulge in, especially with a nice cup of tea/hot chocolate/coffee. ^_^

 

[amanda1983]

Yes I do, and have since I first started playing nearly 10 years ago now lol. At that stage I was beginning training to be an early childhood education assistant, and the course-load as well as student placements were full-on.

I used my ACWW time as an escape from the pressure of real life concerns, and those regular little breaks helped me immensely. I'm sure I'd have found some other way to get those necessary "mental health breaks" if I hadn't discovered AC, but I'm glad I had such an enjoyable outlet throughout my studies and career.

I've played AC on my break at work before, in the lunch room, if I've felt inclined. There's usually too many people to catch up with or errands to run for that to have become a regular part of my workday routine. But when I was commuting 1.5-3 hours across town to get to my partner's house after work, I'd spend the entire time I was seated playing ACNL. That became my escape from the stressful peak-hour crush of people around me after a (very) stressful workday. I don't know how I would have coped without AC then, that was a very stressful time of my life.

I think it's important to be honest with yourself (the general "you") - and any relevant people (a partner, for instance) - about why you're playing AC (or any game, or other hobby really) and what you're getting out of it. If you know it's something you tend to use to procrastinate getting real life stuff done (I have done this), then learn to recognise the warning signs and hold yourself accountable. Playing a video game shouldn't be more important than meeting any real life commitments and duties.

But if you keep things balanced, then enjoy! Plenty of people don't like socialising on their lunch breaks, and that's just fine. I've worked with lots of people who rush off to their cars or a quiet spot outside every breaktime - whether they're listening to music, on the phone to loved ones, scrolling through facebook, or playing games, it's their time and they are free to spend it however they want to within the law lol.

 

[mitzi_crossing]

I love that you play in your lunch break. Most people would choose to socialise and gossip in that time instead, but sitting in your car with good old AC sounds infinitely better. Especially with good earphones, you can hear the ambience in the game you otherwise wouldn't hear. So easy to indulge in, especially with a nice cup of tea/hot chocolate/coffee. ^_^

Thats exactly what I do c: i do socialize on my lunch sometimes, but not all my coworkers take lunch at the same time as I do so it gets lonely and I resort to ac. lol

so nice to hear all your guys input! x